Mars in RGB
September 22, 2020
(Click on Picture for larger view)
The Planet Mars in Red-Green-Blue
I shot this from the Heavenly Backyard Garden using the Celestron 11" EdgeHD telescope with a 3x Barlow on the night of September 22. During a brief opening of the clouds, I was able to 'somewhat' get a picture of Mars but the atmospheric seeing was still rather poor but I was able to capture it using a monochrome camera (ZWO ASI 1600mm). I shot it with 3 different filters; Red, Green, and Blue. After compiling the color-filter frames, I merged them into an "RGB" image in Photoshop to generate this color photo. I included each of the B&W filter frames in this image to give you an idea of how this is done. Keep in mind, with all the moisture in the sky and with passing clouds, I couldn't achieve perfect focus, particularly in the blue light. I'll have to wait for a clear dry night for that. The reason for using a monochrome camera is that you can get a much better quality image versus a one-shot-color camera. Mars is now shining a fiery Ruddy red high in the eastern sky by 11 pm. It is shining brighter than Jupiter now and will be at its brightest on October 13.
The Images of the filters presented in color
That 'Techy' Stuf
Telescope: Celstron 11" EdgeHD
3X Barlow yielding an f-ratio of f/30
Mount: Celestron CGX
Mount Control Software: Celestron PWI
Camera: ZWO ASI 1600mm Pro
Focus Controller: Celestron Focus Motor
Capture Sofware: SharpCap Pro
Stacked in AutoStakkert!
Processed in RegiStax 6.1
Post Processing: Photoshop CC
Seeing conditions: 6 (based on 0-10 where 10 is crystal clear)
Outside Temperature: 68°F (20°C)
Bortle Light-Pollution zone: 4.5 (can barely see the Milky Way)
Date: September 22, 2020
Location: My Heavenly Backyard, Savannah GA
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