Light, dark and flat frames? Help

I am new to astrophotography. I took some photos using my PowerShot SX20 IS last weekend that didn't turn out too bad for a first attempt. So, I'm going to do some more tonight. My plan is to do the multiple consecutive exposures and pull them into DSS sometime tomorrow.

I see where there is discussion on light, dark and flat frames. Can someone give a simple explanation or supply a link which explains it. I am assuming that the light frames are the ones you actually shoot? The dark frames are the same settings...only with the lens cap on? No idea what flat frames are. What are the ratios (ie: if I take 10 photos, how many dark and flat frames)?

Dave

Add: I did find this website (http://www.darkerview.​com/CCDProblems/CCDPro​blems.php) which, I think, explains what the frames are and how to achieve them. But any other input is appreciated...especial​ly on ratios.

My tutorial might help a bit. http://www.asignobserv​atory.com …=article&id=74&​Itemid=113

dmg1969 wrote in post #10883678
I am new to astrophotography. I took some photos using my PowerShot SX20 IS last weekend that didn't turn out too bad for a first attempt. So, I'm going to do some more tonight. My plan is to do the multiple consecutive exposures and pull them into DSS sometime tomorrow.

I see where there is discussion on light, dark and flat frames. Can someone give a simple explanation or supply a link which explains it. I am assuming that the light frames are the ones you actually shoot? The dark frames are the same settings...only with the lens cap on? No idea what flat frames are. What are the ratios (ie: if I take 10 photos, how many dark and flat frames)?

Dave

Add: I did find this website (http://www.darkerview.​com/CCDProblems/CCDPro​blems.php) which, I think, explains what the frames are and how to achieve them. But any other input is appreciated...especial​ly on ratios.

Baz's tutorial is superb. I put together a sort of checklist/text file thing as a workflow reminder for me for taking the various frames.

You can find that HERE

Baz's tute is indeed excellent. You can also find more on this at the DSS website FAQ here and more info here.