Planetary imaging offers an engaging way to explore and process data from our nearest astronomical neighbors. If you're new to this field, it's highly recommended to watch Damian Peach's introductory tutorial on planetary imaging, as well as one of the many processing tutorials to understand the workflow for planetary datasets.
Before you get started, you probably have some questions which we will address below.
What will I receive from a planetary dataset?
Planetary datasets consist of a collection of stacked TIFF images, obtained using the equipment detailed in the additional dataset information. The original raw .SER videos associated with each TIFF image can be quite large, often exceeding 100GB. As you will receive at least 10 images per dataset, the total could exceed 1TB of data. Providing stacked images makes the planetary imaging section more accessible. The same stacking process outlined in Damian’s introductory tutorial has been applied to each dataset.
How do I process a planetary dataset?
Our planetary tutor, Damian Peach, has designed a series of tutorials to guide you through the processing workflow for each planet. If you're a beginner in planetary imaging - which differs significantly from deep-space imaging - it's worth viewing Damian’s introductory tutorial.
Why is some data monochrome and some in color?
The data was captured using various equipment and filters. Depending on the acquisition circumstances, sometimes a one-shot color (OSC) camera with IR/UV blocking filters is used, and other times a monochrome camera is utilized. These datasets have distinct processing routines, which Damian covers in his tutorials available in the tutorial section.
Why does a planetary dataset cost more than a one-click observation?
The creation of these planetary datasets involves considerable effort, making them more akin to an Observation Bundle than a simple One-Click Observation. The dataset prices reflect the seeing quality of the observation, which is the main determinant of success in planetary imaging.