Satgen 117  Astronomical and Space Pictures  by GM4IHJ  23 June 91

The small note in Satgen 109 about astronomical studies using a CCD camera
brought several requests for more information. So here goes :-

The project is still in the planning stage. Initial discussions suggest an
approach which divides the work into several discrete parallel paths, each
of which is self contained ,so they can be attempted by different teams at
the same time. Paths are :-
1. Investigation of suitable telescope , mounting , and remote control.
2. Building of a CCD camera and associated thermo/electric cooling system
3. Writing of Tracking, Camera, and Image handling software
4. Prospecting of potential observing sites and buildings
5. Developement of ATV or Packet links for Image distribution.
6. Image store and Library facilities

Each of the above paths to start with a simple breadboard opening phase
using anything available however crude or cheap, followed by increasing
sophistication as the project proceeds through prototype to full
operation.

Please note that direct purchase of a CCD telescope of 6 or 8 inch
aperture, with a heavy duty mounting capable of remote control, together
with a suitable computer ( say IBM PC or clone 386 processor VGA plus
100Mb hard disc as minimum ), would cost perhaps 10 to 14 thousand pounds.
So DIY has to be the order of the day. At first glance dedicated packet
links appear to be a simpler option than ATV, particularly for colour. In
addition , most authorities advise image processing before distribution 
and this must be handled on the computer in a digital format. 

GM4IHJ's activities presently consist of a hands on exploration of Image
Processing. I can recommend 2 books . A text book - CCD Astronomy by C
Buil, and , a set of two IBM PC 5.25 disks and a guide book - Astronomical
Image Processing by R Berry ( Publisher of both is WILLMNN-BELL Po Box
35025 Richmond VA USA 23235 ). I have been having a ball with the Berry
book and disks. Even if one goes no further, it is a fascinating hands on
introduction to Image Processing. Much better than any computer game - Eg
Can you bring out the volcanic plume on the image of Jupiter's volcanic
moon Io ?

You can be excused for asking "What has all this to do with Amateur Space
Activity ". Perhaps if Uosat F ( now postponed to July by Ariane 3rd stage
fuel pressure problem ), gets off to a good start with its camera
equipment , we could witness the regular usage of space imagery from Radio
Amateur sources quite soon. Why should we not go on from there to Auroral
Patrol cameras, Lunar studies, and a mini Hubble observatory ( with lenses
which focus ). Suitable terrestrial satellite gateways could distribute
this material widely via packet. 73 de John GM4IHJ @ GB7SAN