5 replies to this topic

[Special Ed]

I am a long-time visual observer (and sketcher) with my PST, which I've had since 2005.  Over that time period, I have tuned up my scope several times so that it performs about as well as a PST can.  Just recently, I decided to try some imaging with the scope.  I didn't want to spend a lot of money on new gear, so I am learning how to use what I have--which is a DSLR and a Baader Hyperion Mk III clickstop 8-24mm zoom ep (gstrumol was kind enough to give me some tips to get started--thanks, Gary!).

 

This is my first attempt.  Pretty steep learning curve with many false starts and discarded images.     It was supposed to be a clear morning but high clouds moved in as I was setting up.  They were relatively thin, so I kept going since clear skies have been rare here this spring.  I used my Canon T5i, Baader eyepiece set at the 20mm stop which got me 25x, and my double stacked PST to make a 60 second video.  I used PIPP, AutoStakkert!4, imPPG, and GIMP to process the best 200 frames.  I prefer monochrome but I know some people like colorized images, so I tried that, too.

 

This is from May 10th.  North is to the right and west at the bottom.  The big AR, 4079, is on the western limb.  Feedback welcome.

 

 

 

 

[gstrumol]

Nicely done! Glad I could help 

 

It looks good; I also posted on the 10th (https://www.cloudyni...n-ha-5102025/); I like to include a GONG image from that time for comparison.

 

Welcome to the world of Ha imaging!

[Special Ed]

Thanks, Gary.  I looked at your image from the 10th and I like your contrast better than what I have in my image.  I'll have to work on that. 

 

Thanks for the likes, everyone!

[gstrumol]

Thanks, Gary.  I looked at your image from the 10th and I like your contrast better than what I have in my image.  I'll have to work on that. 

 

Thanks for the likes, everyone!

Thanks Michael!

 

Let GIMP be your friend ... 

[marty]

Amazing images, and from a first attempt! I am always impressed by the PST, the only "affordable" H alpha scope. In my humble opinion it is one of the true bargains in astronomy gear, as long as it is not plagued with "rust". Thanks for those pictures!

Edited by marty, 16 May 2025 - 08:40 PM.

[Special Ed]

Thanks, Marty!  I agree, a PST can be *really* good, especially for the price, but with a couple of caveats.  I've had mine long enough that I have encountered all the issues--rust, cloudy ITF, misaligned pentaprism--so that now my PST is hypertuned for performance.  I even managed to snag a second hand double stack filter.  But--I don't know if there is any dealer around who can fix the rust issue in an older used PST (the ITF replacement and pentaprism alignment are DIY).