Galilean moons

[jmahto]

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I was surprised that even 180mm lens is sufficient to see moons around Jupiter. I used 180Telyt 3.4 on M240 (ISO 200, f/3.4 and 1 sec). At this exposure Jupiter washes out since it is so much brighter compared to moons. This is shot through window. Better focusing is possible but you won't see any more details at this magnifcation (it is 1:1 crop).

 

From L to R: Europa, Io, Ganymede, Callisto

 

Right now Jupiter is high up in the sky after sunset. Go ahead and give it a try.

 

BTW, Saturn is also visible after sunset and with 180mm you will be able to see it elongated (for separating ring from the disk, you will need around 400mm. I had shot it two years ago using 400mm Telyt on Nex6 and posted it).
 

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Edited July 25, 2018 by jmahto

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[jmahto]

Well, today I used my Nex6 with 400mm Telyt 6.8 + 2XAPO extender to shoot Jupiter and Saturn.

 

Well, I was pleased.

 

1:1 crop on 16mp APS-C Nex6 sensor. This is a composite since moons needed 5 stops more exposure than Jupiter. I was so happy (and surprised) to see its bands!

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1:1 crop of Saturn on same sensor. It is interesting to compare Saturn's size with Jupiter.

[david strachan]

Congratulations Jayant.

Really excellent.

 

I love astronomy, and have been in a few clubs...your pics are truly excellent. The colour of Saturn is nice.

 

One can use 8x50 binoculars to see Jupiters moons too...if you're used to binos.

 

All best...

[jmahto]

Congratulations Jayant.

Really excellent.

 

I love astronomy, and have been in a few clubs...your pics are truly excellent. The colour of Saturn is nice.

 

One can use 8x50 binoculars to see Jupiters moons too...if you're used to binos.

 

All best...

Thanks. I have been tempted to get a proper telescope many a times. Maybe some day. I will give binoculars a try. Do they need tripod to look at Jupiter's moon or hand held is fine?

[gbealnz]

Yes, excellent stuff Jayant.

 

I too enjoy astro imaging, but like many facets it can be gear intensive. I use for example a 10" f5 newtonion scope, so 1250mm focal length. And then for planetary imaging, I use an image 3x or 5x amplifier (commonly called a "Barlow").

 

If you have the desire, try video with the Nex, resolution isn't overly important, even 640x480. Shoot a clip, and then find a stacking program. Registax or Autostakkert are two that spring to mind.

 

You'll be amazed, but possibly you need longer than 180mm or even 400mm. Good fun though.

 

Gary

[Toshack10]

Magnifico

[david strachan]

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Thanks. I have been tempted to get a proper telescope many a times. Maybe some day. I will give binoculars a try. Do they need tripod to look at Jupiter's moon or hand held is fine?

Hi Jayant.

Handheld works for me but anything stronger is too unstable and too slow to collect enough light. One can get bino-tripod adapters too.

 

Personally i prefer good binoculars to telescopes for general heavenly browsing.

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