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Venus May 2004

Even though the sky is very light just after sunset, I would like to try to capture Venus.
I tried different exposures. Gain was set to zero in order to achieve best possible image quality.
I prefer the result at 1/50s.
The important lesson learnt was that the best image was produced from exposures that visually looked a bit dim at the time of capture.
Things can of course be improved in Photoshop, but an as-good-as-possible starting point is always important.
Venus
Crescent Venus Venus Venus Venus
Exposure: 1/100s
60 of 100 Frames used
20:16 UT		 Exposure: 1/50s
60 of 100 Frames used
20:18 UT
 Exposure: 1/33s
60 of 100 Frames used
20:07 UT
 Exposure: 1/25s
(overexposed)
30 of 50 Frames used
20:06 UT
 Exposure: 1/25s + gain
(overexposed)
30 of 50 Frames used
20:06 UT


All pictures taken from Bergen, Norway. 09 May 2004, 20:06 - 20:18UT
Camera: Philips ToUcam Pro II CCD webcamera.
Telescope: Meade ETX-90EC, Primary focus with 2x Barlow.
Image of Venus captured and stacked with K3CCDTools.
© 2004 Odd Høydalsvik


Venus March 2004

For comparison I include this picture taken on 09 March 2004 (18:49 UT) before I learnt mastering exposure with web camera.
This is taken with automatic exposure, and is hopelessly overexposed.
Lesson learnt: Do not trust auto-exposure!
Notice how much the phase and size has changed during these 2 months.

Venus March 2004
© 2004 Odd Høydalsvik