I’m an amateur astronomer and I enjoy taking digital images of the moon, planets, and deep sky objects.
My telescope is an equatorially mounted 200mm Meade LX200 classic SCT, housed in a run – off shed.
1.The Moon
These images were taken at a focal ratio of f 25 unless otherwise stated. The camera is an Imaging Source mono camera, and I use a Baader IR – pass filter most of the time, as I believe this can deliver sharper images.
Images processed using Registax 5 and Paintshop Pro 8 software.
2. Jupiter
Generally at f 30. Imaging Source colour camera, with a Baader IR/UV blocking filter.
Images processed using Registax 5 and Paintshop Pro 8 software.
3. Saturn
Up to November 2008, used a Philips ToUcam Pro webcam, thereafter the Imaging Source colour camera, both with a Baader IR/UV blocking filter.
Images processed using Registax and Paintshop Pro 8 software.
4. Mars
Same comments as for Saturn.
Since late 2008 tend to use a high focal ratio of f 50, to increase the image scale.
Images processed using Registax and Paintshop Pro 8 software.
5. Venus
I rarely image Venus with the telescope due to its low altitude and the proximity of trees and buildings which obscure the view. I have taken a few images at f 25 however.
When using the Imaging source mono camera, I have experimented with a variety of filters, but have not captured any cloud features to date ( March 2011 )
Images processed using Registax and Paintshop Pro 8 software.
6. Deep Sky
I currently use a Meade DSI II Pro camera, usually in conjunction with a focal reducer to give a focal ratio of f 6.3. Astronomik red green and blue filters allow me to produce colour images. I occasionally use other filters such as OIII to enhance the detail of a planetary nebula.
Images processed in Autostar Suite, Nebulosity and Paintshop Pro 8 software.
The images posted are a selection in date order.
7. Mercury
Not an easy planet to observe or photograph from my location, very occasionally it can be glimpsed just above the rooftops at a morning apparition.
8. Uranus
Very faint, so longer exposures required. A challenge for an 8″ telescope but worth a try on nights of good seeing.
