Battling to image Jupiter

Hi all

I have a 127mm Mak-Cass and I am using a no-name brand modified webcam to do my photography (limited budget and just playing around).

Last night I was trying to take some pictures of Jupiter but all I get is a very bright disk that looks like a light. (see attached picture) and ideas on how I can improve this.

It's only about 50 frames stacked - could this be the problem?

Any ideas will be appreciated.

Thanks
Douw
Johannesburg ZA

Attached Image:

Hello,


It appears that you have the gain of your camera set too high. My best guess.

Setting it high while focusing is useful since you can focus on one of the moons until it becomes as small and round aa possible. Then lower the gain until the planet image is no longer washed out.

I use a TouCam and when the gain is just right for the planet, the moons are no longer visible.


Kirk Vanden

Hi Douw,

I would tend to agree with Kirk: your gain may be set too high!


My wife is currently in Jo'burg until the 28th to record a cd (she's a singer). You sure live in a fascinating country Douw! We began visiting once or twice a year about 3 years ago and, each time, we fall more for SA. I hope one day to find a place to build a nice vacation house for the future. There should be plenty of dark skies close to you. I always plan on taking my traveling set up with me, but I would not know which way to go: any suggestion?

Ciao Douw.

Luca