Astrophotography,

2. Astrophotography, believe it or not…

3. …is not as hard as rocket science.

4. It’s not rocket science. • No Physics degree required • No Computer Science degree required • No Engineering degree required • Some computer skills can be useful • Some mechanical ability is useful • A basic understanding of electronics is useful • Some understanding of the underlying science is a great plus • While equipment continues to improve, the core technology itself is reasonably mature – it is highly unlikely that you will need to invent anything in order to be successful • Patience and perseverance are absolutely mandatory!

5. It’s not black magic, either.

6. It’s not black magic. • understanding the critical elements involved leads to better results • using practical and measurable considerations when making equipment choices will ultimately simplify the job • a little simple math can greatly assist in understanding how things work as well as what you might expect as a result • taking the time to develop a logical and tested workflow will improve your odds of repeatable results

7. How Solar System Imaging differs from Deep Sky Imaging • most objects are generally much brighter than DSO’s • good results can be achieved at relatively fast shutter speeds • highly effective cameras are generally much less expensive than purpose-built astronomical CCD cameras • accurate tracking is not as critical to success – guiding is completely unnecessary • good results can be had using moderately priced telescopes and mountings with uncomplicated setups • trips to dark sky are not required in order to get good results

8. How Solar System Imaging differs from Deep Sky Imaging • the details we are trying to capture are generally much smaller in apparent size than DSO’s • longer focal length instruments are useful for best results • telextenders (“powermate”, barlow and/or extension tubes) are very helpful in increasing image scale • larger aperture instruments help overcome light loss due to the high focal ratios involved • much more susceptible to poor seeing, focus and collimation

9. Cameras

10. Solar System Cameras Philips ToUcam Pro 740K • No longer in production but widely available used on the Web on eBay and AstroMart • Can be bought ready to go for astrophotos for $50.00 or less • Uses Sony ICX098BQ CCD chip • Has 640x480 array with 5.6µm pixels • Works best at 5 to 15 frames per second

11. Solar System Cameras Phillips SPC-900NC • No longer in production but still available brand new from eBay and used from eBay and AstroMart • Cost to make this camera ready for astrophotos is generally under $75.00 • Uses Sony ICX098BQ CCD chip • Has 640x480 array with 5.6µm pixels • Works best at 5 to 15 frames per second

19. Solar System Cameras Celestron NexImage • Commercially produced imager based on the Phillips ToUcam design • Available at major astronomy and photographic shops as well as on Amazon.com for under $100.00 • Uses Sony ICX098BQ CCD chip • Has 640x480 array with 5.6µm pixels • Works best at 5 to 15 frames per second

20. Solar System Cameras StarShoot Solar System Imager III • Commercially produced imager using 1.3 megapixel CMOS chip • Priced at $189.95 at Orion Telescopes • Comes bundled with MaximDL Essentials software • Uses Micron MT9M001 CMOS chip • Has 1280x1024 array with 5.2µm pixels • Maximum frame rate of 15 frames per second

21. Solar System Cameras SAC Systems Model 7b Imager • Commercially produced modified webcam with Peltier cooling and long exposure capability • No longer in production, but available used on websites like AstroMart for generally less than $200.00 • Specs vary per production run but all imagers have 640x480 CCD chips

22. Solar System Cameras DV Camcorder (aka – the camera that you already have) • Lower TCO by using a camera you already have • Conversion for astro use is not permanent and can cost as little as $30.00 • Fixed lens requires that images be taken using afocal photography rather than prime focus photography

37. Tips for Afocal Photography • Use an eyepiece with long eye relief • Couple the end of the camera lens as close as possible to the eye lens of the telescope eyepiece • If possible, set the digital camera at macro mode rather than infinity • Use full optical zoom, but do not use digital zoom • If possible, use a camera lens with a focal length longer than the eyepiece focal length

38. Solar System Cameras Imaging Source DMK 21AU04.AS • Commercial camera originally designed for industrial applications • monochrome but available in a color model • Suggested retail price $390.00 but can be had for less at certain retailers • Uses Sony ICX098BL CCD chip • Has 640x480 array with 5.6µm pixels • Has a maximum frame rate of 60 frames per second using firewire port, but this USB model performs better at 30 fps on my laptop

39. Solar System Cameras Luminera SkyNyx 2.0 • Commercially produced camera specifically for astrophotography, this is the entry level model for this line • Monochome and color versions available • Retail price $995.00 • Uses Sony ICX424 chip • Has 640x480 array with 7.4µm pixels • Maximum frame rate is > 100 frames per second

40. Solar System Cameras Dragonfly Express By Point Grey Research • Industrial firewire camera – Point Grey is just beginning to cater to the astronomy market • Monochrome and color versions available • Suggested Retail price is $1195.00 • Uses Kodak KAI-0340DM/C CCD chip • Has 640x480 array with 7.4µm pixels • Has maximum frame rate of 350 frames per second

44. Software

49. Image Scale