Guidance for an Amazing Hobby
Patrick 
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
I find photographing meteor showers to be one of the most satisfying challenges in astrophotography. Meteor showers, like the famed August meteor shower called the Perseid meteor shower, offer a fascinating subject for photographers and astronomy enthusiasts alike. These celestial events occur when Earth passes through the debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle, causing streaks … Read more
Solar prominences were very pronounced during this eclipse My First Eclipse Texas was my 3rd eclipse trip. In 2008, I was reading Astronomy Magazine, and I came across an advertisement for a 2 week trip to China, southern Japan, and South Korea that was highlighted by a total solar eclipse in the waters near Iwo … Read more
As the days lengthen and the chill of winter fades, spring emerges with a nightly spectacle above. You’ve noticed the stars seem clearer, the night air is more inviting, and it’s as if the heavens are beckoning amateur astronomers and photographers alike to look upward. This urge you feel is not just a random impulse. … Read more
Astronomy vs. Astrology: Fundamentally Different Fields. Let’s dive deeper. What is Astronomy? Astronomy is the science of stars, planets, and the universe. It uses telescopes to study celestial objects and their properties. What is Astrology? Astrology, on the other hand, is a belief system that relates the positions of celestial bodies to human events and … Read more
I remember the first time I aimed my telescope at the night sky, there was an undeniable rush of excitement. The moment you capture the twinkling stars or a distant galaxy, you realize that astrophotography is more than a hobby, it’s a way to connect with the universe. It was easy to identify major constellations … Read more
Manufacturer: William Optics Price: $898 I acknowledge your curiosity about the William Optics RedCat 51. It’s not just a telescope; for many, it’s a gateway to the cosmos. William Optics, a respected name in the realm of astronomy equipment, has crafted a piece that’s garnered attention for good reasons: introducing the newly redesigned RedCat 51. … Read more
When I first encountered the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi, my interest as an amateur astronomer peaked. Sky-Watcher has built a reputation for creating products that not only foster a growing community of night sky enthusiasts but also push the envelope in terms of quality and innovation. This particular model, the Star Adventurer GTi, strikes an … Read more