GRS images from Brazil - Forums

Hi Niall!

Here are my most recent GRS-centric (so to speak) images of Jupiter.
All using a similar setup: a Celestron C11 classic, at f/25 or f/20, all RGB integrations, using an ASI290MM cooled camera, and an Astronomik RGB filter set.
Conditions are very variable, but with seeing generally in the "good (3/5)" to "fair (4/5)", since usually the worst seeing nights does not result in images I botter sharing…
The color balance is variable too, even as I try to keep it similar, with presets in PixInsight and PS5, and without tinkering on the ASI settings for that matter.
Probably came from the sky conditions.
I integrate three to four sixty seconds individual channels images using WinJupos, for R, G and B, and combine them for a total interval of 10 minutes for each final image.
Some of my brazilian friends, which you contacted too, are willing to contribute to this project.

Hi Almir, your set up and technique are remarkably similar to mine. I have a C11 but recently upgraded to a C14. I have an ZWO ASI 174MM camera and colour filter set with a 2.5X Powermate for a focal length of 7m (C11) and 9.8m (C14). I also image for 60 seconds on each colour channel. Theoretically that is a bit long, especially for the C14, but I believe the AutoStakkert gives some level of de-rotation so that I don't need to de-rotate each individual video. Like you I do a series of RGB runs, which I stack with AS and wavelet sharpen with RegiStax. I too de-rotate with WinJUPOS, but I try to have 6 runs. I process the resultant colour image once again with RegiStax, where I do another round of sharpening and RGB alignment. The extra data from the multiple runs allows this extra sharpening without introducing too many artefacts or too much noise.
I also use a Bahtinov Mask on a nearby star to set the focus for each of the red, green and blue channels and mark each focal point on an white plastic template which I slip over the fine adjustment knob on my Crayford focuser. I then rotate the fine focus knob to the appropriate focus mark for each colour channel for each run. Getting focus each time was previously the bane of my life.
And yes, the quality of the result is entirely dependent on the seeing. My conditions are also variable, which is why it would never be possible to generate a good movie myself. Inevitably the final result will have some variability due to differences in resolution and colour, but perhaps we can correct for the colour to an extent. Thanks again for your willingness to participate. I hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew with this one.