Guidance for an Amazing Hobby
Patrick 
When I first thought about how to write this article, I wanted to try to come up with price brackets for different budgets. However, I could not come up with any decent combination that was under $1000. In all the years I have been enjoying this hobby, there is one constant principle that I have … Read more
Coronado PST Price: $899.99 Southern California has a reputation for mild sunny days. But for those of us who live in coastal California, those beautiful sunny days are often followed by cloudy nights when the low clouds roll in from off the coast. This is particularly the case during the late spring and early summer. … Read more
Price: $459 (Classic Version) $595 (Recommended Deluxe Version) The competition for an easy-to-use (suitable for beginners) smart telescope-camera combination heats up with the introduction of the DWARF II smart telescope from DwarfLab. The Dwarf II is a portable and ultra-light smart telescope with a built-in AI and can be controlled through a mobile app, making … Read more
Price: $549.95 The Apertura All Night Imaging Power Supply is a 518Wh astronomy-dedicated power supply that can keep your gear running all night long. It’s a great option for astrophotographers who need to power their equipment for extended periods. Compared to other common portable power supplies, the Apertura has a capacity of more than triple … Read more
Notable Dark Sky Sites If you’re eager to witness the splendor of the night sky in its purest form, you’ll want to pinpoint locations known for their pristine stargazing conditions. Dark Sky Reserves are such coveted destinations because they offer unparalleled views of the cosmos, thanks to the concerted efforts to minimize artificial light pollution. … Read more
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