Astromart

February 8, 2009 05:06 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Gum-1&PK223-2.1

Excellent framing and composition, Jason.
I searched a bit for some narrowband images of this one, but couldn't find a decent one. It would be interesting to do the SII and OIII as Eric suggested to see what's there.

February 15, 2009 06:18 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

M95 and M96 - Minor Planet (1336) Zeelandia

Posted By dan kowall

Animations are the coolest.
Having it cross in front of M 96 means you are one, lucky guy.
A technical question, Tyler:
My minor planet visitors usually show as colored dots. Zeelandia shows white in your animation. Is this from processing or something else?

dan

February 20, 2009 03:51 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Omega Centauri

Posted By dan kowall

Thanks for posting a full-sized (?) crop, Tom.
The color looks great and you've handled the dynamic range well.
I didn't see any dust, though.
My regards,

dan

March 7, 2009 02:44 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

CG12

Posted By dan kowall

Those southern skies sure are interesting.
Keep 'em coming, Tom.

dan

March 25, 2009 03:17 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

The Owl - M97

Posted By dan kowall

That's pretty good color on the Owl, Jim.

dan

April 1, 2009 02:51 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky

Vela nebulae

Posted By dan kowall

Thomas Davis said:
Here is a region in Vela not commonly imaged....

I don't know why that would be, it certainly is an interesting area.
You've rendered it admirably, Tom.

dan

April 1, 2009 03:14 PM Forum: Equipment Talk

R-C focusing mechanisms

Posted By dan kowall

Hi Bill,
I'm not an optics guy, nor do I build telescopes, but I can comment on a couple of practical aspects of your question.
It is true that there is an ideal primary-secondary distance with R-Cs. Each scope should come with documentation that specifies that distance for that particular scope. When you have a movable secondary, this distance is usually stated as a back focus distance from the back plate.
In practice, with a movable secondary, if you are within 1/4" of that ideal spot you won't see any noticeable aberrations.
It seems like most R-C makers favor the movable secondary, though I can't speak to why that is.

dan kowall
photonhunter.com

April 7, 2009 03:32 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Deep Sky