Possibly my best Saturn...

[Starman]

Hi all,

Here's another shot of Saturn from the 11th February. The seeing was very good at this time allowing me to catch the Cassini Division running across the planet, the Encke Division (visible at the extremes of the rings) and the possibility of a number of lighter patches in the belts, the veracity of which I can't tell until I've processed the next data set...

[geoff_k]

Pete

As always, I bow the knee.

The colours in your image are delightful and I think you could be right about the Encke Division.

Geoff

[centroid]

I think you'd struggle to beat that one Pete, its and absolute stunner.

There's not too many Saturn images where the Encke Division is that apparent.

Dave

[barkis]

Now look here young Lawrence, I want you to tell the truth. You have acquired one of Harry Potter's magic wands haven't you?

It can be the only explanation for witchcraft like this. Good heavens man, Hubble can't get a picture that good.

I think they should abandon the next Hubble repair mission, and just ship you and your C14 and Imaging gear up the the ISS.

Your pay could be half of what they save on the repair job.

I shall now be serious. That's not bad.

Ron.

Thank You Ant. Mistake rectified.

[Starflyer]

That's an outstanding image Pete.

With each image you post I say to myself it can't get any better than that - and then it does

Cheers,

Ian

[Sam]

Wow! I didn't know you were flying Cassini 2 into Saturn's orbit. That image is stunning!

[DanDare]

Superb!

[Trevor]

Wow Pete you manage to push the boundaries even further that’s one very beautiful Saturn. :wave:

[russ]

That's simply incredible. The colour and detail are mind blowing. By far the best Saturn pic this year.....awesome!

Russ

[Ant]

I think they should abandon the next Hubble repair mission, and just ship you and your C11 and Imaging gear up the the ISS.

Ron.

Pay attention that man - it's a C14, C11 indeed

Fantastic image Pete - it must be harder and harder to keep getting better shots...

Ant

[trevboyd]

Simply unbelievable - very very very nice indeed!

Trev

[Starman]

Thanks all.

Here's the RGB breakdown shot...

[Trevor]

Pete

Are the base channels sharpened up? Or as just out of registax

A nice primer on your processing would be very helpful to us lesser beings please.

[barkis]

I think they should abandon the next Hubble repair mission, and just ship you and your C14 and Imaging gear up to the the ISS.

Ron.

Pay attention that man - it's a C14, C11 indeed

Fantastic image Pete - it must be harder and harder to keep getting better shots...

Ant

Sorry boss, but I can't count past eleven. I fixed it

[Starman]

Trevor - the colour channels have been mildy sharpened and contrast enhanced. Although the processing plays it's part, it's the seeing that makes the difference. Reading the sky and catching it at exactly the right time is the key. I've got a mate who lives 5 miles down the road from me and 2 hours earlier he had awful seeing and captured a fuzzy Saturn. I wasn't going to bother at all, feeling tired and with the residuals of a lingering cold, but something forced me to haul out the C-14 and have a look. It's as much about luck than anything else.

As soon as you grab a good seeing capture of the planet you'll appreciate what I'm saying - it's like working with a different beast. Processing such a capture is delightful because everything falls into place effortlessly. Capture Saturn under poor conditions (as most of us have to) and it's blooming hard work that makes you wonder what the trickery is.

Ron - at least you get my name right! I can't tell you how many times I've been called Steve (why Steve??!).

[jgs001]

Pete, Simply stunning

[dogfish]

Hi Pete

Absolute belter of an image. One question, how come the view flips between the first image and the last RGB set. Am I right in thinking that the view in the last set is the proper SCT orientation? I only ask as I was viewing Saturn in my C8-S last night and thought I could see a pinky hue at the bottom and a bluey hue at the top.

Cheers, Martin

[Trevor]

Thanks’ for the info Pete.

[Beyond_Vision]

I didnt think you could top your last pic but you have, absolutely marvelous image.

Regards

Kevin

[Vega]

I'm Stunned... no really. This is up there with the Cassinni spacecraft approach images. C14 or not, that's one hell of an achievement whatever equipment you have to hand. :salute:

Matt

[rawhead]

That's a beautiful shot

Fantastic!

[beamish]

Holy Smoley !!!!

Karlo

[Rob]

Super Pete... thats the business!

[legion48]

I've not see better. :shock: Keep 'em coming Pete.

[Astroman]

Ron - at least you get my name right! I can't tell you how many times I've been called Steve (why Steve??!).

Well, it's obviously a great name. 8)