Lunar & Planetary Images
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- Moon
- Mars
- Jupiter
- Saturn
Moon
Lunar image of the 10th day moon. Alpine Valley Physical date: Length: 130 km, Width: 8 km; Cleft in floor is well known high resolution challenge for amateurs.
Moon Calendar / Calendrier Lunaire en ligne (jardinage et astrologie)
Date: 10th Apr, 2003 15:28UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
Lunar image of the 13th Day moon. Crater plato. Note the number of small crater visible in plato itself. This is a very high resolution image for a 10" scope.
Date: 15th Mar, 2003 15:28UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
Lunar image of the 13th Day moon. The bright crater aristarchus, on it's right crater herodotus and valley Vallis Schroteri. Note the distinct shadows.
Date: 15th Mar, 2003 15:22UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
Lunar image of the 13th Day moon. Crater Gassendi, Crater Gassendi A on it's lower end.
Date: 15th Mar, 2003 15:17UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
Lunar image of the 13th Day moon. Crater Vitello on the upper left, crater Lee on it's right. Crater Dopplemayer on the lower right and Crater Puiseux on the lower bottom.
Date: 15th Mar, 2003 15:15UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
Crater Eudoxus and Aristoteles of the 7th day moon. The crater Mitchell can be seen on the lower left of Aristoteles. west is up on this image.
Date: 10th Mar, 2003 12:38UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
The crater J.Herschel of the 13th day moon. Horrebow on it's upper right hand side. Anaximenes to the north. South is up in this image.
Date: 13th Feb, 2003 15:11UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
Moon image 13th day moon. Does this look like a crown running after a dog? What did you see?
Date: 13th Feb, 2003 15:22UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
moon3 area The crater field near Mare Frigoris, Sinus Iridum and Sinus Roris. The big crater is J. Herschel and scarred on its southern rim by little Horrebow - imaged on 25th March 2002 through the Celestron C11 at F/22 with Philips ToUcam Pro.
eratosthenes area
eratosthenes area - imaged on 25th March 2002 through the Celestron C11 at F/22 with Philips ToUcam Pro.
Aristarchus area
The young crater Aristarchus greets the rising sun. The largely destroyed ancient crater is Prinz - imaged on 25th March 2002 through the Celestron C11 at F/22 with Philips ToUcam Pro.
clavius area
The big crater with several small craters inside is Clavius - imaged on 25th March 2002 through the Celestron C11 at F/22 with Philips ToUcam Pro.
Copernicus area
This distinct crater is Copernicus - imaged on 25th March 2002 through the Celestron C11 at F/22 with Philips ToUcam Pro.
gassendi area
The smaller crater to the upper right of the image is gassendi - imaged on 25th March 2002 through the Celestron C11 at F/22 with Philips ToUcam Pro.
Calvius area
The big crater with several small craters inside is Clavius - imaged on 30th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23.
Copernicus This distinct crater is Copernicus - imaged on 30th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23.
Mare Frigoris regions
Mare Frigoris regions just West of Plato. Top left hand corner is Promotorium Laplace. Top left big crater is Maupertius and Top right big crater is la Condamine - both craters in the Jura mountains - imaged on 30th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23.
Copernicus Most prominent crater is Copernicus. Two craters left of Copernicus - Bigger one is Reinhold and smaller one is Reinhold B. Jugged highlands just right of Copernicus are the Carpatian Mountains. Further left into the smooth are half bright distinct crater is Pytheas and slightlt larger crater left of Pytheas is Lambert. - imaged on 30th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/10.
Moon image=
Rimae Triesnecker & Hyginus area - imaged on 28th June 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23.
Moon image =
Aristoteles and eudoxus - imaged on 28th June 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23.
Mars
Date: 4th Sept, 2003
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/42
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 3x barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
Date: 3rd Sept, 2003
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/42
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 3x barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
Date: 31th Aug, 2003 Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/42
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 3x barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
Date: 25th Aug, 2003 17:03UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/42
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 3x barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
Date: 24th Aug, 2003 17:03UT
Telescope: Pentax Classical Cassegrain (400mm F/14) at f/34
Barlow: Televue 2x Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
First image thru the Singapore Science Observatory's 40cm Cassegrain.
Date: 22nd Aug, 2003 16:17UT
Telescope: Pentax Classical Cassegrain (400mm F/14) at f/34
Barlow: Celestron 2x Ultima Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
Date: 20th Aug, 2003 17:21UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/42
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 3x barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
First image after my US trip. Finally the skies has cleared in time for the opposition.
Date: 20th Aug, 2003 18:20UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/53
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 3x barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
Same image as previous image but with "super natural" approach processing.
Date: 15th July, 2003 19:41UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/61
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2x+1.8x barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
Date: 15th July, 2003 19591UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/61
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2x+1.8x barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
Date: 15th July, 2003 19:41UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/67.5
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 5x powermate
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
Date: 8th July, 2003 20:16UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/67.5
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 5x powermate
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
Date: 6th July, 2003 20:53UT and 21:22UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/67.5
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 5x powermate
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
Date: 6th July, 2003 19:51UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/67.5
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 5x powermate
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
Date: 21st June, 2003 21:57UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/60.8
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2.5x powermate + 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm) + True Tech Magneta filter (block 500-600nm)
Mars image=
Date: 21st June, 2003 21:36UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/60.8
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2.5x powermate + 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image= 150% resized version from the same previous image
The Tiny SPC Rift (near the CM) and "U" shape morning haze can be seen in this image. Variations in brightness are visible within the southern maria. The SPC central hole is easily visible as well
This is a very high res image for 14.8"
Date: 18th June, 2003 21:27UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/67.5
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 5X powermate
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
Date: 18th June, 2003 21:27UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/67.5
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 5X powermate
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
Date: 8th June, 2003 22:22UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm)
Mars image=
Date: 8th June, 2003 22:16UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/28
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro with Baader UV-IR rejection filter (bandpass 400-700nm) + True Tech Magneta filter (block 500-600nm)
Mars image=
Date: 24th May, 2003 22:14UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
Mars image=
This image is captured at almost the same time (1 min difference) than the image on 5th May and we get a similar CM, this is because of the rotation rate of mars which is 24.62hrs.
Small details like Nodus Alcyonius are visible.
Date: 6th May, 2003 22:03UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
Mars image=
My first image of the 2002/2004 apparition. (I managed to wake up at 5am finally). Mars has an apparent diameter of only 9.9" and this image has already shown lots of features.
Note the end of sytris major which is dark. Small features like Nodus Alcyonius are visible. The bright limb is caused by the bright morning limb haze which reflects sunlight.
Date: 5th May, 2003 22:02UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
2000/2002 apparition images
Mars image=
Mars image - imaged on 13th August 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23.
Mars image=
Mars Sequence - imaged on 12th August 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23.
Mars image=
Mars Sequence - imaged on 6th August 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23.
Mars image=
Mars Image - imaged on 5th August 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23.
Mars image=
Mars Sequence - imaged on 30th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23.
Mars image=
Mars Sequence - imaged on 29th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23.
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Mars Sequence - imaged on 24th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23.
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Mars Sequence - imaged on 23rd July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23.
Mars image=
Mars Image - imaged on 21st July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23. Massive dust storm still going strong, covering most part of southern hemisphere.
Mars image=
Mars sequence - imaged on 18th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23.
Mars image=
Mars sequence - imaged on 17th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23.
Mars image=
Mars sequence - imaged on 15th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23. Nix Olympica, Tharsis, Juventae Fons, Tithonius Lacus Visible.
Mars image=
Mars sequence - imaged on 14th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23. Nix Olympus, Tharsis Volcanoes very prominent.
Mars image=
Mars sequence - imaged on 13th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23
Mars image=
Mars image - imaged on 12th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23. Most visible disc appears to be obscured by dust. Nix Olympica visible.
Please see the NEWS ALERT - Planet Gobbling Dust Storm, News release by Science@NASA Date: 16th July 2001 where this image was used.
Mars image=
Mars sequence - imaged on 10th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23. Part of Mare Sirenum and part of Mare Cimmerium appears to be obscured by dust. Most parts of visible appears to be obscured by dust.
Mars image=
Mars sequence - imaged on 9th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23. Part of Mare Sirenum and part of Mare Cimmerium appears to be obscured by dust. Area from Mare Sirenum to part eastern part of Propotis Complex appears to be obscured by dust as well.
Mars image=
Mars sequence - imaged on 8th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23. The area south of Mare Sirenum appears to be obscured by dust. Area from Mare Sirenum to part eastern part of Propotis Complex appears to be obscured by dust as well. The area southeast of Mare Sirenum appears to be bright due to the Thaumasia (dust storm) nucleus.
Mars image=
Mars sequence - imaged on 6th July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23. The dust storm continues and is still covering Mare Cimmerium and the eastern part of mars in the images.
Mars image=
Mars sequence - imaged on 2nd July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23. The dust storm seems to have spread to the whole of the visible disc except the Utopia region. It will be interesting to see how the dust storm will develop in the next few days.
Mars image=
Mars Image - imaged on 2nd July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/32. The dust storm seems to have spread to the whole of the visible disc except the Utopia region. It will be interesting to see how the dust storm will develop in the next few days.
Mars sequence= Mars image - imaged on 1st July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/32. It seems like the region from part of Iapygia southward to M. Hadriaticum and eastward to M. Tyrrhenum and M. Cimmerium has been covered by the massive dust storm. There appears to be 3 large bright areas on this image, one is at Hellas, the other region just south of Elysium and the last one eastward to Hesperia area.
Mars sequence= Mars sequence - imaged on 1st July 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23.
Mars sequence= Mars sequence - imaged on 28th June 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23. This sequence shows the dust storm which has been observed at region comprising of Hesperia, Mare Tyrrhenium, Ausonia Australis, lapygia Virid, Hellas and the eastern portion of Syrtis Major. They appears to be obscured by dust. Notice the very bright spot east of Syrtis Major which is either in Libya or Isidis Regio.
Mars sequence= Mars sequence - imaged on 21st June 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23
Mars sequence= Mars sequence - imaged on 21st May 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23
Mars sequence= Mars sequence - imaged on 20th May 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23
Mars sequence= Mars image - imaged on 13th April 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/16
1998/2000 apparition images
image of Mars Comparison shot of Mars - imaged on 28th July 1999 through the Takahashi FS128 at F/23 and C8 at F/24.
LR(G)B image of Mars Mars - imaged on 21th July 1999 from 8:46pm to 9:39pm through the Takahashi FS128 at F/32. Apparent Angular Diameter = 9.94" An LR(G)B shot, R Channel = 25s, B Channel = 25s, G Channel = average of R and B
R(G)B image of Mars Mars - imaged on 5th July 1999 at 9:17pm through the Takahashi FS128 at F/32. South is to the top. This image shows Chryse which is the brigher region in the center of the image. Niliacus Lacus, Mare Acidalium is seen here near to the north which is the bottom of the image and Nilokeras is the fainter extension from it. Sinus Meridiani can be seen on the south-eastern limb
Mars
Mars - imaged on 1st June 1999 at 01:57am through the Takahashi FS128 at F/32.
Image of Mars
Mars - Imaged on 9th May 1999 at 23:42 through the Takahashi FS128 with IR rejection filter and 5x powermate at F/64.
Image of Mars
Mars - Imaged on 1st May 1999 at 02:33 through the AP 5.6" refractor with W#23A(red) + IR rejection filter and 5x powermate at F/59.
Image of Mars
Mars - Imaged on 1st May 1999 at 23:54 through the AP 5.6" refractor with IR rejection filter and 5x powermate at F/59.
Jupiter
GRS has passed transit. Callisto has started transit of the jovian surface. Callisto has a lower surface brightness than jupiter so it appears dark during transit.
Date: 13th Apr, 2004 15:11UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro (RAW)
image of jupiter
GRS in transit. Callisto is near the lower right limb and entering transit soon. Visually the GRS appears as very bright orange. Some hints of surface features on Callisto in this image.
Date: 13th Apr, 2004 14:12UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro (RAW)
image of jupiter
Comparison of Toucam in Normal and RAW color mode. A side by side comparision is also done with auto seletion of frames vs manual selection of frames in registax.
image of jupiter
My first image for apparition of 2003-2004. First attempt with Toucam in color RAW mode, this results in a reduced noise in the final image hence retaining the low contrast features.
Date: 10th Apr, 2004 14:57UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro (Raw)
2002/2003 apparition images
image of jupiter
This image is taken when jupiter altitude is only 55 degs. Seeing is very poor at this altitude. Note the white oval at the SPR.
Date: 17th Apr, 2003 14:25UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter
This is one of my very best shot to date consider that jupiter is only 39" in size. Taken in 7-8/10 seeing. GRS rotating into view from the following limb. Note the dark spot on the north hemisphere. The jetstream spot seems less obvious now after contacting the GRS
Date: 17th Apr, 2003 13:21UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter
Poor seeing this evening. The jetstream spot on SEB apparently has broken into two and one them has already contacted the GRS.
Date: 13th Apr, 2003 12:36UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter
Some thin clouds moved in and seeing has degraded much for this image. The GRS has rotated near to the CM. The jetstream spot on SEB is approaching the GRS. Note it's position on the 19th Mar image.
Date: 10th Apr, 2003 13:44UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter
The GRS is near the following limb, the SSTB ovals are clearly seen. The NTrB can be seen here as a grey line just north of the NEB. Fine details are noted over the whole visible disc. Note the changes in the relative position of the features compared to the 19th Mar image.
Date: 10th Apr, 2003 12:56UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter
The GRS is just at the very edge of the following limb (look very carefully), the SSTB ovals are clearly seen. The NTrB can be seen here as a grey line just north of the NEB. Fine details are noted over the whole visible disc.
Date: 19th Mar, 2003 14:01UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter
Image taken in poor seeing. The NTrB can be seen here as a grey line just north of the NEB. The NTB is weak and segmented, the remains can be seen just after the CM and rotating into view of the following limb. Fine details are noted over the whole visible disc.
Date: 18th Mar, 2003 14:28UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter GRS is in transit and near the CM. The dark matter around the GRS has changed compared to what was seen in the images on 7th March. The dark streak south of the GRS has broken up further. The NTrB can be seen here as a grey line just north of the NEB.
Date: 17th Mar, 2003 14:26UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter The NTrB can be seen here as a grey line just north of the NEB. The NTB is weak and segmented, the remains can be seen at the CM longtitude.
Date: 16th Mar, 2003 14:22UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Io is in transit, the dark polar region could be seen against the jupiter background. You can compare the details with the 10th Mar shots and see the changes in details. The NTrB can be seen here as a grey line just north of the NEB.
Date: 15th Mar, 2003 15:05UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter This is a larger processed version of the io transit shot, you can compare the difference with the 14:39UT image. The dark polar region could be seen against the jupiter background.. You can compare the details with the 10th Mar shots and see the changes in details. The NTrB can be seen here as a grey line just north of the NEB.
Date: 15th Mar, 2003 14:47UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Io is in transit, the dark polar region could be seen against the jupiter background.. You can compare the details with the 10th Mar shots and see the changes in details. The NTrB can be seen here as a grey line just north of the NEB.
Date: 15th Mar, 2003 14:39UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Part of the remaining weaken NTB can be seen just rotating into view at the following limb.Note the whole stucture of the SEBz and dark matter along the STB
Date: 10th Mar, 2003 15:44UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Another image from 10 Mar, with the rest of the 3 images you can see the rotation of jupiter.
Date: 10th Mar, 2003 15:24UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter My best shot to date. This image is about 7mins apart from the earlier on, however the features (GRS) near the limb appears to "move slower" compared to the features near the CM. Compare the details carefully to see the rotation.
Date: 10th Mar, 2003 15:07UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter GRS is near the preceding limb. Note the blue festoon that stretches from the NEB to SEB. The NTrB which is not visible normally can be seem as a grey belt just north of the NEB.
Date: 10th Mar, 2003 15:00UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter GRS is in transit. The dark matter around the GRS has changed compared to what was seen in the images days earlier. The dark streak south of the GRS has broken up further. The NTB remains weak and segmented. Note the long dark streak and white oval at the NNTB as well as it's changes compared to the images earlier.
Date: 7th Mar, 2003 16:10UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter GRS is in transit. The dark matter around the GRS has changed compared to what was seen in the images days earlier. The dark streak south of the GRS has broken up further. The NTB remains weak and segmented. Note the long dark streak and white oval at the NNTB as well as it's changes compared to the images earlier.
Date: 7th Mar, 2003 15:48UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Ganymede appears near the preceding edge of the disk. Much details were noted over the disk. Some tiny white spots were observed near the NNTB, their rotation can be follow in the 3 images. The NTB remains weak and segmented, the NEB appears dark, with a dark festoon near the CM in the 15:00UT image. The SEB appears to be bisect by a thin bright zone.
Date: 3rd Mar, 2003 16:37UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Ganymede appears near the preceding edge of the disk. Much details were noted over the disk. Some tiny white spots were observed near the NNTB, their rotation can be follow in the 3 images. The NTB remains weak and segmented, the NEB appears dark, with a dark festoon near the CM in the 15:00UT image. The SEB appears to be bisect by a thin bright zone.
Date: 3rd Mar, 2003 15:45UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Ganymede appears near the preceding edge of the disk. Much details were noted over the disk. Some tiny white spots were observed near the NNTB, their rotation can be follow in the 3 images. The NTB remains weak and segmented, the NEB appears dark, with a dark festoon near the CM in the 15:00UT image. The SEB appears to be bisect by a thin bright zone.
Date: 3rd Mar, 2003 15:23UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Ganymede appears near the preceding edge of the disk. Much details were noted over the disk. Some tiny white spots were observed near the NNTB, their rotation can be follow in the 3 images. The NTB remains weak and segmented, the NEB appears dark, with a dark festoon near the CM in the 15:00UT image. The SEB appears to be bisect by a thin bright zone.
Date: 3rd Mar, 2003 15:00UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Much details were noted over the disk, the NEB appears dark, a bright zone was observed in the NEB which is near the CM in the 16:17UT image. The region of the SEB preceding the GRS appears dark for it's southern border. A dark streak was observed at the NNTB which is near the CM in the 16:17UT image and appears to be breaking up.
Date: 2nd Mar, 2003 16:41UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Much details were noted over the disk, the NEB appears dark, a bright zone was observed in the NEB which is near the CM in the 16:17UT image. The region of the SEB preceding the GRS appears dark for it's southern border. A dark streak was observed at the NNTB which is near the CM in the 16:17UT image and appears to be breaking up.
Date: 2nd Mar, 2003 16:17UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Much details were noted over the disk, the NEB appears dark, a bright zone was observed in the NEB which is near the CM in the 16:17UT image. The region of the SEB preceding the GRS appears dark for it's southern border. A dark streak was observed at the NNTB which is near the CM in the 16:17UT image and appears to be breaking up.
Date: 2nd Mar, 2003 15:47UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Io can be seen in transit across jupiter, the dark contrast of it's two poles can be seen easily. Oval BA is near the preceding limb. The NTB is weak and only traces can be seen in the image. Note the fine details/ovals in the NEB,SEB and the polar regions.
Date: 27th Feb, 2003 16:32UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Another shot from 23rd Feb 2003. 3 mins after my best shot. GRS is in ransit near the CM. Note the orange color materials flowing from one of the white ovals in the STB
Date: 23rd Feb, 2003 16:28UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter My best shot to date. GRS is in transit near the CM. The NTB is weak and only traces can be seen in the image. The dark streak south of the GRS is beginning to break up and segmented. Note the dark matter just north of the GRS.
Date: 23rd Feb, 2003 16:25UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter This image shot just 4 mins earlier than the next image shows the rotation fast rotation of jupiter especially in the equatorial region. GRS is in transit near the CM. The NTB is weak and only traces can be seen in the image. The dark streak south of the GRS is beginning to break up and segmented. The NEB appears dark as well as the preceding part of the SEB before the GRS.
Date: 23rd Feb, 2003 16:21UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter The NTB is weak and only traces can be seen in the image. The dark streak south of the GRS is beginning to break up and segmented. Note the dark matter just north of the GRS.
Date: 23rd Feb, 2003 15:57UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Joint effort with Hong Kong Planetary master Eric Ng
The NTB is weak and only traces can be seen in the image. The dark streak south of the GRS is beginning to break up and segmented. Note the dark matter just north of the GRS as well as the light orange material flowing from the NEB-N.
Date: 23rd Feb, 2003 15:57-15:58UT
Telescope: 10" F6 Newtonian @ f/34.5 and Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) @ f/27
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter The NTB remains weak and segmented. Oval BA can be seen just coming in at the following limb. Notice the blue festoon on the NEB. Io can be seen coming out from the far side of jupiter.
Date: 12th Feb, 2003 16:55UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter The GRS is near the preceding limb while Io with it's dark polar regions visible is in transit with it's shadow cast on the disk The moon far to the following limb is Europa. Note the active SEB disturbance.
Date: 11th Feb, 2003 17:35UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter The NTB is weak and segmented. Oval BA is near the preceding limb. The GRS is about to come into view. Note the fine details in the SEB and the dark festoon north of the NTB.
Date: 10th Feb, 2003 18:13UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Notice the fine details on the SEB preceding the GRS and the details on the NPR and SPR. The NTB is weak and segmented.
Date: 8th Feb, 2003 17:35UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Lunar New Year Jupiter! Joint effort with Hong Kong Planetary master Eric Ng
Part of SEB Disturbance and Oval BA can be seen on these two images. As transparency at that night was very low, the "ring" effects can be found near the edge due to insufficient dynamic range and under exposure. Date: 31 Jan, 2003 14:58. 18:15UT Location: Hong Kong Telescope: 10" F6 Newtonian (R.F. Royce Mirror)(R.F. Royce Mirror) Mount: Vixen New Atlux Barlow: Televue 5X Powermate, F34.5 Camera: Philips ToUcam Pro Exposure: 1/25 sec Stacking: 500 frames Processing Software: Registax 1.1, Photoshop 5.0
image of jupiter Notice the fine details on the SEB and NEB. The NTB is weak and barely visible.
Date: 25th Jan, 2003 18:59UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter One of my best jupiter image to date. The white oval can be seen on the hollow between the GRS and SEB. The development can be seen and followed with daily observations. Note the dark festoon on the EZ region.
Date: 25th Jan, 2003 18:16UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Oval BA can see seen near the preceding limb. The NTB is weak and segmented. Note the details on the SEB and NTB. The dark festoon on the EZ region is interesting and worth observing.
Date: 24th Jan, 2003 19:00UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter The NTB is weak and segmented. Note the details on the SEB and NTB. The dark festoon on the EZ region is interesting and worth observing.
Date: 24th Jan, 2003 18:28UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter The GRS is near the preceding limb. Note the active SEB disturbance. The NTB is weak and not visible in this image.
Date: 20th Jan, 2003 19:35UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/24
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Note the active SEB disturbance. The NTB is weak and not visible in this image. Note the dark streak just above the GRS.
Date: 20th Jan, 2003 18:37UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/24
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter Note the active SEB disturbance. The NTB is weak and not visible in this image. Note the dark streak just above the GRS.
Date: 20th Jan, 2003 18:27UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/24
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of jupiter First light jupiter image with the mewlon 250. This images tells me I've not made the wrong choice for my planetary scope. The GRS is near the CM. Note the active SEB disturbance. The NTB is weak and not visible in this image. Note the dark streak just above the GRS.
Date: 20th Jan, 2003 18:27UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/24
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
Saturn
Taken under poor seeing (4/10), the B ring as well as cassini division is visble. Note the split in the SEB, shading on the globe as well the greenish SPR collar and the brownish south polar region.
Date: 10th Mar, 2003 13:01UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of Saturn
Taken under poor seeing (4/10), the B ring as well as cassini division is visble. Note the split in the SEB, shading on the globe as well the greenish SPR collar and the brownish south polar region.
Date: 20th Jan, 2003 15:44UT
Telescope: Takahashi Mewlon 250 (250mm F/12 Dall Kirkham) at f/27
Mount: William Optics GT-1
Barlow: Televue 2X Barlow
Camera: Philips PCVC740K ToUcam Pro
image of Saturn
Saturn - imaged on 15th Jan 2003 through the Takahashi Mewlon 250 at F/27
image of Saturn
Saturn - imaged on 1st Jan 2002 through the Celestron C11 at F/23
image of Saturn
Saturn - imaged on 18th Dec 2001 through the Celestron C11 at F/23
image of Saturn
Saturn - imaged on 23rd Jan 2000 through the Celestron C11 at F/23
image of Saturn
Saturn - imaged on 23rd Jan 2000 through the Celestron C11 at F/23
image of Saturn
Saturn - imaged on 8th Jan 2000 through the Celestron C11 at F/16
image of Saturn
Saturn - imaged on 26th December 1999 through the Celestron C11 at F/16
About Me
I'm an amateur star-gazer located in Singapore. This unique location of 1.3 degrees north of the equator allows objects both in the northern and southern hemisphere to be visible. I am born in 1971. I am married and have a cute daughter Yi Xuan that is 2 yrs old. I work as a Service Engineer with Horiba Instruments (S) Pte Ltd.
Currently my main telescope for planetary work is the Takahashi Mewlon 250, (250mm f/12 of the Dall-Kirkham design) on the William optics GT-ONE German Equatorial Mount. The Mewlon 250 has very good optics and is able to provide very high resolution images of the planets as well as detailed view of the planets visually.
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The Takahashi Mewlon 250 on with back cover removed for fast cooling. As viewed from my imaging site.
My family photo taken in 01/2003 in Hong Kong Trip. myself, my wife Susan and my daughter Yi Xuan
Thoughts on the Philips ToUcam Pro for imaging Mars.
Spectral Sensitivity Characteristics of ICX098 CCD chip used in the Philips ToUcam.
As seen the spectral response of this CCD chip when used for producing individual R,G and B images by splitting from the master colour image will not produce data of the same quality as of the images had been obtained through the proper interference filters. Therefore with the toucam, without additional of external filters the result image is not suitable for studies of white clouds in mars.
The main problem lies in that, the response of the chip in Blue ends at 580nm and Red ends at 450nm (with a small response down to 350nm). An IR block is essential so as to prevent leakage of IR into the G and B frame but the problem still lies in the overall bandpass of the built in R, G and B.
Bandpass of the built-in R,G and B filters in the CCD chip of the toucam (with IR block, with IR cutoff at 700nm)
Red 450 - 700nm
Green 475 - 700nm
Blue 375 - 580nm
This in summary means that the Blue data is “polluted” into the green spectrum (B bandpass from 550nm to 580nm) which is why a little surface features remain visible, even when an IR block filter is used.) Also, the R data is slightly polluted by the Red bandpass down to 450nm.
In further reviewing the documentation, the way in which the CCD reads the data out also causes problems, as 2 x as much G signal is generated than R or B.
We present one possible solution to this problem below.
Spectral Sensitivity Characteristics of True Technology CMY filters
Looking at the spectral characteristics of the True-tech CMY filters, we can “pre-filter” the ICX098 CCD chip with the magenta filter (with cut off at 500-600nm and efficiency of more than 95%) including a suitable IR rejection filter. This will block the spectral region from 500nm to 600nm, and block both the G leak in Blue (500-580nm), and Blue/Green leak in Red (500-600nm). Signal lost in R and B would be kept to a minimum as the True-tech Magneta filter has bandpass of more than 95%.
The resulting bandpass for the B would be 375-500nm and 600-700nm (assuming we have a IR blocker that cuts off at 700nm). This compares very well with other RGB interference filters with IR blocker.
Comparison of various commonly used Blue filters in Mars imaging
Kodak Warren #47 380-500nm
CFW5C 380-550nm
CFW8A 390-520nm
B filter from Johnson UBVRI Photometric Filter set 340-540nm
toucam + IRX
375-580nm
toucam + baader UV-IR + True tech Magneta filter 400-500nm
Note : 1. Bandpass of filter is actual spectral response and not FWHM bandwidth
2. The baader UV-IR filter passes 400-700nm with 98% efficiency
Resulting signal lost with the baader UV-IR + True Tech magneta filter would be around 10-15% compared to the unfiltered toucam which we can compensate with an appropriate increase in gain. As the surface of mars is relatively bright the lost of 10-15% unwanted signal will not hurt the overall SNR too much.
To produce a RGB image for aesthetic purpose we can construct a synthetic G by combining the R and B (with a ratio that can be easily worked out). As the G frame normally does not contain useful data for Mars and only the R and B are used for analysis, this will help to get better B and R frames using the ToUcam with very low extra cost and no modification, hopefully it will encourage more submitted images with useful data.
This solution will still allow an image to be captured with one AVI instead of resorting to individual external R and B interference filters which will require separate AVI files to be recorded for each of the filter.
Toucam Mars image with Baader UV-IR rejection filter
Toucam Mars image with Baader UV-IR rejection filter and True-Technology Magenta filter
Our final thoughts however, are perhaps while the ToUcam is a superb choice for producing high resolution colour imagery, perhaps the cooled CCD systems with proper filters still very much have the edge when one wishes to produce filtered imagery of Mars.