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2014 programme
Sat 19th
12:00-12:30
What image intensifiers can and can't do
Barry Clark
ASV, BAA
Image intensifiers make dim night sky objects brighter but that doesn't necessarily mean more can be seen. Much depends on the kind of intensifier, the image forming system, filters, object characteristics and sky brightness. An appreciation of these factors can optimize results and in some cases provide stunning real-time views otherwise visible only by time-exposure photography. Sufficiently powerful intensifiers tend to be costly but their usefulness can justify purchase by amateur groups.
Barry's professional life was in optics and vision research. He has been an ASV member since 1955 and a BAA member since 1957. Much of his time is now spent on optical and electromechanical design for the Great Melbourne Telescope.