Initial attempt at the planets

[Mark1489]

Hi all, after having acquired a Skywatcher Mak 127 at the end of last year, this summer I decided to try planetary imaging and I have to say, I really enjoyed it, even more so than deep sky! I found the processing less stressful and more enjoyable, along with a greater compatibility with the Welsh weather since we don’t get clear skies often or for long timescales per night.

Anyway, here’s my take on Saturn and Jupiter, both near opposition taken under good seeing conditions. Starting to feel a case of aperture fever may be coming on…..

Mark 

 

 

Edited November 13, 2021 by Mark1489

[glafnazur]

Nice images Mark, I particularly like your Saturn image 👍

[callisto]

Great images, well done 

 

Mark

[callisto]

What mount/camera did you use Mark and what were your exposure times?

 

Mark

[Mark1489]

24 minutes ago, callisto said:

What mount/camera did you use Mark and what were your exposure times?

 

Mark

Hi Mark 🙂

I used a Altair GPCAM3 224c with a 2x Barlow and ZWO ADC, I think it was around 10ms per frame, 13,000 frames for Saturn and about 10,000 for Jupiter, with the best 15% stacked for both

I've got it all mounted on a Ioptron GEM28

Still learning a lot about it all, wasn't entirely sure if I could have made longer imaging runs without details smearing but I shall be experimenting in future!

Mark

[callisto]

Thanks for the info 👍

I'm always curious to know other peoples methods/equip etc,

 

Mark 

[neil phillips]

Excellent work. one of the best 5" mak shots ive seen this year. Very impressive especially saturn

[Mark1489]

8 hours ago, neil phillips said:

Excellent work. one of the best 5" mak shots ive seen this year. Very impressive especially saturn

Thanks Neil! Hopefully many more nights to come with the seeing as good as the night I captured Saturn! 

Mark