One of the projects which we encourage new users to take part in is making colour images of the objects you have observed. This can be a nice way to introduce students to how colour images are made, how filters work and how looking at images at different wavelengths of light can show particular features or areas of interest.

For those who are especially interested in editing and processing images, you can then move onto advance colour imaging projects and add layers which enhance the look of the region.

FTP has joined forces with an experienced astro-imager, Pete Williamson, who has used the 2-m, 1-m and 0.4-m telescopes to create visually stunning images and worked with schools and amateur societies on using robotic telescopes themselves.

Below are some of Pete’s images, taken with the LCO telescopes. Pete has produced a hints and tips documents for schools and other members of the FTP to advise them on how to get the most of their images when both observing and processing them afterwards. You can find the document here, along with other classroom resources and activities on creating colour images in the classroom.

If you would like advice on using the telescopes to create images, Pete can be contacted via his website here. To see the full range of Pete’s work, take a look at his Flickr page here.