StuartT

Here is my go at some of the JWST data (downloaded from the MAST portal). This is a comb of six filters from the NIRCAM. I used pixel math to map the filters (roughly) to the RGB channels as follows R: 2*f470n + f444w G: f335m + 2*f200w B: f187n + 2*f090w

It looks like to download the data from MAST you need to be a university employee (registration asks for an institution and a job title). Any other way of getting it? https://archive.stsci.edu/contents/newsletters/july-2022/accessing-jwst-science-data-after-the-end-of-commissioning

interesting. That would never have occurred to me. Now all I have to do is remember where this thread is when I finally manage to be able to afford a filter wheel, mono camera and ludicrously expensive set of filters Thank you UPDATE: So I managed to obtain some narrowband data (publicly shared) and tested out your procedure. On the left is RGB combination then combined the result with the L channel On the right is LRGB combined all at once The left hand one is nicer in my opinion (though this is obviously subjective). But what I don't understand is why they are different? As a mathematician, I would expect them to have an associative property, i.e. L + (R+G+B) should be the same as L+R+G+B

Thanks for explaining. That makes sense

So far I have only done OSC imaging and when I integrate the subs, they are first aligned with each other. But if I were doing LRGB, presumably only the Ls get aligned and integrated, then only the Rs and so on. So I end up with an L master, a R master etc which I then LRGB combine in PI. But what if the four masters are not aligned with each other? I'd then end up with an image with the channels out of alignment (which would look like CA). I don't think LRGB combination does any aligning does it? Sorry if I have misunderstood something

Ooohhh!! That really is deeply pleasing... 🥰 I have one. It's a very fine piece of kit indeed.

Yes, I do have a pile of my own raw data, but I quite wanted to practice on someone else's too. But no matter. I can still practice my post-processing skills on the IK integrated files. That forum really needs a sticky post explaining the basics of the observatory, how it all works, location, equipment etc There doesn't seem to have been any activity since last year though. I wonder if it's still operational?

I'm just reading about it now. Do you know if they release all the raw subs? Or just the integrated data? Ideally I'd like the raw data to practice WBPP too.

Great! Thank you Interesting! I didn't know SGL had its own observatory! I'll take a look. Thanks

I'm learning PI at the moment and I'd like some data to practice on (as there is no night in the UK at the moment). Does anyone know of any repositories of FITS files? Either narrowband or OSC, preferably both. Thanks

New EQ8 arrived last week as did an off-axis guider. Never tried either before and of course they arrive just at the worst time of the year for astrophotography! But I figured I should be able to test both out with only astro twighlight, so I stayed up late last night and can report success on both counts 😃 The mount is really great! Even unguided I can get at least 60s exposures with round stars. It also slews super accurately. The Esprit is a long scope and I used to find that slews on the EQ6 were quite a way off target and then NINA would take a number of platesolves before it was happy. But the EQ8 goes right to the spot. My OAG is working too (there is a little dark patch on the bottom, so I need to move the prism out a little). Managed to get it focused and found a guide star no problem. Then ended up getting 0.25" - 0.35" guiding. One of the very rare nights when you think to yourself "how come this is just all working? Why hasn't something gone wrong?" Picked a random target just for testing purposes, didn't really expect to get a great image. So didn't bother with any calib frames. Just 50 mins on the Crescent Nebula

oh wow! they look lush! I'm amazed I've never seen them (I'm heading into my 60th summer!!)

interesting. I'd never heard of them. This may be a daft question, but how would I know if I've seen one? i.e. how do I know it's not just a regular cloud?

Hi. I don't have anything yet. I only shoot with OSC. But at some point I plan to become a proper grownup, so I am scoping out what it might all cost me.

Thank you. I didn't even know there was a 36mm size option! I thought filters only came in 1.25 or 2 inch. Could make a difference in affordability when looking at high quality LRGB or SHO filters, I guess EDIT: just did a search and the 36mm size seems to be unmounted. Presumably that's ok if you're using a filter wheel?

Am I right in thinking that for an APS-C sensor I would need 2" filters for narrowband imaging? Thanks

I have not yet made the step from OSC to mono imaging. I will become a grownup one day. Best of luck!

I heart Pegasus stuff. I own an Ultimate Powerbox and two motor focus units. Brilliant kit

I've got the SCT version. Lovely focuser

Actually it turned out to be very straightforward.

I have my EQ6R mounted on top of the Berlebach Planet tripod with the dedicated top. However, I am upgrading mounts and purchased the top for my new mount from Berlebach. Does anyone know how these tops are changed? I can't find any guidance anywhere. I assume you just un-bolt the three legs and then screw them in to the new top, but I want to know if there are any tips/cautions before I attempt that. Thanks

Baader IR pass 685nm

The lack of responses probably explains why there aren't any videos of this process... no one uses it!

You've inspired me. I might have to get me spade out 🙂