Images

The purpose of this section of the page is dedicated to images I have taken myself. I hope the images will improve as I get more experienced at image capturing and processing.

Processed M51

I played around in Photoshop with the uncentered M51 image I took on 8/13/04. Here are the results.53 stacked 8.5 second exposures using "Image Stacker"Click to see full sized image.

Disappointing Attempt

Overall it was an unsuccessful night. Instead of placing the F/3.3 focal reducer before the Meade microfocuser I put it after and used a 1.25" eyepiece holder for the CCD camera. The results? Not good. I am not sure whether or not that caused my images to be less bright. I also had focus and alignment problems. Regardless, here are a few samples.Both images are consist of stacked frames and a dark image.

Unprocessed M51

Here is a single frame from the M51 processed image. I’m not sure which one looks better. I have a lot to learn about image processing, and that is about all I know.

Finally

Here is a quick sample of my very first astrophotograph. I took the image on 8/8/2004 using:Astrovid’s Stellacam IIMeade Series 4000 F/3.3 Focal Reducer12" Meade LX200 GPS UHTCImperx Laptop Capture CardThis is the only time you will see this rundown on equipment in this category. More indepth opinions on the various equipment items will follow in that category.M51 Whirlpool Galaxy8.5 Seconds Exposure, 39 Frames AveragedSee the unprocessed, single frame, live image in the Images category.I have many more first attempt photos that I will probably post along with more detailed information.

Phoebe

This is a picture taken by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft of Saturn’s moon Phoebe.