Tyler, I did not mean to marginalize your astro-imaging efforts. The results are certainly top-notch. I just wanted to point-out that it is now in fact easier to do astrophotography than it once was, to a much higher standard- and consumer choices are much better and more affordable, in todays dollars. By your own posting, it read like you probably would not be doing it (or at least not be as productive) if you had to guide manually for the same exposure times and deal with emulsions instead of digital files. Did I misinterpret your statement? Anyway, I'm very sorry if I offended you. I know how difficult it can be to become profficient using certain software and manipulating data- I recently took a college course for a year to get a Solidworks certification (3D design/drafting/manufacturing). And there are still times when I have to dive back into the manuals or the help files! Sounds like you've been involved nearly as long as I have. I am almost 48, and have been doing this since I was nine or ten years old. I had found all my Messier objects as a ten year old, by myself, with an Edmund 4.25" reflector. What a ride it's been. --- Tyler Allred <tylerallred@earthlink.net> wrote:
I may be a newcomer to this list, but I am not new to astronomy. I am 43 years old and I grew up with a Dad who was an avid astronomer. We started with homemade scopes and eventually worked up to a C-14 with a roll-off roof observatory. We tried some astrophotography (with limited success), but we mostly just enjoyed the views at the eyepiece.
I am glad that I lived long enough to enjoy the convenience that CCD brings. It certainly is easier than the old days and produces generally better results, especially in the hands of an experienced imager. I might point out that CCD doesn't guarantee great results. I put enormous effort into my images. My entire setup is portable and needs to be set up and polar aligned each time I image. Also, the learning curve for processing data is pretty steep. If I gave my raw data to members of this list, few could produce really great images. It still takes a lot of work! But I love it!!
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