Hello, I am new to this hobby ( skilled as it is ) and supper stoked. I'm 65. I really enjoy your approach to learning ,But, as I said, I'm old. We,I, used Flow Charts to show our steps;) Is there a way you could maybe put a chart out for us??? Thanks and Happy New Year!!!
@Felldisulfide hey buddy, wow, thanks for responding!! I would guess the image capture to start. I'm just now looking up for first time, right now,lol. I have a celestron se5 and am waiting on my wifi. Trying to get ducks in a row. Looking forward to keeping up with your channel!!! Thanks very much!!
Ok - your mount should have a built-in wedge, so you have that working for you, although you're going to have to go through a bit of a learning curve on how to Polar Align with it. For starters, watch the following videos from @astrobackyard th-cam.com/video/2zHvT_XHRl8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=3aue9yZUNmJrHNjF th-cam.com/video/Oj1lDHS6Qi0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=XdrQGINs07y5pP-W Next, have a look at these two videos from my channel - the first is all about wedges; you will need to understand how they work before you start! The second is about imaging with the 6SE, but most of the concepts will apply to you. You will have the same type of visual back for your telescope. th-cam.com/video/nzuPreeQL_4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=rCV5rBfjA7Y56YN0 th-cam.com/video/OK31FFJas2c/w-d-xo.htmlsi=UF2_lNkvpv5AX-HN The process for capturing and processing images is generally referred to as a workflow (because generally there are no decision points as in a flow chart). As a matter of fact, many astrophotographers have shared their workflows either on TH-cam, Cloudy Nights, or other online resources. I have used the Power of AI to have ChatGPT produce the following for you (with some tweaks): --- Step-by-Step Guide for Capturing Astrophotography Images Using a DSLR and an ALT-AZ Mounted Telescope on a Wedge Preparation 1. Plan Your Imaging Session: - Use astronomy software (e.g., Stellarium, SkySafari) to identify the target object and its visibility window. - Check the weather forecast for clear skies. - Ensure your location has minimal light pollution (or use light pollution filters). 2. Equipment Setup: - Mount the ALT-AZ telescope on the wedge, ensuring the wedge is properly attached and stable. - Attach the DSLR camera to the telescope using a T-ring and adapter. - Use a focal reducer if necessary to widen the field of view and reduce exposure times. 3. Initial Configuration of the NexStar Mount: - Power on the NexStar mount and initialize the hand controller. - Enter the following information when prompted: - Location: Input your latitude and longitude coordinates. Use a GPS device or an app to get accurate values. - Time Zone: Select your time zone from the menu (e.g., UTC-5 for Eastern Standard Time). - Date and Time: Enter the current date and time, ensuring that AM/PM settings or 24-hour format are correct. - Daylight Savings Time: Indicate whether daylight savings time is in effect. - Confirm the settings and proceed to alignment. 4. Polar Alignment: - Adjust the wedge to align the telescope with the celestial pole (North for Northern Hemisphere, South for Southern Hemisphere). - Use tools like a polar scope or software-assisted alignment for accuracy. - Fine-tune alignment using the telescope's mount controls. Performing Polar Alignment with the Celestron NexStar 6SE Hand Controller: - After attaching the telescope to the wedge, power on the mount and select "EQ North Align" or "EQ South Align" from the alignment options on the hand controller. - Choose a bright star near the celestial equator and meridian. - Center the star in the telescope's eyepiece using the arrow keys on the hand controller and press "Enter." - The telescope will then slew to the star's expected position. Adjust the wedge's altitude and azimuth bolts to center the star in the eyepiece. - Repeat the process with additional stars if prompted by the hand controller for increased accuracy. Performing the All-Star Polar Alignment (ASPA) Procedure for NexStar 5SE: - Complete an initial two-star alignment or three-star alignment using the hand controller. - Select "Polar Align" from the hand controller menu under the "Align" settings. - Choose a bright star for alignment from the list provided. - The telescope will slew to the chosen star. Center the star in the eyepiece using the hand controller and press "Enter." - The mount will then calculate and indicate adjustments needed for the wedge. - Use the wedge’s altitude and azimuth knobs to physically center the star in the eyepiece. - Confirm the adjustments by pressing "Align" on the hand controller. The system is now polar-aligned. 5. Balance the Telescope: - Balance the telescope with the DSLR attached to avoid strain on the motors. - Ensure both the declination and right ascension axes are balanced. Capturing the Images 6. Initial Calibration: - Power on the mount and perform a two-star or three-star alignment to ensure accurate tracking. - Slew to a bright star and focus using a Bahtinov mask or live view on the DSLR. 7. Set Camera Parameters: - Switch the DSLR to manual mode. - Adjust ISO (e.g., ISO 800-1600 for a balance between noise and sensitivity). - Set the exposure time (start with 30-60 seconds, depending on tracking and target brightness). - Use RAW format for capturing images. - Enable noise reduction (optional, as calibration frames will be used later). 8. Target Framing: - Access the "Menu" on the hand controller and select "Sky Tour" or "Database" to find your desired target. - Use the directional arrows to scroll through objects or search by name or catalog number. - Once the target is selected, press "Enter" to confirm. - The mount will slew to the target. Use the arrow keys to fine-tune the positioning if needed. - Use the camera’s live view or capture short exposures to frame the object correctly. 9. Capture Calibration Frames: - Darks: Cover the camera and capture frames with the same settings as light frames to record sensor noise. - Flats: Use an evenly illuminated surface to capture flat-field frames, correcting for dust and vignetting. - Bias: Use the shortest exposure time to capture the camera's read noise. 10. Capture Light Frames: - Use an intervalometer or software to automate capturing multiple exposures (e.g., 30-100 images). - Periodically check framing and focus during the session. - Dither between frames if your mount or software supports it to reduce noise. Post-Capture 11. Power Down Equipment: - Turn off the mount and camera. - Safely detach and store the DSLR, telescope, and other accessories. 12. Transfer Images: - Copy all light, dark, flat, and bias frames to your computer. - Organize files by date, target, and type for easier processing later. Tips for Success - Use a remote shutter release or intervalometer to avoid vibrations. - Monitor tracking accuracy and make small adjustments if needed. - Consider using guiding equipment for longer exposures and better results. - Be patient and experiment with different settings to optimize image quality. ---
Interesting comparison Chris I think I've already mentioned that the Altair cameras do come supplied with an IR cut filter so maybe that has something to do with my Antlia triband performing quite well although it only seems to work with galaxies better than nebulas for some reason although I haven't done a lot in the way of imaging this year to test it out more. I hope you're well & wishing you a happy new year & clear skies.
Thanks Tich, I think it's the UV - the Antlia Quad permits UV from around 760nm to just over 800nm, while the Optolong cuts off at somewhere north of 710nm (hard to tell from the graph). The Antlia Tri-Band also cuts off at the low 700's which would block much of the UV. Good luck to you next week, third time's the charm.
First and new sub today!
Thanks, welcome to the channel!
Hello, I am new to this hobby ( skilled as it is ) and supper stoked. I'm 65. I really enjoy your approach to learning ,But, as I said, I'm old. We,I, used Flow Charts to show our steps;)
Is there a way you could maybe put a chart out for us??? Thanks and Happy New Year!!!
Hi Leon, thanks for the comment, and welcome to astrophotography! Are you looking for an image capture workflow or image processing?
@Felldisulfide hey buddy, wow, thanks for responding!! I would guess the image capture to start. I'm just now looking up for first time, right now,lol. I have a celestron se5 and am waiting on my wifi. Trying to get ducks in a row. Looking forward to keeping up with your channel!!! Thanks very much!!
Ok - your mount should have a built-in wedge, so you have that working for you, although you're going to have to go through a bit of a learning curve on how to Polar Align with it. For starters, watch the following videos from @astrobackyard
th-cam.com/video/2zHvT_XHRl8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=3aue9yZUNmJrHNjF
th-cam.com/video/Oj1lDHS6Qi0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=XdrQGINs07y5pP-W
Next, have a look at these two videos from my channel - the first is all about wedges; you will need to understand how they work before you start! The second is about imaging with the 6SE, but most of the concepts will apply to you. You will have the same type of visual back for your telescope.
th-cam.com/video/nzuPreeQL_4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=rCV5rBfjA7Y56YN0
th-cam.com/video/OK31FFJas2c/w-d-xo.htmlsi=UF2_lNkvpv5AX-HN
The process for capturing and processing images is generally referred to as a workflow (because generally there are no decision points as in a flow chart). As a matter of fact, many astrophotographers have shared their workflows either on TH-cam, Cloudy Nights, or other online resources.
I have used the Power of AI to have ChatGPT produce the following for you (with some tweaks):
---
Step-by-Step Guide for Capturing Astrophotography Images Using a DSLR and an ALT-AZ Mounted Telescope on a Wedge
Preparation
1. Plan Your Imaging Session:
- Use astronomy software (e.g., Stellarium, SkySafari) to identify the target object and its visibility window.
- Check the weather forecast for clear skies.
- Ensure your location has minimal light pollution (or use light pollution filters).
2. Equipment Setup:
- Mount the ALT-AZ telescope on the wedge, ensuring the wedge is properly attached and stable.
- Attach the DSLR camera to the telescope using a T-ring and adapter.
- Use a focal reducer if necessary to widen the field of view and reduce exposure times.
3. Initial Configuration of the NexStar Mount:
- Power on the NexStar mount and initialize the hand controller.
- Enter the following information when prompted:
- Location: Input your latitude and longitude coordinates. Use a GPS device or an app to get accurate values.
- Time Zone: Select your time zone from the menu (e.g., UTC-5 for Eastern Standard Time).
- Date and Time: Enter the current date and time, ensuring that AM/PM settings or 24-hour format are correct.
- Daylight Savings Time: Indicate whether daylight savings time is in effect.
- Confirm the settings and proceed to alignment.
4. Polar Alignment:
- Adjust the wedge to align the telescope with the celestial pole (North for Northern Hemisphere, South for Southern Hemisphere).
- Use tools like a polar scope or software-assisted alignment for accuracy.
- Fine-tune alignment using the telescope's mount controls.
Performing Polar Alignment with the Celestron NexStar 6SE Hand Controller:
- After attaching the telescope to the wedge, power on the mount and select "EQ North Align" or "EQ South Align" from the alignment options on the hand controller.
- Choose a bright star near the celestial equator and meridian.
- Center the star in the telescope's eyepiece using the arrow keys on the hand controller and press "Enter."
- The telescope will then slew to the star's expected position. Adjust the wedge's altitude and azimuth bolts to center the star in the eyepiece.
- Repeat the process with additional stars if prompted by the hand controller for increased accuracy.
Performing the All-Star Polar Alignment (ASPA) Procedure for NexStar 5SE:
- Complete an initial two-star alignment or three-star alignment using the hand controller.
- Select "Polar Align" from the hand controller menu under the "Align" settings.
- Choose a bright star for alignment from the list provided.
- The telescope will slew to the chosen star. Center the star in the eyepiece using the hand controller and press "Enter."
- The mount will then calculate and indicate adjustments needed for the wedge.
- Use the wedge’s altitude and azimuth knobs to physically center the star in the eyepiece.
- Confirm the adjustments by pressing "Align" on the hand controller. The system is now polar-aligned.
5. Balance the Telescope:
- Balance the telescope with the DSLR attached to avoid strain on the motors.
- Ensure both the declination and right ascension axes are balanced.
Capturing the Images
6. Initial Calibration:
- Power on the mount and perform a two-star or three-star alignment to ensure accurate tracking.
- Slew to a bright star and focus using a Bahtinov mask or live view on the DSLR.
7. Set Camera Parameters:
- Switch the DSLR to manual mode.
- Adjust ISO (e.g., ISO 800-1600 for a balance between noise and sensitivity).
- Set the exposure time (start with 30-60 seconds, depending on tracking and target brightness).
- Use RAW format for capturing images.
- Enable noise reduction (optional, as calibration frames will be used later).
8. Target Framing:
- Access the "Menu" on the hand controller and select "Sky Tour" or "Database" to find your desired target.
- Use the directional arrows to scroll through objects or search by name or catalog number.
- Once the target is selected, press "Enter" to confirm.
- The mount will slew to the target. Use the arrow keys to fine-tune the positioning if needed.
- Use the camera’s live view or capture short exposures to frame the object correctly.
9. Capture Calibration Frames:
- Darks: Cover the camera and capture frames with the same settings as light frames to record sensor noise.
- Flats: Use an evenly illuminated surface to capture flat-field frames, correcting for dust and vignetting.
- Bias: Use the shortest exposure time to capture the camera's read noise.
10. Capture Light Frames:
- Use an intervalometer or software to automate capturing multiple exposures (e.g., 30-100 images).
- Periodically check framing and focus during the session.
- Dither between frames if your mount or software supports it to reduce noise.
Post-Capture
11. Power Down Equipment:
- Turn off the mount and camera.
- Safely detach and store the DSLR, telescope, and other accessories.
12. Transfer Images:
- Copy all light, dark, flat, and bias frames to your computer.
- Organize files by date, target, and type for easier processing later.
Tips for Success
- Use a remote shutter release or intervalometer to avoid vibrations.
- Monitor tracking accuracy and make small adjustments if needed.
- Consider using guiding equipment for longer exposures and better results.
- Be patient and experiment with different settings to optimize image quality.
---
Interesting comparison Chris I think I've already mentioned that the Altair cameras do come supplied with an IR cut filter so maybe that has something to do with my Antlia triband performing quite well although it only seems to work with galaxies better than nebulas for some reason although I haven't done a lot in the way of imaging this year to test it out more. I hope you're well & wishing you a happy new year & clear skies.
Thanks Tich, I think it's the UV - the Antlia Quad permits UV from around 760nm to just over 800nm, while the Optolong cuts off at somewhere north of 710nm (hard to tell from the graph). The Antlia Tri-Band also cuts off at the low 700's which would block much of the UV. Good luck to you next week, third time's the charm.