Step by step
STEP 1
The best results will come from using a telescope with a high frame rate imaging camera. If using an infrared sensitive mono camera, consider fitting an infrared pass filter (pictured), which will help stabilise the view, delivering sharper results. Use a polar-aligned, driven equatorial tracking mount.
STEP 3
Ideally, select a night when the Moon will be higher than 30° altitude for a few hours and the weather forecast shows good clarity for that period. Your capture attempts should be taken under dark-sky conditions to avoid contrast variation. A gap of 30 minutes between shots is best to start with.
STEP 5
Re-centre the target and focus accurately. Next, make a note of features near the corners of the frame. These can be used to re-frame should the telescope drift position between captures. Adjust camera settings to optimise exposure while maintaining a decent frame rate. Capture 1,000 frames and process the result.
STEP 2
While low image scale is easier to capture, it’s less adept at showing shadow movement over short time intervals. High image scale requires more imaging skill and higher telescope precision, but even short capture periods should show good movement. A focal length of 4,000mm or more is recommended.
STEP 4
Choose a relief target near the terminator, preferably showing a lot of height variation, such as a mountain. If the Moon is waxing the target slowly reveals over time. If waning, the target slowly disappears. Rotate the camera so slewing in RA (Right Ascension) moves the target parallel to the bottom edge of the imaging frame.
STEP 6
Repeat and process after each capture. When the run is complete, load all the frames in order into a layer-based editor, one result per layer. Align all layers and create an animated sequence if your software allows animation. Or save the frames individually and use a program like PIPP to create a sequence.