Guidance for an Amazing Hobby
Patrick 
Astrophotography is not just about capturing what’s out there; it’s about sharing the awe of the cosmos through the images we create. The quest to photograph the night sky can result in stunning images of nebulae and galaxies, but it’s often in the digital darkroom where these celestial wonders truly come to life. The raw … Read more
Manufacturer: Celestron Price: $3999 Astrophotography is a tech-heavy hobby. Now is a fantastic time to take the plunge, even with little or no experience in the field. This is now possible with the rapid technological advances that make automation a realistic goal. One of the biggest challenges is to pair components that work well together … Read more
Astrophotography captures the night sky in a way that often escapes the naked eye, unveiling the wonders of our universe. But unlike everyday photography, it presents unique challenges that enthusiasts like me encounter, from low light conditions to the movement of celestial bodies. It’s not simply about snapping a picture; it’s an art that combines … Read more
Astrophotography captures the allure of the night sky, from the blazing trails of distant comets to the sprawling tapestry of interstellar nebulae. It’s an art that calls for precision, patience, and of course, the right gear. In this world where every photon counts, the choice of camera is paramount. Among the options available, cooled CMOS … Read more
Manufacturer: Sky-Watcher Price: $530 As the 2024 North American total solar eclipse approaches, many are planning on attempting to photograph the event, or even deciding whether it is worth the attempt. This is a decision made by many every time a total solar eclipse occurs. As with any astrophotography endeavor, having a tracking mount eliminates … Read more
If this is your first total solar eclipse, make sure you soak in the whole thing. Many people who are witnessing their first eclipse focus too much on trying to capture the event with a camera. Getting really good photos of eclipses is really a highly specialized field of photography. Because of the changing lighting … Read more
If this is your first time viewing a total solar eclipse, you are in for a treat. Imagine the astronomical coincidence that places the sun about 400 times more distant from the Earth than the moon, and at the same time, the sun is about 400 times the moon’s diameter. This set of circumstances makes … Read more
There are several types of telescope mounts in use today. They are variations of the two main types: equatorial mounts and altazimuth mounts. Either type can be computerized to point to and track an object, but they do it differently. Equatorial Mounts For astrophotography, the only real choice is the equatorial mount. This is because … Read more
Price $2949 (for 8 inch) Celestron is one of the largest producers of affordable telescopes for beginners and experts alike. The Celestron Nexstar Evolution HD is an advanced powerful telescope suitable for all astronomy enthusiasts. This scope comes in 3 aperture sizes: 6 inches, 8 inches, and 9.25 inches. The 8-inch version has a focal … Read more
Another in the line of excellent, affordable ZWO astronomical cameras is the ZWO ASI294MC Pro cooled color CMOS astrophotography camera. This camera boasts the Sony IMX294CJK sensor, with a 4144 x 2822 resolution with 4.63-micron pixels. This results in a diagonal measurement of 21.6mm, which is slightly smaller than an APS-C sensor found in many … Read more