Introduction: As information changes, this article will be updated. It is always UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Every now and then an amateur astronomer asks me what equipment they will need to do good CCD imaging, or what the techniques are for good imaging. The questions lead to more questions, more answers, and a lot of typing! Compiled... Continue Reading →
Then and Now: Astrophotography on the Simple Side?
I spent some time this morning with PixInsight on a stack of M-42 images. This is the result. PixInsight is an impressive, though oddly challenging, piece of software. The interface still eludes me at times. The results are splendid, however. This image was taken through a Nikon D-810a at f/4, 200mm, tracked on an iOptron... Continue Reading →
Taking Flat Fields
Introduction: When taking CCD images, and particular, when trying to use those images for scientific purposes, it is important to reduce the amount of unwanted signal and unwanted noise from each image. Optical path “noise” (some of which is actually signal), is such a problem that many astronomers really never come to grips with it.... Continue Reading →