Jupiter 2nd Attempt with New Equipment

 

Another clear night, Jupiter well positioned and a new focuser on the Mak-Cas culminated in the image above.  It was really great to pull out more details in the clouds.  More to come, but off to a satisfying start.

Photo Details

October 26, 2022

Celestron 700 mm Mak-Cas on CGEM II Mount - Upgraded Focuser

ZWO ASI178MM 

SharpCap - 8 Bit Mono through RGB filters

2x2 Binning

Image Stacking in AutoStakkert
Wavelet Filtering in Registax

Combine RGB in Photoshop
Final Adjustments in Photoshop

Saturn & Jupiter with New Equipment

 

An early birthday present and clear skies combined for some good planetary imaging.  Still need to work on focusing and color balance, but super happy with the new equipment.

Photo Details

October 21, 2022

Celestron 700 mm Mak-Cas on CGEM II Mount

ZWO ASI178MM 

SharpCap - 8 Bit Mono through RGB filters

Image Stacking in AutoStakkert
Wavelet Filtering in Registax

Combine RGB in Photoshop
Final Adjustments in Photoshop

Jupiter at (near) Opposition and Saturn

On Monday, September 26, at 5 PM (CDT) Jupiter reached its annual opposition (orbit opposite of the Sun as seen from Earth).  This also coincided with Jupiter's closest approach to Earth since 1951 and won't be that close again until 2129 (107 years from now).  The photo above was taken one night before which will just have to be good enough for now ;-).  Not to be outdone, Saturn was also putting on a great show with the rings at a good angle of inclination for viewing from Earth.

Photo Details

September 25, 2022

Orion 8" Astrograph on VX Mount

ZWO ASI178MM 

SharpCap - 8 Bit Mono through RGB filters

Image Stacking in AutoStakkert
Wavelet Filtering in Registax

Combine RGB in Photoshop
Final Adjustments in Photoshop