SETUP | CCD SOFTWARE | READING

Setting up your Telescope System
 This section is devoted to the setup of your telescope system. The key to successful long exposure astrophotography is keeping your target centered on the imaging device. Although auto-guiders do a very good job in assisting in this function, the less the guider has to work, the more successful your imaging will be. This section will help you prepare your system for optimal tracking with our without an auto-guider.
 

Image Acquisition Best Practices - Richard A. Bennion
An in-depth look into how to obtain the best raw data from your imaging system. This presentation will explore how to use stellar profiles to measure, diagnose and improve imaging performance. Topics include collimation, polar alignment, flexure, periodic error management, advanced autoguiding techniques, focusing, dithering and automation.

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How To Capture a Comet - Richard A. Bennion
Ewell Observatory has created this step-by-step tutorial on our techniques for capturing and processing comets. Click here to learn more about how you can take great comet photos.

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Balancing your Telescope - Starizona
Proper balance of your telescope one of the most important factors of CCD imaging. With proper balance your mount does less work when auto guiding which results in better images.

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The Collimation - Thierry Legault
This is a fantastic article on how to collimate your telescope to achieve the best results your optics can achieve. We practice these techniques and find they provide excellent results.

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Polar Alignment - Scott Tucker
Here you will find an excellent article on how to polar align your telescope using the drift method and an illuminated crosshair eyepiece.

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