Planetary Imaging Start to Finish: My 2021 Workflow

A look at the types of cameras you can use, how to image the planets, and how to process the data in PIPP, Autostakkert, Registax, and Topaz DeNoise AI. I've even made a couple of sample video files available which you can download below. One is the raw video from my ASI 385 camera, and the other is a cropped-down version that was created using PIPP. Check out the time links below to jump to specific sections in the video as well as links to the software, cameras, and more.

Time Links:
00:48 Planetary imaging vs deep-sky imaging.
03:05 Cameras and gear needed
08:35 My setup
11:19 An imaging capturing session
15:08 Cropping down video data in PIPP
18:33 Stacking video frames in AutoStakkert
25:46 Sharpening the stacked image in Registax
30:06 Removing image noise in Topaz DeNoise AI
32:13 Final edits/image annotation in Pixelmator
34:52 Making the final loop of Jupiter and closing thoughts

Download the Data:

Software:

Cameras/filters:

(I earn a commission from any purchases made through Amazon Affiliate links)

[patrickkavanagh]

Steve: This is possibly the clearest "how-to" video on the internet, on step-by-step planetary imaging and data reduction. Your written notes make it much easier to follow your workflow.

[elvisvelez]

After going down many rabbit holes for getting started with astrophotography, this has been the best video at explaining in simple steps what I am going to need to do. thank you for keeping it simple and easy to understand ! Well done !!!

[DBFIU]

This is exactly what I've been looking for. Concise, info packed and no bullsht talk about your grandma or your dog.

[bigzy]

I keep coming back to this video again and again. The most informative one I’ve found for planetary imaging. Thank you!

[craiglowery]

Ever year I come back to this video. A classic planetary imaging video. Thanks Steve

[alexandrevaliquette]

28:10 From okayish to magical!
That's the money shot.

[LRDUNKIN]

I've got the same telescope with a ZWO 1462 camera. Your workflow outline was a huge help for why some nights of capture have been better than others. Thanks!

[seniorcordcutter]

You're probably not monitoring this 3yr old 37:52 video that I came across but I have to comment.
WOW .. information overload for this 74yr old beginner. I'm saving this for when I hopefully will be able to do anything closer to what you just did!
I bought an Inspiron 14 7445 2-in-1 just for this purpose. I hope I didn't buy short of what's needed.
Celestron 8SE bundle then purchased AI585 MC Pro, adaptor, Asiair plus 256G & focal reducer.
Other items also.
Im finding my new hobby is very overwhelming at my age.
Thanks for the video & links..!

[gregorybudziszewski]

Wonderful!!! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience and workflows with fellow enthusiasts! Just starting to more seriously explore planetary imaging and your video is spot on what I’ve been seeking! Thank you!

[adityathakur]

Thanks so much! This is one of the most comprehensive video's on planetary photography and I was able to follow the process all the way through from capture to processing with ASI 462 and 10" SW Dob.

[kytos]

Absoloutely the best tutorial on YouTube

[davidalbert]

I am thoroughly impressed with the quality of this video! Thank you!

[OliverHext]

Just got my first ZWO camera for my 127mm MAK. Thanks for this, really helpful and clear

[orlandomonaco]

Tremendously helpful and possibly the best YouTube resource for planetary photography. Thank you

[KITESWJS]

This was the most helpful video I seen regarding planetary astrophotography .... thank you so much for taking the time to produce it for us beginners

[tullyfisher]

Great video. I did the planetary processing many times but I didn't know how to delete bad frames in AS!. Always something new to learn - Awesome. :) Thank you! cs

[mikemurphy]

This was fantastic eh!! How thinks that red spot was the neatest touch!! We love you Steve!!

[mantownmedia]

Very helpful and inspired me to work on the Planets!

[nathanbarnard]

Thank you so much for putting in the time/work to make this video, I learned so much! Really great and clear info that’s useful and to the point. I just recently got my first telescope (celestron evolution 9.25) and I’m so happy with it, but I’ve got a lot to learn and a long way to go especially with astrophotography. We appreciate you!

[sjanarth]

Excellent video, Steve. I was especially interested in your image train setup at 8:35. Is it possible to list each of the components (adapters and all) in your imaging train? Perhaps add to the description? I've captured DSOs for a couple years now and starting out on planetary imaging. I suppose this detail would be very useful for folks like me. Anyways, thank you very much of taking the time to put together this tutorial !