Moon Shots Raw vs JPG

[Crow Haven]

http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif I have always done sketches while observing -- here's an old page out of a logbook (when I lived in Elizabeth City, NC)that gives an idea what you can see through a 10" SCT telescope during a close opposition of Mars. Forgive the sloppy handwriting, but I just made the notes in the dark by red filtered flashlight (the tint of color to the disk was added later -- but the color of Mars through the telescope is frequently this pale...not like the Hubble photos, or enhanced photos seen in books, etc.)...the details of time and seeing and all equipment used in the observing session is noted for an idea of what is used for planetary observing. The planet is flipped and reversed due to the number of mirrors in the SCT system and the use of a star diagonal which makes viewing far easier. Submissions to the American Lunar and Planetary Onservers of data and drawings requires switching the mirrored image...but south is typically seen as "up" through lens systems.
---Maya

[RTK]

Maya!

I'm not in to astronomy as I'm afraid heights - and the lack of oxygene. http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

However, you posts were an amazing read (and I'm sure helpful to many). There's no hiding your passion for astronomy, is there? http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/eek.gif http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/eek.gif http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/eek.gif

Your moon shot... The gear makes a difference for sure. Full colours, and beautiful detail! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

[Mike S]

well after seeing Maya's post i threw away my camera and will never look at the moon again. (sigh). Maya those shots are incredible! i love the sun shot.

[Crow Haven]

http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif Thanks Risto! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif Yeah, I can go on and on about it as I've been into astronomy for quite a looong time -- actually my interest was intense even as a child, but I had to wait till "grown up" to be able to indulge this interest with optical gear. Still....just gazing up at the cosmos on a nice clear evening is great even without optical enhancements. http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

I hope all the info will be of some use to others considering astrophotography. It gets quite involved (and can get quite expensive depending on your goals)....and I do think that although digital photography has come a long way and is getting wonderful results, for some things the old 35mm slr still pulls it's own weight and can't be beat. http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Mike! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/eek.gif Don't throw out your camera!!! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif lol -- glad you enjoyed the photos! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

[inabottle]

LoL mike, dont quit...

[Mike S]

just giving up for awhile. saving up for a decent telescope. in the mean time i will go back to taking pics of my dog and what ever comes my way outside. moon shots done for now.

[inabottle]

havent had much luck with the moon either... lol

[Crow Haven]

Come on guys...you're doing great!
You might consider looking through some telescopes and spotting scopes first hand at an optics store near you....nothing is better than looking through the actual models and getting a first hand look at the differences in quality lens, etc. Then another thing might be to look at used scopes...frequently people will trade in and trade up for other equipment. If you can check the scope out carefully before you buy you could end up with a nice deal. As far as cameras go, a great used Olympus OM-1 manual slr will do wonders if you can find one -- they are a treasure for astrophotography.

[John Rayner]

Hi Maya,

I live about a half hours drive from Mount Rushmore in western SD. It is much drier here than oregon and a lot less people. Only Wyoming has less folks than SD. A big city in this neck of the woods has 50K people. Towns can range anywhere from 10 people to 1k. There are plenty of nights when you can get some really good viewing here.

The only downside, for me, is I live about 3 minutes from the flightline of an airbase. They use some "big" lights on the ramp at night. That is where I get most of my light noise.

I am just looking to capture what I see by eye with my camera. If I can capture a full moon rise over the plains in all it's glory and be able to print it... I would be in hog heaven.

Have you ever seen a night map of the US... You know the dark spot in the upper plains... That is SD/ND. It is high and Dry here... It does get cold tho... the only drawback to the perfect natural obseratory... I am talking -20 and below before the windchill. (-20 with a 50 MPH breeze is durn cold) http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif The summer is great tho...

Here are a couple fantasitc moon shots done by a local photographer... Bill Grothe. He does some excellent work. 90% of all the great Mt. Rushmore shots are his.

[Crow Haven]

Hey John, very cool pics! Bill Grothe really has captured some beauties. http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif Yep, you will get your scenic pic with moon, just keep at it and experiment with lots of settings - bracket exposures like crazy, try to use a tripod, and you'll find an exposure likely to work out.

I've never been in SD for a stay but have driven through and was impressed by the landscape beauty (I also bought some beautiful Black Hills gold jewelry) -- sounds great and there must be a lot of happy astronomy enthusiasts there (perhaps there's a local club in your area even), but the winter must be something to take seriously! Brrrrr! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/eek.gif I bet they make lots of very good winter parkas, etc. to deal with it! The worst winter weather I experienced was while in NY and the blizzard hit -- but still that doesn't really compare to the temps you mentioned! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Hope you'll post some of the pics you take! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif