Will this setup work for backyard photometry?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using a specific telescope and camera setup for backyard photometry, focusing on the collection and analysis of raw images for variable star observations. Participants explore the potential performance of the equipment in achieving accurate photometric measurements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in conducting photometry without eyepiece observations or astrophotography, considering a specific telescope and camera combination.
  • The same participant acknowledges limitations in the f-ratio and camera quality but seeks insights on the setup's performance for raw image collection.
  • Another participant suggests that the setup could work but indicates it may not be ideal, referencing the AAVSO website for additional guidance.
  • A different participant asserts that the setup should be sufficient for differential photometry, citing personal experience with achieving high accuracy using a CCD and a larger telescope.
  • This participant notes that with the proposed equipment, it may be possible to integrate more exposures, potentially enhancing accuracy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the ideality of the setup; while some participants believe it will work adequately for photometry, others suggest it may not be the best choice. The discussion remains open regarding the effectiveness of the proposed equipment.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific accuracy levels and exposure times related to photometric measurements, but these details are not universally agreed upon, and assumptions about the equipment's performance are not fully explored.

mishima
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I've been looking for a way to do photometry cheaply (variables and standards). I have no interest in eyepiece observations of the night sky or astrophotography.

I am currently considering purchasing this: http://www.telescope.com/Telescopes...graph-Telescope/pc/1/c/11/sc/345/p/113911.uts

to attach to my already purchased this: https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/point-and-shoot/long-zoom-cameras/powershot-sx510-hs?selectedName=Specifications.

Of course the f-ratio is too slow and the camera garbage, but I was hoping someone with experience tinkering might be able to give me an idea of how this could perform for collecting raw images to get reduced/analyzed.
 
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mishima said:
I've been looking for a way to do photometry cheaply (variables and standards). I have no interest in eyepiece observations of the night sky or astrophotography.

I am currently considering purchasing this: http://www.telescope.com/Telescopes...graph-Telescope/pc/1/c/11/sc/345/p/113911.uts

to attach to my already purchased this: https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/cameras/point-and-shoot/long-zoom-cameras/powershot-sx510-hs?selectedName=Specifications.

Of course the f-ratio is too slow and the camera garbage, but I was hoping someone with experience tinkering might be able to give me an idea of how this could perform for collecting raw images to get reduced/analyzed.
Simple answer is yes but not ideal. Have a look at the aavso web site.
Regards Andrew
 
That setup should work just fine. Differential photometry with nearly any camera and telescope is easily capable of getting centi to millimag accuracy with perhaps a few minutes of exposure time. I've done photometry accurate enough to detect the transit of Exoplanet TrES-3b across its star, where the 30 second to 2 minute sub-exposures have to have about 0.01 mag accuracy, using a CCD and an 8-inch scope, so you should do just fine with your equipment given that you can integrate many more exposures than I could.
 
Great, that's exciting thanks.