Guidance for an Amazing Hobby
Patrick 
Astrophotography, one of photography’s most awe-inspiring pursuits, invites us to capture the magnificence of space. Within its vast scope, deep sky and planetary photography emerge as two specialized fields, each rewarding explorers with their unique blend of wonder and challenge. In deep sky astrophotography, my eyes, through the camera lens, reach out across the cosmos … Read more
Remember the first time you looked up at the night sky with a sense of wonderment, that pure awestruck feeling? Now imagine capturing that moment forever through the lens of astrophotography. As you start this journey, you will face the initial challenge of orientation – knowing what you’re looking at and when it’s visible. The … Read more
What are Flat Field Optics? Flat field optics are specially designed optics that bring all light wavelengths to focus at the same plane. In other words there will be no chromatic aberration or coma across the entire field-of-view. Telescopes with built-in flat fields are typically more expensive because they involve bringing additional lenses into the … Read more
Astrophotography is a fascinating field, marrying the depths of space with the art of photography. Capturing the night sky is not just a matter of pointing and shooting; it requires equipment that can handle the nuanced demands of photographing distant celestial bodies. For those who aim to freeze the night in an image, the camera … Read more
Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and been mesmerized by the twinkling stars? You’re not alone. The fascination with the cosmos draws countless like-minded stargazers to annual star parties. These events are more than just gatherings; they’re a celebration of the universe and a testament to our enduring curiosity about what … Read more
If you’re deep into the world of astronomy, then you’re probably aware that precision is everything when it comes to tracking and imaging celestial bodies. This is where strain wave gearing comes into play, revolutionizing the way we look at the stars. But what exactly is strain wave gearing? In simple terms, it’s a highly … Read more
I’m going to kick things off by setting the stage for an age-old debate that’s captivated everyone from the budding astronomer to the seasoned stargazer: choosing the right camera for astrophotography. Now, for those about to start this journey, it’s not just about snapping night skies. It’s also about capturing the elusive beauty of celestial … Read more
How do camera settings for astrophotography differ from daytime settings? The answer is not a simple comparison. For daytime photography or even astrophotography using camera lenses instead of telescopes, the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings each affect the others. The f-stop setting controls the aperture or amount of iris opening. A lower f-stop translates … Read more
I consider the capture of the night sky one of the most captivating aspects of photography. We’re not just framing landscapes on Earth; we’re peering into an infinite cosmic gallery. Understanding the tools at our astrophotographer’s disposal, such as color palettes, is key to translating this celestial art. The Red Green Blue (RGB) color palette … Read more
Telescope mounts might not grab headlines like the newest telescope optics do, but their importance to stargazing and astrophotography cannot be overstated. They’re the unsung heroes that support telescopes, allowing astronomers to track celestial bodies with accuracy. Mounts come in various forms, each with its unique mechanisms and uses. I would argue that a quality … Read more