2018-12-09 update
To get everyone involved and excited about the project, we are making images taken by the DSLR available now!
Here is the link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mrXIt3I6j5KZ6xpYgJsWuXmWjaMx99al
Open the notes file to read about the various files available. These images can be used to create a finished product. Guidance on how to process these images will be provided within the Astrophotography group when the program starts. Check out online astronomy tutorials for the basics.
2018-11-28 update (pm)
We continue to make progress. Pilot members of Robotic Telescope astrophotography team are testing some of the captured data by producing some images. Even though it is the same data that is shared, it is easy to see that everyone processes the images to their own tastes.
The Pac-Man Nebula (NGC 281)
From the main CCD and 16" f/8.9 telescope, here is NGC281 (Total exposure 13.5 hours with 4.5 hours through each narrowband filter H-alpha, OIII, SII. Each subframe exposure was 30 minutes in length).
NGC 281
Processed by Francois Theriault of New Brunswick.
NGC 281
Processed by Dan Meek of Alberta.
Double Cluster / Heart & Soul Nebulae
From the Canon 6D + 200mm f/2.8 lens, we are testing the correct settings as we trial some data. Here is the region around the Double Cluster in Perseus, along with the IC1805 and IC1848 otherwise known as the Heart and Soul Nebulae.
Double Cluster / IC1805 / IC1848
Processed by Francois Theriault of New Brunswick.
Double Cluster / IC1805 / IC1848
Processed by Murray Hainer of British Columbia.
2018-11-09 update (pm)
Wanted to share some images of the scope. These were taken during the previous full moon. You can see the telescope with the Canon6D/200mm lens riding piggyback. In the side shot, you can see the optical train of the main scope with the camera, filterwheel, guider and Adaptive Optics (AO) unit. The shot of the full moon was taken through the main 16" scope. It gives a great representation of the field of view which just fits the moon. This should give everyone a sense of scale of what the main scope can capture.
We're looking forward to getting some great shots of 46P Wirtanen as it gets higher and brighter in the sky during December. But if you're looking for comets, the image below of M31 shows comet 64P Swift-Gehrels sitting nearby in the shot taken with the Canon6D/200mm lens combo.
Telescope in Moonlight
Taken during the previous Full Moon.
Telescope in Moonlight #2
Taken during the previous Full Moon.
Full Moon
Notice the libration of the moon providing a great view of the northern portions of the moon.
Comet 64P and M31
Comet 64P Swift-Gehrels near M31. The comet is located by the two markers.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 Double Cluster, processed by Murray Hainer |
2.58 MB |
| Double Cluster, processed by Francois Theriault |
2.85 MB |
| NGC 281, processed by Francois Theriault |
5.29 MB |
| NGC 281, processed by Dan Meek |
3.39 MB |