Plate Solving Problem

stubblejumper

Until last night I've never had a plate solving problem that wasn't resolved by changing the focal length or correcting some set up problem. However, using an ASI290mm mini and a focused RC6 (1368mm focal length), it would find 30+ stars but couldn't plate solve. I live at 49°N so there is no total darkness these days. I'm also shooting in Bortle 8 skies but with a Light Pollution Suppression filter. I wonder if the plate solving data doesn't handle long focal lengths. BTW, I tried adjusting the Focal Length and even use 0 with no luck.

w7ay

stubblejumper using an ASI290mm mini and a focused RC6 (1368mm focal length)

This tool is very useful to quickly get plate scales and FOV.

https://astronomy.tools/calculators/field_of_view/

Using the focal length you gave and the ASI290 camera, the FOV came out to be 0.23º x 0.13º. Thats too small for the ASIAIR.

The second generation ASIAIR needs an FOV of larger than 0.2º x 0.2º to solve.

There could be some regions of the sky with dense stars that can solve, but it is not guaranteed that you have enough recognizable asterisms everywhere.

Try also to get tack sharp focus.

Try saving an image and upload it to astrometry.net if you want it plate solved. Or use a camera with a larger sensor with your OTA.

Chen