Backyard Voyager
Saturn is an interesting target that changes from year to year. The ring system is inclined relative to the sun at about 27 degrees. Twice during each orbit around the sun, or about every 15 years the rings will appear edge-on as viewed from Earth, almost disapearing from view. The last time it occured was in 95-96. The next time will be during 2009. The images below were all captured early in 2005. During the previous year the rings had been in their most open position, with the A ring entirely encircling the planet's sphere. This will occur again in 2014.
Astrophotographers also like Saturn because more frames can be captured without the risk of blurring detail. By stacking more frames you are better able to reduce noise. Jupiter rotates so rapidly that it is best to keep captures at no longer than two minutes.
3/7/05 - with Televue 2x barlow in 8/10 seeing - 2296
hand-selected frames stacked in Registax 3.
3/11/05 - with Televue 2x barlow in 8/10 seeing - 2296
hand-selected frames stacked in Registax 3.
Captured with 3x barlow in fair seeing conditions-- roughly
1000 hand-selected frames, stacked in Registax 3.
3/26/05 - approx. 3 months after opposition. Roughly 1000
hand-selected frames, stacked in Registax 3.
3/3/05 with 2x barlow under 9/10 seeing conditions--
1903 hand-selected frames stacked in Registax 3.
12/29/04, 15 days before opposition under 9/10 seeing.
1107 of 1603 frames stacked in Registax 3.
Saturn on 2/15/2005. Taken at f/20-- 1919 hand-
selected frames stacked in Registax 3.
12/31/04 - Three weeks before opposition-- 2028 hand-
selected frames stacked in Registax
