Saturn imaging...well almost!

[northcanadian]

Hi folks:

I tried some imaging last night as the sky was nice and clear, however the Saturnal seeing conditions were abysmal. The rings were really flexing, and hard to get any good focus  I did capture a few RGBs in prime focus (9.25SCT) and processed a couple, which after stacking, wavelets etc. ended up sadly lacking any crisp detail

Next time out I guess I shall have to guage the seeing conditions to see if it's steady enough for imaging.  I have read a number of times that seeing is king, and certainly found that out last night....oh well, it's good to learn that first hand,

Cheers

Roger

[jambouk]

Roger, not sure where abouts in northern canada you are (Or even if you are in canada), but check out where the jet stream is before making plans:

http://www.netweather.tv/index.cgi?action=jetstream;sess=

If there is dense red or yellow above you, the seeing is likely to be poor. If the jet stream isn't overhead, the seeing may still be poor but less likely.

Also think about local seeing influences; avoid setting up on concrete or slabs (grass is apparently best); make sure kit cooled down; not too near other heat emitting structures like stone walls; try not to look over the tops of houses as these emit heat and cause air turbulence. I dis read a good article on seeing, i'll see if I can find it.

James

[ronin]

Well Galileo reckoned Saturn had "ears", so if you see rings it isn't too bad. :grin:

[jambouk]

It wasn't any of these, but they look good:

Sky and telescope:

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-equipment/beating-the-seeing/

The planetary daddy himself, damian [peachy] peach:

http://www.damianpeach.com/seeing1.htm

And what looks like a very comprehensive article (ignore the fact it's from a book on observing Mars, the principles are the same):

http://www.alpo-astronomy.org/jbeish/Observing_Mars_8.html

James