Capturing the Waxing Gibbous Moon: An Astrophotography Journey

Observing and capturing the Moon is a perennial favorite for astrophotographers, offering a dynamic and accessible subject right in our cosmic backyard. This recent capture of the waxing gibbous Moon showcases the beauty and detail that can be revealed with the right equipment and processing techniques.

The Setup: Precision Meets Performance

For this lunar portrait, the chosen instrument was the Askar 103APO telescope, renowned for its excellent optical quality and clarity. Paired with the ASI678MM camera, a highly sensitive monochrome camera, and a red filter, the setup was optimized for capturing fine lunar surface details. The red filter is particularly effective in reducing atmospheric dispersion and enhancing contrast, bringing out the subtle textures of the lunar terrain.

Acquisition: Gathering the Light

The acquisition process involved capturing a total of 31 frames. To achieve the sharpest possible image, only the top 20% of these frames were selected. This technique, known as "lucky imaging," involves stacking the best frames to effectively reduce the impact of atmospheric turbulence and noise.

Processing: From Raw Data to Refined Image

The journey from raw data to the final striking image involved several key processing steps:

1. Stacking: The selected frames were meticulously stacked using AutoStakkert4. This software aligns and averages the frames, significantly improving the signal-to-noise ratio and overall image quality.
2. Wavelet Sharpening: Registax6 was employed for wavelet processing. This technique allows for selective sharpening of different features, bringing out the intricate details of the lunar surface without introducing excessive artifacts.
3. Noise Reduction and Deconvolution: GraXpert was used for both noise reduction and deconvolution. Minor noise reduction was applied to maintain as much detail as possible, while deconvolution helped to further refine the sharpness and resolve fine features.
4. Final Touches: The image was then brought into Gimp for final enhancements. This stage involved blending different deconvolution results and making subtle adjustments to ensure the best possible visual outcome.

This process was not only about capturing a beautiful image but also about recalibrating equipment and re-engaging with lunar processing after a break. The result is a testament to the dedication and skill involved in bringing celestial sights into stunning focus.