Posts Made By: Maurizio Di Sciullo

Damian,

Once again, another fine example of your exception quality work. 'Nuff said.


Maurizio

Eric,

Gorgeous!!! I wish mine were half as nice!


Maurizio

Hi All,

I was wondering if any of the experienced imagers would be so kind as to share some wisdom with a newbie such as myself. Specifically, I wish to acquire one of the new webcam-type imagers for planetary use, and I am not sure which to go with. My preferences would be to acquire one that has as great a dynamic range as possible, while not sacrificing the short exposure times, and rapid downloads. I prefer monochrome, as I have an excellent filter wheel equipped with my usual hi-grade interference filters, which will allow me to shoot LRGB, or LCMY, as I have both sets. I currently own a ToUCam pro (I've ordered a 1.25" adapter, but it hasn't arrived yet), but I was considering an Atik, or the unit Wes is currently shooting with. Also, which is the best program for seeking out the best frames, and automatically registering them? I know I've asked very broad questions, but I appreciate any suggestions anyone would be so kind as to forward.

This is eerie; I can't say I really ever thought I would be starting over again, working with, or considering a new technology. It's actually very exciting, and a lot of fun.

Thank you all.

Maurizio

Folks,

As some of you know, I started my CCD imaging endeavours with Mars. Blessed with a telescope with un-matched contrast, a good camera, and good seeing, I was able to record much on the surface, but even more in the atmosphere. My question is this; how effective have webcams been at recording atmospheric details on Mars? I have seen excellent work on Saturn, and the Moon, and equally good work on Martian surface features, but not so much on atmospherics. I attach an image acquird with my E-258 when Mars was about 13 arc-seconds in diameter. Notice the soft equatorial cloudbelt formed over Chryse/Xanthe, the orographics over Ascraeus and Pavonis, and lastly, the "S" shaped cloud over Tharsis. Also captured is the easy morning limb haze over Olympus Mons, and in general, the planet has a very "life-like" light to it, a very natural air with respect to what I saw at the eyepeice. Later that apparition, I also captured a very rare sight; Alba Patera jutting out of the atmosphere, cutting a neat, oval hole in the morning limb haze at its location. I have yet to see any such details from webcam work, despite the very high linear resolutions realized by many. Any thoughts?

Eric Todd said:

Hi all,

Processing is now completed on one of the Saturn images. It has been posted here, at my new website:

http://www.mindspring.com/~astro4565/solarsystem.html

There is my best Jupiter from last year also. Many more images to be added as time permits.

Best,
Eric

Eric,

Congratulations on a nice start (your site, I mean), and on very natural looking images. I especially like the way you've arranged the Mars/Saturn/Jupiter trio on the opening image. The individual shots look very natural, and simply have a very pleasing "gut" appeal to them. Keep it up!

Maurizio

This is a single frame, re-processed, shot through the inimitable E-258.

Maurizio

Eric,

Your Saturn image is beautiful!

Maurizio

Folks,

Ivan Gastaldo and I are trying to get together as many folks as we can to get out in the 'glades and do some DS observing and imaging. For the latter, I am making my array of cameras available (I have 5), so anyone in the Broward/Dade/Palm Beach area that is interested, let Ivan or myself know.

Thanks!

Maurizio

Hi Folks,

This was taken through my Criterion RV-6 (6" f/8) last night while I was chatting on and off with Ivan. I let the software do it all, as poor Ivan had to walk me through everything! Needless to say, I have room for improvement, as that was taken during excellent seeing! I will read up, and see if I can improve. I have a shot of the Moon, as well, and maybe it will be less depressing. Thanks for all your help, Ivan!


Maurizio

Folks,

I could have sworn I posted this already, but it didn't show up, so here it goes again. Criterion RV-6 (6" f/8), excellent seeing, lousy operator. I let the program do absolutely everything, and Ivan was helping me every step of the way. I have a LOOOOOONG way to go! Thanks for all your help, Ivan!


Maurizio