M101 - Astronomy Now

[chiltonstar]

Last page of August's AN is a beautiful image of M101 with what appear to be diffraction spikes, despite the fact that the image is taken by a refractor (Takahashi FSQ 106 EDX).

In the accompanying write-up, Nik Szymanek comments that this effect can be added to a 'frac image by using string taped across the front aperture of the scope. Do people really degrade images in this way by adding artefacts? To what point?

Chris

[Matt Scunthorpe]

Some people like them, some dont.

Ive read a few comments on SGL where people say they like the spikes in the images.

[crashtestdummy]

Stars look much better with them but i would imagine a galaxy wouldnt unless its just the stars in the image?

[cgarry]

Do people really degrade images in this way by adding artefacts? To what point?

I have no idea some people do it, I think they look awful! It takes all kinds I guess.

Chris

[Chris]

I don't mind them really, especially when you consider how much more money you need to fork out for a scope which will perform the same without them. e.g. my current imaging scope has 5.1" of aperture at f/5 and cost 165 quid new. I can't imagine how much a 4-5" f/5 Apo would cost, maybe a grand? With this in mind I can certainly put up with the odd star spike on brighter stars.

I wouldn't choose to add them if I imaged with an expensive Apo though, so I too find it that a bit curious?

[kirkster501]

I like them if they are small. But when they cover half the frame, like you sometimes see, it is overcooked IMO.

[LukeSkywatcher]

I do like them if they are used properly. I think images of the Seven Sisters look great with them when there is a bit of nebulosity in the image also. Galaxies wont look good with then,nor would globular clusters. Open clusters perhaps.

[Robny]

I'm torn, guess I agree with LukeSkywatcher - depends on the subject matter and persoanl preference. Like in photography, people would add a lens flair digitally, sometimes it works others it looks daft. I don't mind the spikes in some images.

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