Astrophotography Apps For Stargazing

Stellarium

Stargazing makes a wonderful mixture of art with science through astrophotography and imaging. The moment those breathtaking celestial events are snapped and the timeless starry skies are photographed, then this includes having the perfect equipment and, at the same time, the perfect tools to maximize it. That’s where specialized apps come into the picture: changing … Read more

Sidereal, Solar, Lunar & King Tracking Speeds

iOptron HEM44EC Telescope Mount

Telescope tracking speeds are crucial for anyone serious about astronomical observation. They dictate how well your telescope can follow celestial objects across the sky, ensuring they remain within your field of view for extended periods. Accurate tracking is what separates a fleeting glimpse from a detailed study, making it key for stargazers and astronomers alike. … Read more

Astrophotography Mistakes: How To Avoid Them

Common Beginner Mistakes

When I started in the hobby of astrophotography, I made many mistakes that were excellent learning experiences. Technology has advanced quite a bit in the last 20 years or so, and this has reduced the chances of making some of these mistakes, but there are some basic considerations that don’t change. The following sections detail … Read more

Top Astrophotography Brands

Hubble NGC 3521

Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and yearned to capture its awe-inspiring beauty? Astrophotography is the art of photographing celestial events and bodies, from the shimmer of distant galaxies to the intricate surface of the moon. It’s a pursuit that combines the timeless wonder of astronomy with the cutting-edge precision of modern … Read more

Astrophotography With A Smartphone

man holding cell phone imaging the milky way

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and felt drawn to the dance of distant stars, wishing you could capture that moment forever? Well, guess what? You can. And you don’t need a telescope or a fancy DSLR camera to do it. The allure of astrophotography is now more accessible than ever, thanks … Read more

Histograms In Astrophotography

An Example of a Histogram Showing a Properly Exposed Image

What is a histogram?  In photography, a histogram is a visual representation of pixel “brightness” in the x-axis and the number of pixels with that brightness in the y-axis. The left side of the x-axis represents the dimmest or darkest brightness values, also called shadows, the middle represents the mid-tones, and the right side represents … Read more

Night Sky Photography Composition Tips

Milky Way Seems to Point to Tree

Nighttime photography has its own challenges. From dealing with light pollution to getting just the right composition that blends land-based features with cosmic wonders make this a unique niche within the photography hobby. I have always been fascinated by the night sky, the way countless stars pepper the dark canvas overhead. As a photographer, capturing … Read more

Full-frame Or APS-C Sensor – How To Choose

Full Frame vs APS-C

Today, I’m going to guide you through the fascinating world of camera sensors, starting with the very foundation. You’re going to find out about how these impressive pieces of technology capture the light and magic of the world around us, with a special focus on full-frame and APS-C sensors. At their core, camera sensors are … Read more

Common Astrophotography Terms

Astrophotography Dictionary

  When I started out in the astrophotography hobby, there were many terms I had to learn. One of the first real purchases I made was a tracking telescope. It was a Meade LX200, which was a real workhorse in the hobby. When the salesperson told me it was a catadioptric telescope, of course I … Read more

Nightscape Photography: Combining Land And Sky

NIghtscape over water with broken wall

Nightscape photography can take your breath away. I mean, who doesn’t get a bit awestruck looking at the sky peppered with stars, a soft glow of the Milky Way, maybe even a swipe of Northern Lights? Combine those with a landscape that carries its own weight in lush detail, and you’ve got yourself a visual … Read more