Gallery XXII

On 12/25/03 I took my Christmas present, a new Stellacam II, up to the Donald C. Martin Observatory. I shot some video images using the C14 with an Optec f3.3 reducer from AVA. The Stellcam II can add 256 frames to yield an 8.5 second exposure. For most shots I added 30 to these "on the fly" with Astrovideo 3.1.5 to produce an effective 255 second (4.25 min) exposure as a  FITS image. These were then manipulated with GIMP (freeware) or FITSX and GIMP.

The Stellacam II is not as easy to focus as the Stellacam EX as it is not as sensitive. I was focusing at 32 frame sense up (1 second exposure). With the Stellacam EX I focus at 128x sense up (2 second exposure) with max auto gain. But the telescopes "go to" was working well so I'd focus on a bright star and then "go to" the target.

First up was M31, 10x8.5 second frames(256x), lo contrast (gamma), but the FOV of the C14 did not do it justice.

Next came M78, 30 8.5 second (256) frames, no contrast (gamma)

Then NGC 2023, 30 8.5 second (256) frames, lo contrast (gamma)

IC 423 30 8.5 second (256) frames, lo contrast (gamma)

NGC 2024 30 8.5 second (256) frames, lo contrast (gamma) processed with FITSX

and with GIMP

I tried the horse head 30 8.5 second (256) frames, hi contrast (gamma) and had to use FITSX auto optimize (green button) to see anything. I guess that a steep curve stretch could have brought it out too. Contrasty image, but you can see it.

As long as I was seeking faint things, I decided to go after IC 426, 30 8.5 second (256) frames, hi contrast (gamma)

The Eskimo was up in Gemini, so there I ended my night. I removed the F 3 reducer and shot at prime focus of the C14. I tried a 2.5x powermate but the seeing did not allow for anything pretty. What follows is the same data processed differently (different curve stretches) so as to bring out different features. Basically, 30 8.5 second (256) frames, lo contrast (gamma)

Back to gallery Guide or  Back to Astronomy  or Videoastonomy page