Guidance for an Amazing Hobby
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
Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and been mesmerized by the twinkling stars? You’re not alone. The fascination with the cosmos draws countless like-minded stargazers to annual star parties. These events are more than just gatherings; they’re a celebration of the universe and a testament to our enduring curiosity about what … Read more
I’m going to kick things off by setting the stage for an age-old debate that’s captivated everyone from the budding astronomer to the seasoned stargazer: choosing the right camera for astrophotography. Now, for those about to start this journey, it’s not just about snapping night skies. It’s also about capturing the elusive beauty of celestial … Read more
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
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
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
With solar eclipses, most people (rightfully so) are focused on the mechanics of this event. As interesting as those events are, most people don’t think about the fact that solar eclipses are usually followed or preceded by a corresponding lunar eclipse separated by 2 weeks. The reason for this is that when the moon passes … Read more
I have always been fascinated by the dance of celestial bodies, and nothing quite captures the imagination like a solar eclipse. For those who haven’t seen one, I highly recommend seeing one in your lifetime. If this is your first time, don’t bother with photography. Just enjoy the show. But for those who are set … Read more