FAINT OBJECT DETECTION ON PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATES

We compare the detection limits achieved by Malin's high-contrast print method and Kibblewhite's plate measuring machine on a test region examined on a high quality prime-focus plate. The high-contrast print is able to reveal images at the completeness limit of the measuring machine data and thus offers a quick way of finding very faint objects whilst avoiding the need for extensive data processing. We briefly discuss some aspects of using this technique for finding distant clusters of galaxies. © 1984 Royal Astronomical Society.