Best Possible Astroimaging for the Beginner on the Cheap – Course: HET 615, November 2004 Supervisor: Dr
Project: Best Possible Astroimaging for the Beginner on the Cheap – Course: HET 615, November 2004 Supervisor: Dr. Pamela Gay – Student: Eduardo Manuel Alvarez Best Possible Astroimaging for the Beginner on the Cheap Abstract The objective for this project is to analyze the different imaging alternatives currently at the reach of any novice amateur astronomer. Considering that each one of the three possible astroimaging options -that is, film, CCD, and webcam imaging- has its own pros and cons, to know in advance which one becomes particularly appropriate for a given target becomes the ineludible very first step in the right way to achieve success. The selected technique has also to be applied at field with properness. Despite the apparent rudimentary of simple astroimaging gear, serious information can be inferred as long as it is rightfully used. What does “rightfully used” actually mean and which “serious information” can be particularly obtained will be the main discussed topics along this report. Finally, a head to head comparison will summarize the obtained results. Figure 1 Despite suburban skies, the glory of the Milky Way’s centre can still be easily imaged, as this not-neat framed shot proves. As for all remaining images in this report, south is up. Page 1 of 35 Project: Best Possible Astroimaging for the Beginner on the Cheap – Course: HET 615, November 2004 Supervisor: Dr. Pamela Gay – Student: Eduardo Manuel Alvarez 1. Introduction There are two basic possibilities for imaging: either analog or digital. Each one intrinsically achieves very different characteristics regarding linearity, dynamic range, spectral sensitivity, efficiency, etc.
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