1. Blythe Guvenen Kitt Peak Visitor Center

6.  Inexpensive  Gives you a rough “adaptive optics” effect  align and stack takes out atmospheric motion  Software is available!  RegiStax  AutoStakkert!  K3 CCD Tools  FireCapture  IC Capture Limited sensitivity primarily used for moon & planets, but can be used for multiple star systems and clusters

7.  Afocal imaging  eyepiece adapter  Prime/Cassegrain focus  1.25” adapter for webcam  Equipment: –webcam (lens removed) –digital camera capable of video

11.  Center the object in an eyepiece with a small field of view.  Replace the eyepiece with the webcam and adapter, if needed.  Connect the webcam to a computer with capture software.  Using live video, bring the object into focus.  Adjust gain and shutter speed to bring out detail.  Set up a directory and file index and record video, being mindful of file size.

13.  Percentage of frames used for stacking depends on seeing conditions, airmass, focus, etc.  Alignment points on your object allow registered stacking across hundreds of frames.  Once the automated software has aligned and stacked the video, there are several post- processing passes to try, including wavelet sharpening, arguably the most powerful tool.  RegiStax allows for correction of chromatic shifts across the object with color align.  Finishing touches can then be applied in Photoshop or similar programs.

14.  “Introduction to Webcam Astrophotography: Imaging the Universe with the Amazing, Affordable Webcam” by Robert Reeves (Willmann-Bell, Inc.)  “Shooting Planets in 1-Shot Color” article in the May 2014 issue of Sky & Telescope magazine