Mars (Monochrome) 2020-09-21 0736 UTC
This image is monochrome only, because I am still working out an issue that is preventing my filter wheel from responding to filter change commands. As Mars' opposition is just two weeks away and unfavorable weather can linger for days, I am anxious to get this resolved.
I deemed this image worthy of posting as it represents an improvement over my last Mars image. I attribute this to better focus that was aided by better seeing and me having developed a better eye for focusing planetary images. Astrospheric.com was calling my local seeing condition as above average, and the difference between this and what I have experienced so far in my planetary imaging journey was remarkable, and I am sure that factor alone made a difference in my ability to focus accurately. As far as the "me" factor, I spent more time watching for the smallest detail that I could discern in the shimmering image, and committing those brief instances of clarity to memory. After making focus adjustments, I would compare the new image with my memorized image, and make additional adjustments as necessary.
Major features visible in this image are south polar cap, Terra Sirenum, Valles Marineris, Solus Lacus, Olympus Mons, and Amazonis.
Meade LX850 (12" f/16)
ZWO ASI290MM
Autostakkert
Registax
Mars (Monochrome) 2020-09-21 0736 UTC
This image is monochrome only, because I am still working out an issue that is preventing my filter wheel from responding to filter change commands. As Mars' opposition is just two weeks away and unfavorable weather can linger for days, I am anxious to get this resolved.
I deemed this image worthy of posting as it represents an improvement over my last Mars image. I attribute this to better focus that was aided by better seeing and me having developed a better eye for focusing planetary images. Astrospheric.com was calling my local seeing condition as above average, and the difference between this and what I have experienced so far in my planetary imaging journey was remarkable, and I am sure that factor alone made a difference in my ability to focus accurately. As far as the "me" factor, I spent more time watching for the smallest detail that I could discern in the shimmering image, and committing those brief instances of clarity to memory. After making focus adjustments, I would compare the new image with my memorized image, and make additional adjustments as necessary.
Major features visible in this image are south polar cap, Terra Sirenum, Valles Marineris, Solus Lacus, Olympus Mons, and Amazonis.
Meade LX850 (12" f/16)
ZWO ASI290MM
Autostakkert
Registax