One Dumb Question

This is a newbie astroimaging query. Are there any systems out there that are able to keep track of the configurations of what is being imaged and automatically stack coordinate-corrected data? That is, no need to stay exactly on track- any shifting this way or that would be compensated for by pattern recognition software and the data cumulated in the correct coordinates.

Jess Tauber

Jess,
Let me be first to say--there are no dumb questions. If there were, I would have topped the list when I started. If I understand your question correctly, you want to know if software can compensate for your mount's tracking errors. The answer is yes...and yes.

Even less reliable mounts can track well enough (particularly at shorter focal lengths) to get an image of some duration, let's say 30 seconds to even a minute. By shooting lots of these then stacking them you can attain lots of data. There are many, many software programs--from free ones to some costing a few hundred dollars--that let you choose one or more stars that the software can align on, then add or average all the many images. (I'm not sure, but I believe the Meade software will do this while you shoot. Most imagers save all the separate images for combining later.)

The other "yes" is that you can also use a second "guide" camera or other methods (Starlight Xpress cameras can guide and image with one chip, SBIG cameras have two seperate chips in the camera--both methods eliminate the need for a second guide scope) that will detect when your mount moves away from a selected guide star, then corrects the mount's movement. You will still be gathering multiple images to combine later, but because your mount is more on track, you can shoot longer "sub images" meaning there are far less images to stack.

I hope this is more helpful than confusing, and answers your question. If not, please ask away.

If you are just starting out, best to try the short sub image method and stack away in the processing stage.

Have fun,
Larry

Jess
Not a dumb question. I use MaximDL/CCD and it does perform a star match aligment that is very good and will even adjust for field rotation as well. The software is a little pricey, but if you plan to stay in this hobby long term, it is definely worth considering.
Have fun.
Steven Jindra

I know there are several systems based exactly on that. The Meade LPI I used to use did it. I think one of the SBIG systems do it. Basically, you are looking for a video system (LPI, ST-V (?), or webcam) instead of a still system (like DSLR or CCD). Then the video frams are stacked.

Alex

Jess,

Besides MAximDL, a cheaper software package called Nebulosity can do this alignment/rotation/stacking.

Don't let it's cheap price fool you; it is very capable software.

Also, if you are talking about "coordinate-corrected"; software like MaximDL can keep track of the coordinates that you are imaging..to make mosaics, for example.

Some software can even do "plate solutions", where the software checks your image against a catalog, and determines your image scale, image coordinates, and field rotation.

Hope this helps,

Keith