Astroart Forum

Hi All

I was wondering whether anyone has used AA8 for processing images from Seestar S50. If so, do you have any helpful tips or main processing techniques that should be used to improve the image quality.

Regards
Andrew

Hi Andrew, I see that it can produce FITS files, are these already demosaiced, or just RAW?

https://store.seestar.com/products/seestar-s50
"Which type of shooting files saved"

Fabio.

Hi Fabio

They are raw FITS files. I’d just be interested to know what’s recommended to simply process the images to make them look pretty

Cheers
Andrew

Hi Andrew, what you are asking for could not be answered in a simple reply on a message forum. I suggest you look into some books about astrophotography image processing.
Years ago I started out with a book by Ron Wodaski "The New CCD Astronomy" it's pretty old now but that's one I would recommend. I'm sure there are many others now.

https://www.amazon.com/New-CCD-Astronom ... 0971123705

Are these RAW files similar to those produced by DSLRs? If yes, you may use the same workflow. Feel free to send me a sample image for a better advice.
This little device seems really nice, I would like to have the time to use one. Since it's altazimuthal, does it include a derotator too?

Hi Fabio

They are fits images. No derotator, the system takes 10s images and stacks them. Works fine for elevations less than about 80 deg. You can download the individual 10s fits images to use in image processing software such as AA8. The images are also corrected for darks. I’ve done astrometry on some of the images of some 14-15th mag asteroids and can readily achieve residuals less than 1”. In fact I’ll be applying shortly for a MPC Observatory code.

I’ve also been able to determine BVR transformation coefficients using standard fields for use in photometry.

Whilst I like using the system for “scientific” purposes, I’d love to know how to perform simple processing in AA8 to improve some “pretty” deep sky objects!

I’ll send some images through to you shortly. Feel free to play around.

Regards
Andrew

I know this is off topic but the SeeStar now has the option for 10, 20 and 30 second images.