Good morning Brian,
You are posting some really great things on the forum and I would just like to say thanks for all this interesting and useful information. This in particular relates to your recent posts on estimating efficient integration times
Professor Brian Cox, astronomer and astrophysicist, became a familiar name here because of the brilliant way he could explain things. He would put across just enough information to help people understand complex concepts without boring them such that they'd switch tv channels. In that regard I'd consider you at least an equal.
Even with a far limited knowledge and understanding myself of the technical aspects of astrophotography, I do understand enough from those recent posts to know how useful your proposals are. Really exciting.
A poor analogy follows.
Two cookery books from two chefs, same dish, but one requires 150 minutes and 30 ingredients, the other 120 minutes and just 14 ingredients. For purists the first recipe would be their choice. The reason the second takes less time and far less ingredients is that, the chef doesn't over complicate the recipe, simply by replacing the preparation of sauces etc with items purchased off the shelf. Many would likely be put off by that part of the recipe. The use of off the shelf items encourage readers to actually go on and make the dish, (continue reading the article). Later if anyone develops a desire to learn more they can always try the first recipe later. Gosh what a bad explanation, Brian could do it much better for sure.
Anyways, really appreciate your contributions to the forum Brian, and all the time and effort you put in to help us/me.
At some time articles summarising some of the topics, such as this, would ideally appear in the Imaging Tips section in order that they don't get buried and lost in the forum as it gets ever larger.
Best regards
Ray