Lunar Shots from July 25

[sheeny (Al)]

Here are some images I captured on July 25.

All images were captured with the ToUcam and K3ccdtools through my C8, 2.5x Powermate and UV/IR filter. All were processed in registax 4 with light wavelets. Mosaics were assembled in PS CS3. Borders, text and save for the web in PS CS3.

Some of the images show loss of detail in the highlights. I don't believe this is due to overexposure - I keep the exposure meter in K3 in the range 180 - 220 max. I watched this develop during the session (and have observed it in the past). The first few images (e.g. Bullialdus) don't show the same problem. It's as though the scope is fogging up from dew or frost, but I couldn't see any evidence on the corrector plate or mirrors.... Any ideas?

Al.

[bird (Anthony Wesley)]

nice work Al!

Bird

[iceman (Mike)]

Great images, Al! I don't see any evidence of blown out highlights? Which image are you referring to?

[Dietmar]

very cool lunar images, Al!
even the central rima of vallis alpes is visible!

[sheeny (Al)]

Originally Posted by iceman

Great images, Al! I don't see any evidence of blown out highlights? Which image are you referring to?

Have a look at the images with Clavius in it. The highlights Aren't blown - that's the puzzle to me - the detail in the highlights just isn't there. I notice the detail in the highlights is the first thing to go when dew starts to form on the scope, and this is the same except I can't find any evidence of dew or frost on my scope. Of course, it could've been a very thin layer of high cloud, but I couldn't see that either.

The other sign of this problem is when looking at stars - that "glow" or glare around the star like dewed/frosted optics...

It was really bad on my scope about 3-4 months ago, and I decided to clean my corrector plate 'cause it was pretty grotty. That made a big improvement!

So ATM I think I've got clean optics, and can't see the cause for the glare/loss of detail in highlights. I thought someone might have some clues of other things to check...

Al.

[sheeny (Al)]

Originally Posted by Dietmar

very cool lunar images, Al!
even the central rima of vallis alpes is visible!

Thanks Dietmar - I was happy to get that rima! I just can't seem to do it as well as Mike does though!

Al.

[ving (David)]

v/nice images!

[rmcpb (Rob)]

Great shots from a great and relatively warm night.

[beren]

excellent collection of lunar images , well done