Astromart

February 25, 2006 05:28 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Saturn Last Night

Jim - Each of your saturn images is better than the last. Way to go!

I hope you don't mind my sharing the following nitpicky comments. To my eye the processing on the planet's disk is excellent, but the ring detail appears to be somewhat soft for the good seeing conditions. The contrast increase from unsharp masking which is just right for the disk seems too much for the rings (looking at the wide CD and prominent dark arc of the Encke minima).

Have you tried using a selection region centered on each ansae to prepare two stacks that optimize detail in the rings (one for each side)?

best -
Alan

February 25, 2006 05:38 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Another Effort at Saturn - from Utah

Posted By Alan Friedman

Hi Tyler -

A wee dark on my monitor, but very detailed and well processed image. The storm shows up very nicely.

Have you tried using a slower shutter to see if the banding is present in stacks made from a stronger signal?

Alan

February 27, 2006 02:28 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Comet Pojmanski

Posted By Alan Friedman

Nice work! I enjoyed seeing your image on Spaceweather this morning.

Alan

February 28, 2006 03:27 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Jupiter 2/27 RED OVAL BA dissected!

Posted By Alan Friedman

I agree, Chris - I think it is your best image so far. The detail and beauty are extraordinary. Congratulations - I'm sure it is one of many good nights ahead for you this apparition.

best,
Alan

February 28, 2006 03:29 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Jupiter, Feb 28, GRS + Oval BA

Posted By Alan Friedman

Excellent images, Anthony - prepared very nicely with just a little softness from the seeing.

Alan

February 28, 2006 06:35 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

My 1st LRGB!! Thanks Tyler

Posted By Alan Friedman

Hi Luca -

Nice work!

The color image provides color information only - processing values cause very few problems in the color part. For fun, select the color layer of your LRGB and fool with it - apply a heavy gaussian blur or oversharpen it - it makes very little difference to the composited image.

The radial character of the detail on saturn allows quite a bit of latitude for the color image - you can probably use the same color image for luminance taken days apart, 40 minutes will not be a problem. This will not work as well on Jupiter or mars, unfortunately. smile

have fun -
Alan

March 1, 2006 02:54 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System

Question for the more experienced Photoshoppers

Posted By Alan Friedman

Hi Luca -

I believe you can do it either way. I would suggest for the final step to have the luminosty layer on top of the RGB (color) layer. Leave the color layer as normal and change the layer settings for the top layer from normal to luminosity.

Before this final step you can order the layers any way that you like for sizing and alignment of the images. You can easily move the layers later so luminosity is on top.

Alan

March 3, 2006 04:14 PM Forum: CCD Imaging and Processing/Solar System