Guidance for an Amazing Hobby
Patrick 
Manufacturer: Sharpstar Price: $4195 The SCA260 is a new large aperture astrograph made by Sharpstar. It has a very large 260mm (10.2 inch) aperture and a focal length of 1300mm. This combination results in a relatively fast focal ratio of f/5. This fast focal ratio is very desirable for astrophotography given the long exposures necessary … Read more
The Saros cycle, a fascinating phenomenon in astronomy, plays a crucial role in predicting eclipses. Because the orbit of the moon is not exactly parallel to the orbit of the Earth around the Sun, eclipses (both lunar and solar) do not occur every time the moon is between the Earth and the Sun. They only … Read more
Astrophotography can be a very rewarding pursuit. It’s a unique blend of art and science. The science is in the capturing of the image, while the art is in how the images are processed. The allure of photographing the night sky draws both professional photographers and amateurs. How many of us have been wowed by … Read more
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