What is video astronomy?

[Guest]

Hello,forgive my blunt question.I once saw an SCT telescope conected to a video camera.This showed the nightsky along with moving satellites.I was really impressed with this.I was also told that a video camera attached to a driven telescope would increase the image being viewed by three times,ie a 4 inch telescope would give an image the same as if the telescope was a 12inch telescope.I would really like to start video astronomy,but don't know where to start.I have a Celestron driven mount along with a 120mm refractor and an 8 inch SCT.

Any advice would be welcome.

I have thought about planetary imaging and deep sky imaging.But I always come back to thinking about the possibility of video astronomy.

[Spacedout]

Hello Grumpy Martian,

I should be broadcasting soon on Twitch if you want to see what it's all about.  Cloud depending as always but have a look for spacedout123. 

Cheers

Karl

[Guest]

I will Karl.Thanks.

[Spacedout]

I forgot to say, press on the follow and you will get a message whenever I go live.  Should be on in about 10-15 minutes for a short blast, testing a new camera.

[DoctorD]

Hi Grumpy Martin

Welcome to the group.

Video astronomy is using video cameras or web cameras or dedicated CCD cameras for that matter to give near real time views through a telescope.

This can be achieved with relatively low cost high sensitivity security cameras such as the Samsung SB2000 (also known s the SDC435) or the Phil Dyer PD1 - these cameras have an analogue video output and can be displayed on a standard TV. At the other end of the price (and performance) spectrum you have the various Mallicam's which are custom build video cameras using specialised circuitry to give the best possible performance whist still offering analogue video output (although some models also have USB output I think).

There are also solutions using astro specific CCD cameras such as Lodestar live.

The key aspect here is that the main purpose is to "view" as the data comes in, any processing is either done automatically (or semi automatically) by the camera or by the software running on the capture computer.

With my C8 SCT and SDC 435 security camera I cam capture images with colour of M27 - something that I have not been able to do with an eye piece!!

Video Astronomy is a wonderful way to share what you see - many people broadcast of the Night Sky Network - see what Dragonman and others have achieved!

Video Astronomy also bring the possibility of remote viewing - in winter I can operate my scope from indoors and still "see" the wonders of the night sky.

Clear skies and don't be afraid to ask about any particular type of camera or method of viewing.

Paul

[Guest]

Well Paul,I like the two points that yuou made in your post.They are "near to real time" & "colour view of an object". This is what I would like to do.I cannot devote the time to composing an image from deep sky or planetary.Next stop is to work out what camera set up to buy.As mentioned I have a 120mm ED refractor and an 8 inch SCT.

Martin.

[Peter Drew]

The 8" SCT with F3.3 reducer gives great integrating video images. 

[HiloDon]

Hi Grumpy,

I think DoctorD did a good job of spelling out the basics. I do think that near real time viewing is the way to go and keeps getting better as the technology advances. Entry level video cameras can be purchased from Mallincam or AVS. Both have starter kits for under $200US. It might be a good way to start so you can see if you will like it. There's also a bit of learning curve involved, and both companies can provide personal assistance. If you want to view on a computer, you will need a video capture device. You can then also capture images. The Lodestar that Paul mentioned has a USB connection and there is s/w now called Lodestar Live that will let you use the camera in near real time viewing. The latest Lodestar X2 is probably the most sensitive camera out there now, but it is only mono. They cost about $600US.

Because most of these cameras use small sensors, the FOV is small, so you will probably need some focal reduction, especially with your SCT.

Hope this helps. If you have questions, just post them here. There are a lot of knowledgeable people here that have helped me in the past. I'm sure someone will give you some good straight answers.

[shirva]

Hi martin..Welcome to video astronomy. .

video astronomy is getting more used these days ..

A for instance a Samsung scb2000 was fitted to your telescope it is like using a 6mm eyepiece..as said a focal reducer would be required to give you a larger field of view, video has a lot of advatages it's quicker than astrophotography and tracking does not need to be as accurate with a larger fov.

As said technology is changing quite quickly in astro video a cheap way to try it would be with a Samsung scb2000 but some modifications are required. .the phil dyer camera is good to go straight out the box. Fit bnc connectors and coaxial cable and you can view on your tv or fit a video grabber and it can display live images on your pc and save ect..broadcasting with video is becoming more in fashion just now. ..davy

[NickK]

I'd pretty much go along with Doctor D's definition.

All the cameras technically use similar components, only leaving how it's used as the main differentiator.

I use it to see more of what's out there.. because I of the day job I can't spend hours imaging.

[nytecam]

GM - welcome to the Forum - checkout my SX Lodestar-C sampler at http://home.freeuk.com/m.gavin/eyelode2.html

My colour cam has about 60-70% the 'speed' of the original mono camera but the new Lodestar-Mx2 I'm using currently has maybe double the speed of the older Lodestar-M

DSOs can be snapped in a few seconds and easily out-zap the eyepiece view and in comfort. Here's my recent shot of the Ring Nebula - the two faint stars within the ring are easily snapped in 2s exposure or less and is routine any clear night from the London suburbs under severe LP - what are you waiting for  ?     

[NickK]

GM - welcome to the Forum - checkout my SX Lodestar-C sampler at http://home.freeuk.com/m.gavin/eyelode2.html

My colour cam has about 60-70% the 'speed' of the original mono camera but the new Lodestar-Mx2 I'm using currently has maybe double the speed of the older Lodestar-M

DSOs can be snapped in a few seconds and easily out-zap the eyepiece view and in comfort. Here's my recent shot of the Ring Nebula - the two faint stars within the ring are easily snapped in 2s exposure or less and is routine any clear night from the London suburbs under severe LP - what are you waiting for  ?     

Lol queue the hard sell

However Nytecam has a point - software is blurring the lines between traditional boundaries, allowing CCD cameras to extend the experience.

[Paul81]

I agree with all of the above. I really see video astronomy and the new and emerging technologies a great way of enhancing our hobby and increasing the enjoyment of the night sky.

[Dragon Man]

Here ya go Grumpy: http://ballaratman.wix.com/videoastronomy