New Planet Mode for eVscope Telescopes

Introduction | Test Photos of Jupiter and Saturn Using the New Planet Mode | References

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With app version 2.2.0, Unistellar introduced a new planet mode for the eVscope telescopes, which is not based on the Live View mode, but on the Enhanced Vision mode. In the following, I present a couple of comparison images between Live View mode and the new planet mode in Enhanced Vision mode (photos from November 24, 2022).

Introduction

At the end of November 2022, the eVscope telescopes received a new planet mode that works in the Enhanced Vision mode instead of the Live View mode (siehe blog article). Unistellar does not share many details about this new mode. The photos are created by stacking and some "over-magnification"*, so they also have some blur. You can now see the bands of Jupiter considerably better than in Live View mode, and you may also be able to see the Great Red Spot. For Saturn, you can see the ring well, but no further details. Moons of both planets can only be seen in Live View mode with the exposure set manually.

*) The planets are magnified very much in planet mode and blurred accordingly. Perhaps, less would have been a bit more...

Tips for Optimal Observations of Planets (from Unistellar)

If you’re observing planets, make repeated observations for an added treat. Small variations in atmospheric turbulence mean each observation will be different, so try on different nights for different results.

Our best tips:

It’s a good idea to observe when planets are higher than 25° in the sky, as there will be less atmospheric disturbance.
At the beginning of your observation, check the collimation and the focus of your telescope.
Use the in-app joystick to make sure the planet is in the center of your screen, where the optical quality will be best.

Test Photos of Jupiter and Saturn Using the New Planet Mode

Jupiter


Jupiter in Live View mode with stripes	Jupiter in Live View mode with moons	Jupiter in Live View mode with moons

Jupiter in planet mode	Jupiter in planet mode with Great Red Spot	Jupiter in planet mode with Great Red Spot