Guidance for an Amazing Hobby
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
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
There are several types of telescope mounts in use today. They are variations of the two main types: equatorial mounts and altazimuth mounts. Either type can be computerized to point to and track an object, but they do it differently. Equatorial Mounts For astrophotography, the only real choice is the equatorial mount. This is because … Read more
The star names have evolved historically. Several early civilizations were very aware and interested in celestial objects, phenomena, and events. The Greeks, Romans, and early Arabs were prolific “namers” of stars. For example, Betelgeuse (pronounced like “beetle juice”), a bright star in the constellation Orion, gets its name from the Arabic word for “shoulder of … Read more
Astrophotography is a very rewarding hobby. Many really good images are being taken all around the world from less-than-ideal night skies, in or near major cities by taking advantage of today’s technology. But there really is no substitute for a pristine, dark night sky for getting the absolute best photos or for just taking in … Read more
A rare treat is in store for the three major countries of North America on April 8, 2024, when a total solar eclipse follows a path making landfall starting near Mazatlán, Mexico, traveling through the south-central part of the U.S. and tracking northeast until it leaves the U.S. near Caribou, Maine. Many people in … Read more
Summer in much of the world brings warm temperatures and often times brings nighttime dew. Dew accumulation can ruin a night of astrophotography by decreasing and diffusing the light that reaches the eyepiece or camera sensor. To fight dew on a telescope, you can employ several methods and tools to minimize or eliminate its impact … Read more
What can an astrophotographer do when the sky is cloudy? As we all know, this often happens right after we get a new piece of equipment! When faced with a cloudy night, amateur astronomers can still engage in several activities that don’t require clear skies for observing celestial objects. Here are a few things you … Read more