Mini Mars and Saturn

[Aussie Dave]

Well I'm still at it with the Xbox 360 webcam but this time using Firecapture and without Barlows. What I did notice while processing was most images didn't need RGB align. The only downside was a smaller image to work with.

Conditions seemed average to good. Celestron Nexstar 8i, 2 short extension tubes and Celestron UV/IR Cutoff filter

Mars 30fps, 3000 frames from 6000 stacked in AS!2, wavelets in RS6, finished in PDN.

 

Saturn 17fps, 2000 frames from the best 4000 using PIPP from 9000 total, stacked in AS!2, wavelets in RS6, finished in PDN.

 

The next image is a single best frame from a video that has been sharpened slightly, noise reduced and levels adjusted in PDN. If you're wondering about image scale, it is enlarged.

This was a test to see if I could get better detail, sharper images from my Celestron 8i without using Barlows. I don't believe I did. The only other thing I can eliminate out of the equation is the UV/IR filter?

So it looks like I'll be on the hunt for a another scope for imaging 10"+ SCT. The Edge HD's are likely the go unless there are better in the market. Any suggestions?

[laudropb]

Very nice images.

[Uplooker]

Well done Dave, that Saturn image is a cracker.

[orion25]

Top notch images, Dave!

 

Reggie

[mikeskor]

Really fine images, Dave.