The following were captured 14th May 2019 through intermittent high cloud. The links are to the high res images. 80% waxing Moon.
All 1280x960, MONO8, SER, gain=5, offset=1, exposure=2ms. _conv.tif sharpened Autostakkert output processed in GIMP.
Clavius: https://www.astrobin.com/406053/?nc=user
Plato: https://www.astrobin.com/406054/?nc=user
Archimedes: https://www.astrobin.com/406055/?nc=user
Copernicus: https://www.astrobin.com/406058/?nc=user
Dave
Lunar, Celestron C8 + QHY5LII-M + IR Cut Filter
Forum rules
Please upload large images to photo sharing sites (flickr, etc) rather than trying to upload them as forum attachments.
Please share the equipment used and if possible camera settings to help others.
Please upload large images to photo sharing sites (flickr, etc) rather than trying to upload them as forum attachments.
Please share the equipment used and if possible camera settings to help others.
Re: Lunar, Celestron C8 + QHY5LII-M + IR Cut Filter
To help with focus, I zoomed in to 125%.
To set the exposure (I was aiming for around 60% on the histogram), I used the Highlight Over Exposed FX selection. Any saturated areas are displayed in black. The exposure can be adjusted downwards until the black areas disappear. Best to check on a Zoomed in image to ensure the black has really gone. This example shows Copernicus.
This is the capture of Plato in progress showing the histogram at around 60%. Although the image may look dark, the histogram is a good shape for this type of object. Any lightness/darkness preferences can be addressed at the time of processing.
More information on using the histogram to help with better images can be found at https://docs.sharpcap.co.uk/3.2/#The%20Histogram.
I use Virtual Moon Atlas https://www.ap-i.net/avl/en/start to find my way around the moon.
Dave
To set the exposure (I was aiming for around 60% on the histogram), I used the Highlight Over Exposed FX selection. Any saturated areas are displayed in black. The exposure can be adjusted downwards until the black areas disappear. Best to check on a Zoomed in image to ensure the black has really gone. This example shows Copernicus.
This is the capture of Plato in progress showing the histogram at around 60%. Although the image may look dark, the histogram is a good shape for this type of object. Any lightness/darkness preferences can be addressed at the time of processing.
More information on using the histogram to help with better images can be found at https://docs.sharpcap.co.uk/3.2/#The%20Histogram.
I use Virtual Moon Atlas https://www.ap-i.net/avl/en/start to find my way around the moon.
Dave
Re: Lunar, Celestron C8 + QHY5LII-M + IR Cut Filter
I usually hate when the moon is up ; but your photos are so sharp -- makes me want to try , as well , to get some lunar captures !
Re: Lunar, Celestron C8 + QHY5LII-M + IR Cut Filter
The Moon is a challenging object. The steps that have helped me here are:
Some effort (and many failures) went into being able to capture images like this - attending 2 six hour lunar imaging workshops (300 mile round trip) a year apart delivered by Damian Peach helped http://www.damianpeach.com/lunar16.htm.
Good luck with your lunar imaging.
Dave
- focusing zoomed in, >100%
- use of the saturation (over-exposed) indicator to set a correct exposure
- aiming for around 60% histogram
Some effort (and many failures) went into being able to capture images like this - attending 2 six hour lunar imaging workshops (300 mile round trip) a year apart delivered by Damian Peach helped http://www.damianpeach.com/lunar16.htm.
Good luck with your lunar imaging.
Dave