Guidance for an Amazing Hobby
Patrick 
Pegasus Powerbox Advanced Generation 2 Price: $324 Manufacturer: Pegasus Astro Introduction Experienced astrophotographers know that technology has made this hobby much easier than it was 20 years, or even 10 years ago. Technology has allowed much of what we do to be automated. This type of automation requires power, and power requires cables. My setup … Read more
What is Image Calibration? Image calibration is the process of correcting light frame images for extraneous information captured in the image that is caused by sensor noise, thermal noise, variations in pixel sensitivity and irregularities in the optical path, such as dust shadows. Calibration is typically done by correcting the light frame image with:1) Bias … Read more
Name: William Optics Fluorostar 120 (FLT 120) Price: $3298 Specs: Focal Length 780 mm, aperture 120 mm, f 6.5, weight 7.2 kg, length 680 mm with dew shield fully retracted, 850 mm with dew shield fully extended, image circle 43 mm (with separate field flattener). Fluorostar 120 Features The Fluorostar series is one of several … Read more
My Equipment I live in a highly urban area with a Bortle value of around 8 or 9. I finally ditched the mostly reliable Meade LX 200 classic that I have had since 1996. It was a real workhorse in its time, but as equipment technology advanced, it became harder and harder to integrate into … Read more
There are several considerations when deciding to pursue the hobby of astrophotography. Budget should be the first thing you think about. This hobby can be quite expensive if you want the most sophisticated equipment available. But you really don’t need to break the bank when making important choices. The learning curve is steep, although automation … Read more
Who am I? My name is Patrick. I grew up in suburban Ohio. It was never possible to truly see the Milky Way, but I have always had an interest in astronomy. I remember looking at my first view of Saturn in a telescope and being disappointed, hoping to see these magnificent, colorful … Read more