Question about my fuzzy Jupiter image | Astronomy Photos

Nancy Ross · 2026-02-25T00:20:30.122448+00:00

Atmospheric turbulence really messes with planetary shots.

Yeah, air turbulence is the worst for planets. Try shooting a video instead of stills, then use Registax to stack the best frames. Let your scope cool outside for a while before you start, that cuts down on heat waves. Good seeing usually happens later at night when the air settles.

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quinnc986mo ago

Honestly I've never bought into all that technical fuss. Just looks like regular blur to me. My buddy gets decent planet pics with his basic scope from his backyard every time. Maybe it's more about your local air quality than waiting for perfect conditions. All that cooling and stacking seems like overkill when you could just try again on a clearer night. People make this hobby way harder than it needs to be.

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scott.simon6mo ago

That point about good seeing later at night is spot on. I've spent whole nights getting fuzzy shots because I started too early, it's so frustrating. Waiting for the air to settle really is key, I usually pack my patience and start after midnight. Stacking helps salvage some frames, but man, turbulence can ruin everything in seconds lol.

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