Guidance for an Amazing Hobby
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 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
Is There a Best Telescope for Astrophotography? Budget and desired targets are the primary factors. Read on! Can’t I just throw a dart at a dartboard? To simplify the choice a bit, if you want to photograph planets or small galaxies, look for longer focal lengths, something near or above 2000 mm would be a … Read more
As I gaze upward during the northern hemisphere’s summer months, I’m met with a canvas sprinkled with stellar spectacles. The sky transforms into a grand stage, featuring some of the most awe-inspiring celestial players. I recognize that summer astrophotography presents both tantalizing challenges and remarkable rewards. Grappling with the warm, humid air and contending with … Read more
Is it safe to photograph at night? It is always wise to take precautions when photographing at night or in remote locations. As long as you observe basic safety measures, you can make it as safe and enjoyable as possible. Astrophotography offers a window into the wonders of the cosmos, but it’s not without its … Read more
Planetarium software simulates the night sky, allowing users to visualize stars, planets, constellations, and celestial objects based on the user’s time and location. It’s used for education, amateur astronomy, and astrophotography, offering interactive sky maps and real-time tracking of astronomical events. Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and felt a profound curiosity … Read more
What is a meteor shower? A meteor shower is a celestial event where meteors appear to emanate from a single point. They are named for the constellation from which they seem to originate These recurring events are caused by the Earth traveling through debris left behind in the paths of comets. Imagine a night sky … Read more
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