2nd attempt at Mars and Saturn

got some time to give imaging saturn and mars a 2nd attempt last night. I spent a good 30 mins learning the finer points of collomation. I had forgotten how to do it, as with my small scope, collomation is not required too often.

Anyway, both were taken from a batch of 2000 frames, 2X barlow with IR blocking filter, processed in registax. No photoshop used as i have ordered elements for OSX, and refuse to boot into my vista partition. vista is for work,not play!!!

I got a little better at the focusing, but theres still much work for improvment. Maby with a more expirienced hand at the helm in registax my avi's could yeild better results. ( Carl, Il be calling up some day soon for some pointers in this area).

Im happy that i picked up some detail on Mars, and my saturn is much sharper, although the casini division is all but invisible. maby my little 6" cant pick up that detail at the angle the rings are currently at to us.

I know Mars is too intensely red and saturn is too dark, but these were the images with most detail.

Im happy enough for the time being with the results. theres room for much improvment, but they are much better than my first attempts.


i78.photobucket.com/albums/j87/schmintan...s2FromMars12File.jpg


i78.photobucket.com/albums/j87/schmintan..._From_Sat_16file.jpg

Hi Fintan.

What two great images.Your coming on great.at he dew last night was unbelievable my scope was so wet when I closed the observatory I was dripping on to the floor. Not a good night for any imaging

I see now why you were asking about the phases of Mars. Saturn is looking fine there.

Job well done.

Hey Fintan good stuff btw use averted vision on the right hand side ring the C Division is there believe it or not

Great stuff Fintan, you are coming on leaps and bounds.

Clear skies
Mike