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September Competition Theme - Star Clusters (2006)
- ayiomamitis
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- Super Giant
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17 years 7 months ago #33166
by ayiomamitis
Indeed how can we lose?! I made some slight modifications to the processing of our test photo at www.perseus.gr/Astro-DSO-NGC-6913.htm which I hope you approve. If so, we can use the new and improved processing for our official entry shortly involving NGC 457 in Cas.
Anthony Ayiomamitis
Athens, Greece
www.perseus.gr
Replied by ayiomamitis on topic Re: September Competition Theme - Star Clusters
Dave,
Okay, Dave, I will supply the AP160 (and Greek weather) and you supply the AP1200GTO. :lol:
Done!
Seanie - whatever Anthony submits for this months competition is a joint submission
Woo hoo - how can we lose eh Anthony? :lol:
Indeed how can we lose?! I made some slight modifications to the processing of our test photo at www.perseus.gr/Astro-DSO-NGC-6913.htm which I hope you approve. If so, we can use the new and improved processing for our official entry shortly involving NGC 457 in Cas.
Anthony Ayiomamitis
Athens, Greece
www.perseus.gr
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- dmcdona
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17 years 7 months ago #33167
by dmcdona
Replied by dmcdona on topic Re: September Competition Theme - Star Clusters
A couple of questions Anthony:
1. Why no flat?
2. Why 1:1:1 RGB ratio?
3. Where do the diffraction spikes come from?
Dave
1. Why no flat?
2. Why 1:1:1 RGB ratio?
3. Where do the diffraction spikes come from?
Dave
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- ayiomamitis
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- Super Giant
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17 years 7 months ago #33168
by ayiomamitis
Yes, we have t-shirt and sky flats but I am not sold on them. The problem with flats is that they can do more damage than good if not taken properly.
As for the latter - the artificial spikes - it is something that is very commonly employed by some of the biggest names in the world of astrophotography to great effect and is something which I like as well. A couple of people I have asked locally have expressed mixed feelings about the 'enhanced' spikes. Any thoughts?
Anthony Ayiomamitis
Athens, Greece
www.perseus.gr
Replied by ayiomamitis on topic Re: September Competition Theme - Star Clusters
Unfortunately I am not an electronics guru ... in fact more like an ignoramus! I asked a friend who is quite active with electronics to construct me a light-box but he has dragged his feet quite a bit. I have asked another friend to get me the electronics only done but he is busy with a baby coming due shortly.A couple of questions Anthony:
1. Why no flat?
Yes, we have t-shirt and sky flats but I am not sold on them. The problem with flats is that they can do more damage than good if not taken properly.
That is only for the exposures themselves. I weigh each of the master RGB files prior to constructing my master RGB using calibration results from a G2V star and which I describe fully at www.perseus.gr/Astro-Tips-G2V-Star-Calibr.htm . The weights I use are 1.531:1.000:1.279 for prime focus using the AP160. If any change is done to the optical train (ex. a 2x Barlow), the calibration must be redone.2. Why 1:1:1 RGB ratio?
I used a couple of strings perpendicular to each other and attached to the dew shield. As a result, the horizontal/vertical spikes you see are due to this contraption. I expanded the spike pattern by adding another two spikes at 45-degree angles using Photoshop (there is a brush tool for this).3. Where do the diffraction spikes come from?
As for the latter - the artificial spikes - it is something that is very commonly employed by some of the biggest names in the world of astrophotography to great effect and is something which I like as well. A couple of people I have asked locally have expressed mixed feelings about the 'enhanced' spikes. Any thoughts?
Anthony Ayiomamitis
Athens, Greece
www.perseus.gr
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- dmcdona
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17 years 7 months ago #33169
by dmcdona
Replied by dmcdona on topic Re: September Competition Theme - Star Clusters
I hear you on the flats - still, with your combination I'd assume that good flats would offer only a minor improvement.
The RGB article is very good!
As for the spikes - I'm really not sure. I'd have to see the image without the spikes to express a preference. That said, I think the spikes look good and give the image a sense of movement and life.
I think we're onto a winner
The RGB article is very good!
As for the spikes - I'm really not sure. I'd have to see the image without the spikes to express a preference. That said, I think the spikes look good and give the image a sense of movement and life.
I think we're onto a winner
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- Seanie_Morris
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17 years 7 months ago #33172
by Seanie_Morris
Midlands Astronomy Club.
Radio Presenter (Midlands 103), Space Enthusiast, Astronomy Outreach Co-ordinator.
Former IFAS Chairperson and Secretary.
Replied by Seanie_Morris on topic Re: September Competition Theme - Star Clusters
I'm monitoring this very closely...
:lol: :lol: :lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Midlands Astronomy Club.
Radio Presenter (Midlands 103), Space Enthusiast, Astronomy Outreach Co-ordinator.
Former IFAS Chairperson and Secretary.
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- ayiomamitis
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- Super Giant
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17 years 7 months ago #33178
by ayiomamitis
Anthony Ayiomamitis
Athens, Greece
www.perseus.gr
Replied by ayiomamitis on topic Re: September Competition Theme - Star Clusters
To follow-up, Dave, the photo was taken with my Tasco 60mm refractor and at 675x during average seeing. A firm tripod allowed for the simultaneous mounting of my one-time use and throw away camera. The flash was used to produce the beautiful spikes around the brighter stars.I'm monitoring this very closely...
Anthony Ayiomamitis
Athens, Greece
www.perseus.gr
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