Malvazinky Observatory in Prague |
Quick Nav:Photographs: Deep Sky | Solar Photosphere | Solar Chromosphere (Hα)
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My ProjectsMarch 2013: Description: DStation is a BSD licensed cross-platform software implementing various image deconvolution methods described in J. S. Lim, “Two-dimensional signal and image processing,” Prentice Hall, (1990) and other sources. DStation is a GUI testbed for various not so well known image deconvolution algorithms. It can be used for various applications, including astronomical image processing. One of the algorithms implemented was developed by me and is based on a MIT handbook by J. S. Lim. This method is called "Usatov, Atmospheric" in the DStation, and the description how it works is here.
DStation 0.5 alpha 5 build for FreeBSD October 2011: Description: Assisted to confirm the PNV J00424277+4052017 event. June 2010: Description: How deep amateurs can go? The Hubble Ultra Deep Field has inspired amateurs from the very first moment it became available. In 2010, Yuri Toropin, PhD, has started an international collaboration project whereby many amateurs worldwide have submitted their M51 imaging data into a single large dataset. This is my own version of processing this wonderful collection of photons. July 2008: Description: A successful attempt to image Solar granulation with an amateur 280mm Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope located in Central Europe. A number of post-processing techniques have been applied, including Wien filter rescale, Lucy-Richardson deconvolution, QE Super-resolution rescale to achieve the result. This comparison shows that an amateur instrument still can achieve significant results if compared to very expensive professional telescopes. Publications: Sky & Telescope, November 2008 issue and Astronomy Now, November 2010 issue. May 2008: May 2008: appendix: Elements 18 kB April 2008: appendix: Catalogue - Elements 142 kB February 2008: December 2007: May 2007: Description: By monitoring noise levels at 22.09 MHz, we have been able to capture synchrotron emission of our own galaxy during it's transits through the skies of Balovka. A complete Radio Skypipe chart data of the event is available as SPD (16.7Mb averaged version) November 2006: Description: Project ASE has been started to get a better understanding of the processing techniques used for exoplanet search using radio velocity method. Currently ASE is a complete software suite which incorporates Genetic Algorithms for automated model search, model polishing using Levenberg-Marquardt and Multiobjective Goal Attainment procedures, Lomb-Scargle periodogram, bootstrap analysis and orbital stability checks. ASE has been mentioned in my publication at Ka-Dar Info Newsletter, #5 2007. If you wish to obtain the latest version of ASE software, please write me an e-mail. September 2006: Description: M42, the Great Orion Nebula, is probably one of the most interesting objects in the sky. The amount of details visible in a telescope of even very small diameter is exciting. This small project is an attempt to help ourselves to stay more oriented when referring to the visible features of M42. Comments and corrections are very welcome. September 2006: Description: This is the first "serious" trial to spectroscopic analysis with a Paton Hawskely SA100 diffraction grating filter on an undriven 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain and SPC900NC camera. |
MET9 Satellite Image of Europe (Visible)
Unisys 300mb Wind Speed over Europe 300mb wind speed is considered to be a good indicator of astronomical seeing. Pink zones represent areas with low wind speeds whereby periods of excellent seeing are likely. Damian Peach provides good description on seeing forecast. SkippySky Europe Page: alternative astronomy weather resource by Andrew Cool from Australia. Solar SOHO MDI Continuum Latest ImageMy observatory equipment: Aries 10" f/15 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope |
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2006-2008 Seasons 2008: Bought C11-SGT XLT in Prague - this is just an ideal all-around mobile workhorse with plenty of aperture. Purchased almost the same set of accessories I had back in Dniepropetrovsk. I am going to use it as a primary telescope for deep sky observations until planetary season kicks in. Right now, continuing to build the 909-based heliograph (I took 909 from Ukraine with me), enjoying the Sun and thinking about the mounting options for Aries. Also started paperwork astronomy projects - such as search of variable stars in the NSVS. Managed to discover 927 new variable stars and got published in the OEJV. 2007: Telescopes additionally purchased: second hand Celestron C11-S XLT from USA on a black Synta EQ6 SynScan from Netherlands - both bought on Astromart, Synta SKP2001 Newtonian, Synta 909 achromat, Aries 10" MCT, Coronado PST, William Optics ZenithStar 66ED. All telescopes except Aries MCT, PST and ZenithStar were sold as I moved to Prague later this yhear and could not take all the items with me. C11 showed unforgettable deep sky views under the dark nights of Balovka. Bought lots of additional accessories, the most magnificent are: Denkmeier Standard Binoviewer for planetary observations and Astrovid Voyager XGA format monochrome CCD camera for Solar system imaging. ZenithStar, coupled with APM SolarPrism or Baader Astrosolar Film prooved to be an excellent small telescope for the "solar landscape" work in Calcium K line and continuum light, although later prooved that 909 is capable of what the little ZS can do and even more. Aries MCT and the binoviewer are idling in their cases probably until 2010 Mars and 2011 Jupiter seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. Got seriously involved into Solar imaging with the arrival of Coronado PST. Started a solar heliograph "project" to acquaint the 909 achromat and the PST Fabry-Perot etalon. Got Naglerosis. 2006: Began my journey into amateur astronomy with a 127mm Synta MAK127 on Synta EQ3-2 mount. Mostly doing some experimental imaging with the Philips SPC900NC color CCD camera including spectroscopic observations. Some introduction into deep sky happened with 5" aperture, but not that much excited about it. Got excellent Jupiter season with the MAK127, mostly on my balcony in Dniepropetrovsk - it showed plenty of detail and superb contrast. Got a glimpse of Uranus and Neptune and, of course, the Moon. That's the beginning I could only dream of! |
For all contacts: maxim.usatov -at- bcsatellite.net 2006-2014 |