Imaging planets from imaginary worlds

doi:10.1119/1.5055339

Paper

Imaging planets from imaginary worlds

Published Sep 20, 2018 · H. B. Akins, D. Smith

The Physics Teacher

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Abstract

The planets in our solar system are remarkable and captivating objects for beginning astronomers to study. While merely observing the planets is fairly easy, it can be difficult to capture the high-quality images beginners hope for. The methods used for deep-sky astrophotography are optimized for dim, fairly large objects using large apertures and long exposure times. These tools do not work nearly as well for the planets, which have the reverse properties: they are bright and very small. As such, the planets can serve as great teaching tools for capturing astronomical images, using software processing tools, and understanding the role of angular size in a flat image. In this paper, we will explain how to implement “Lucky Imaging,” a simple but powerful process for photographing the planets. World-class facilities use Lucky Imaging in conjunction with adaptive optics, but we will show how you can achieve striking telescopic images with only a commonly available smartphone. We will show an example of how t...

Study Snapshot

Lucky Imaging, a simple but powerful process, allows beginners to capture high-quality planet images using only a smartphone, making it a great teaching tool for astronomical imaging and software processing.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

Imaging planets from imaginary worlds

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