Did I finally capture decent pictures of Mars and other celestial objects?

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    Mars Pictures
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the participant's experience capturing images of Mars and other celestial objects using a telescope and camera setup. The focus includes techniques for astrophotography, equipment used, and challenges faced during the imaging process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The participant shares their success in capturing decent images of Mars and other celestial objects, noting the challenges posed by light pollution and atmospheric conditions.
  • There is mention of the need to learn enhancement techniques for improving image quality, particularly for low-contrast objects like the Andromeda galaxy.
  • The participant discusses the impact of wind on image detail and expresses hope for better results on calmer nights.
  • Details about the equipment used are provided, including a Meade ETX-105 telescope and a Meade Deep-Sky Imager camera, along with a 135mm SLR camera lens for piggyback mounting.
  • Another participant inquires about the telescope and its cost, indicating interest in the equipment used for astrophotography.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not present a consensus, as participants focus on sharing experiences and equipment details rather than debating specific techniques or outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the participant's acknowledgment of the need for enhancement techniques and the variability in image quality due to environmental factors like humidity and wind.

Who May Find This Useful

Astronomy enthusiasts, amateur astrophotographers, and individuals interested in equipment for celestial imaging may find this discussion relevant.

russ_watters
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Busy night last night. I finally got some decent pictures of Mars, and with my new piggyback rig, I captured a bunch of open clusters and the Andromeda galaxy. With the moon near full and with a somewhat humid night and lots of light pollution, the Andromeda galaxy is pretty low contrast, but I need to learn some enhancement techniques anyway, so it's something to work on. It was also a little windy, so I'll be able to get more detail on Mars on a calmer night (and when it gets higher and closer). The tracking error is noticeable, but small enough with the 135mm lens that I don't have to throw away many of the long-exposure pics. Anyway, here they are:

The first three are the easy to recognize ones: M31, Mars, and the Pleaides. The number after the name is the exposure. The Mars photo is a stack of several hundred frames and the rest are several dozen.
 

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These next two are the Perseus double-cluster and M-34.
 

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What telescope are you using russ, and how much is it?
 
The telescope is a Meade ETX-105 (~$800) and the camera is a Meade Deep-Sky Imager (~$300). Of the pictures in the last two posts, only the Mars pic was taken through the scope (and a 2x barlow lens: ~$50). The rest were taken through a 135mm SLR camera lens (~$40, used) piggy-back mounted to the scope and adapted to the DSI (see post #84). Page through the thread for more pics...
 
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very nice . Thanks every one.
 

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