The following are selected articles that were written by members of the Vermont Astronomical Society and were either presented as part of a monthly meeting presentation, or published in the club’s quarterly newsletter The Morning Star.
DIY Push-To with Digital Setting Circles
A presentation given by club member Bob Horton at the December 2020 Club Meeting. Use of DIY Electronics to add digital readouts for Alt-Azimuth settings on a Dobmount.
DIY GoTo Controller
A presentation given by club member Bob Horton at the December 2020 Club Meeting. Use of DIY Electronics to add programmable tracking to a DobMount.
Basics of How Digital Cameras Work
A presentation given by club member Paul Walker at the February 2020 Club Meeting.
Astro-Imaging Processing Concepts & Processes
By Paul Walker
Paul covers some basic information about digital images that is useful for understanding why astro-images are processed the way they are. Includes information about the difference between pictures taken using a camera’s RAW format and the “normal” JPG format. Terminology and concepts are introduced such as light frames, dark frames and flat fields. Typical steps taken during “stacking” of images are covered. How to use specific stacking software is not covered. For “post” processing Paul introduces the image histogram and how adjusting the histogram is used to enhance images.
Astro-Imaging Equipment Overview
By Mike Stadtmauer
One can start out doing easy astro-imaging with a DSLR camera on a tripod for a modest cost ($400-$800). You may even have the equipment you need. Depending on your experience and knowledge of “normal” photography the learning curve can be quite steep. Regardless, it is recommended one progress from easy to more difficult. Deep sky imaging through a telescope gets pretty involved with the equipment needed and the range of options available. Not to mention what it takes to get the most out of your pictures. Lower end, through the telescope imaging can easily run a few thousand dollar for new equipment, medium and high end setups, several thousand. One can save a lot by purchasing used equipment.
This was done as a PowerPoint presentation to the club If you have questions feel free to contact us at info@vtastro.org
Astro Equipment Reviews
Wide View Binoculars (2.3×40) from Kasai Trading Co. of Japan
Astro Media Reviews
Cosmos: The Infographic Book of Space by Stuart Lowe and Chris North