astrophotography

astrophotography news search results

Developer news items we found relating to astrophotography

35 results

Google Pixel Astrophotography using Night Sight

Friday, July 26, 2024 by Richard Harris

Google's Night Sight feature on the Pixel phone offers an accessible option for capturing images of the night sky. The Google Tensor chip enables even casual photographers to take clear photos without the need for high-end equipment or advanced camera settings. Nicholas Wilson, an astrophotographer, used the Pixel 6a to photograph the constellation Leo. He travel...

The colors of the moon

Thursday, July 25, 2024 by Alain Paillou

Even if the Moon appears essentially gray, we can distinguish fine nuances of color (mainly blue and orange; these colors are mostly due to metallic oxides present in silica beads) particularly on the seas. Bringing out the color of lunar soils is theoretically simple: increase the color saturation. In practice, it is relatively complex. The colors of the moon hel...

nPAE Flip Turret - Use your telescope for visual and astrophotography

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 by Russ Scritchfield

nPAE has introduced the Rotating 6 x 2 inch Flip Turret, a versatile accessory for large telescopes. This innovative device accommodates 6 x 2" eyepieces and filters, enabling quick changes and effortless switching to astro imaging. It was designed for large telescopes, the 2″ flip turret integrates your filters, 6 eyepieces/accessories, and astro imagin...

Askar SQA55 Quintuplet Astrograph

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 by Freeman Lightner

The SQA55 is a high-performance OTA with a 55mm aperture, a 264mm focal length, and a native focal ratio of F4.8. Designed as a quintuplet air-spaced SD glass Petzval astrograph, it excels in both astrophotography and everyday photography. Askar's SQA55 offers remarkable star point performance, thanks to its quintuplet air-spaced design, which incorporates one pi...

Becoming a full-time astrophotographer

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 by Richard Harris

In an era where job security is highly valued, the decision to leave a stable career to pursue a passion is daunting. Trevor aka AstroBackYard and Antoine aka Galactic Hunter on YouTube discussed Trevor and his partners' transition from traditional employment to full-time astrophotography, shedding light on the challenges and rewards of this bold move...

SH2-91 mosaic with over 50 hours of data

Monday, July 22, 2024 by Franklin Marek

The SH2-91 image, known as the Southern Part of G65.3+5.7, depicted a very faint supernova remnant in Cygnus. Designated SH2-91 or G65.3+5.7, it was a large and complex structure. Franklin Marek decided to create a two-panel HOO mosaic, amassing a total of just over 52 hours between the two panes and filters. Additional time was spent capturing details close to Campbell...

Mt Kobau Star Party registration opens

Monday, July 22, 2024 by Richard Harris

The 39th annual Mt. Kobau Star Party will commence on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at dusk, welcoming astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts to a week of celestial observations and camaraderie. Typically, around 80 participants gather for this event, enjoying both the stunning night skies and the company of fellow astronomy lovers. The cost for attending varies, with singl...

Staunton River 2024 Fall Star Party registration opened

Sunday, July 21, 2024 by Richard Harris

Staunton River is set to host its 2024 Fall Star Party from September 30th to October 6th. Registration is now open, with entry fees set at $110 for the full week and $60 for the weekend (Thursday through Sunday). These fees are per astronomer. Participants can register through PayPal, either via the event’s website or directly through PayPal using the email st...

Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2024 shortlist

Saturday, July 20, 2024 by Richard Harris

The shortlist for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2024 competition has been unveiled, showcasing a stunning collection of celestial images from around the world. Backed by Liberty Specialty Markets, this prestigious competition, organized by the Royal Museums Greenwich, is now in its 16th year. It drew thousands of entries from top space photographers globally...

AM5N mount differences and why you should buy

Tuesday, July 16, 2024 by Richard Harris

The 2024 edition of ZWO's AM5N mount boasts a high load capacity of 33 pounds without a counterweight and 44 pounds with one. The mount includes updated cable management with newly added USB Type-C and DC power ports. It offers precision control with single period error within 10". Control options include a hand controller, app, WiFi, Bluetooth, and a live star...

ASIAIR Plus 256G lands from ZWO

Thursday, July 11, 2024 by Richard Harris

ZWO has launched the ASIAIR Plus 256G, a versatile astrophotography device with 256GB internal storage, four USB 3.0 ports, dual-band WiFi, and app-based control. It supports various cameras, including ZWO, Nikon, Canon, and Sony, making it a powerful tool for both amateur and professional astronomers. ZWO ASIAIR Plus 256G features Compact, sturdy aluminum desi...

DeepSkyStacker bug fixes released

Thursday, July 11, 2024 by Russ Scritchfield

The latest update to DeepSkyStacker introduces significant improvements, including support for new file formats, enhanced processing speed, and various bug fixes to optimize your astrophotography experience. Updates and bug fixes in the DeepSkyStacker 5.1.6 release Bug fix: The Image List dock widget was not always visible (e.g. after DSS was maximised and then...

3D printed telescope mount DIY

Wednesday, July 10, 2024 by Richard Harris

Igor Petrov, a 35-year-old leading design engineer from Russia, has combined his childhood interests in astronomy and photography with his expertise in electronics to delve into the world of astrophotography since 2014. Petrov graduated from the radio engineering department of the Ural Federal University with a degree in radio electronics. In the unique climate and ligh...

Astrophotography filters: How narrow is too narrow

Saturday, June 29, 2024 by Jim Thompson

For many years now I have been promoting the idea that for emission nebulae, whether you have light pollution (LP) or not, the narrower your filter’s pass bands are, the better. Time and again my test results have demonstrated this relationship to be true; that object contrast and signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) increase as the pass band width decreases. Recently howe...

Canada sky glow is less than in the United States

Thursday, June 27, 2024 by Richard Harris

Recent observations show that Canadians generally experience less sky glow than Americans. This difference is mainly due to varying population densities and urban development patterns between the two countries. With its vast wilderness and lower population density, Canada has fewer urban centers contributing to light pollution. Why Canadians have less Sky-Glow than A...

Astrophotography mini pc MeLE Quieter3Q update from Astrotan

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 by Freeman Lightner

Astrotan, a popular YouTuber known for his astrophotography, recently shared an update from his backyard. In his latest video, he shared significant changes to his setup, which will hopefully enhance his photography of the SADR region this summer. Located in the constellation Cygnus, the SADR region is a favored target for astrophotographers due to its bright and det...

Dobsonian astrophotography with Benjamin Law

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 by Freeman Lightner

Benjamin Law, a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada - Toronto Centre, presented his trials and persistence in astrophotography using his 14" Dobsonian telescope. This detailed presentation, delivered at the Recreational Astronomy Night Program at the Ontario Science Centre, showcased his impressive work, particularly his captures of the International...

Starfront observatory now accepting and installing telescopes

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 by Richard Harris

Bray Falls provided an in-depth tour of the telescopes already set up at the remote observatory in Central Texas. This project aims to make astrophotography accessible and affordable by allowing people to use their telescopes remotely from dark skies, wherever they live. The observatory features buildings where the roofs open every night, enabling users to capture image...

Snake Mt Observatory tour

Monday, June 24, 2024 by Richard Harris

Nico from Nebula Photos visited Dr. Michele Bayliss' observatory in Vermont, guided by Michele and her German Shepherd, Argos. Michele showed Nico around, beginning with the origins of her setup: a 16.5-inch Dobsonian telescope in a custom-built observatory on the third floor of her house. As Michele shared the evolution of her observatory facilities on her prope...

How amateur telescope makers defended America

Monday, June 24, 2024 by Richard Harris

John Mellish, a young farmer from Wisconsin with only a grade-school education, had a passion for observing the stars. At the dawn of the 20th Century, however, a three-inch refractor from Alvan Clark & Sons was priced at $175, which was unaffordable for Mellish. Despite this, his skills and ingenuity led him to build a six-inch Newtonian telescope for just $15, tha...

NASA forecasts once-in-a-lifetime event

Sunday, June 23, 2024 by Richard Harris

NASA has forecasted a 'Once-in-a-Lifetime Event' this Summer. An Earth-sized remnant of a dead star, situated roughly 3,000 light-years away, is predicted to explode. NASA scientists announced that this upcoming nova event will be so luminous that it will be visible to the naked eye from Earth. This rare occurrence involves an Earth-sized remnant of...

Julie Evans Eating Sunshine presented by the Boca Raton Museum of Art

Friday, June 21, 2024 by Richard Harris

The Boca Raton Museum of Art is hosting a new exhibition titled "Julie Evans: Eating Sunshine" from June 12 to October 20. This marks the first time the acclaimed New York artist's latest ceramic sculptures are being showcased by a museum alongside her paintings. Julie Evans Eating Sunshine, on view June 12 - October 20, presented by the Boca Raton Muse...

Askar 52mm F4 guide scope released

Friday, June 21, 2024 by Freeman Lightner

A guide scope is an essential tool for astrophotography (unless you are doing OAG), it helps to keep the main telescope accurately aligned during long exposures by correcting tracking errors. The Askar 52mm Guide Scope is perfect for this purpose. With its lightweight, compact design, it offers a 52mm aperture, 208mm focal length, and a 25mm travel length, all at just 6...

WARPDRIVE WD-20 mount from WarpAstron

Thursday, June 20, 2024 by Richard Harris

The harmonic drive race is full-steam-ahead, and the WD-20 mount is focused in on being a high-load harmonic drive mount, utilizing Servo Direct Drive technology. It offers a standard load capacity of up to 50NM (Newton meters, about 36 lbs) without needing a counterweight, making it capable of handling heavy equipment such as the 130APO, 150APO, or C11 with optimal gui...

Choosing a forever telescope mount

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 by Richard Harris

We've all been there. You buy one mount, only to upgrade a few months or years later. Always in pursuit of better tracking, more precise GOTO, and carrying heavier payloads. It's a never-ending cycle of chasing the next best thing. But when should it stop? When do you just decide to give in and buy that "one mount" that you'll keep forever? Is ther...

2024 astrophotography competitions by nPAE

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 by Freeman Lightner

nPAE's 2024 astrophotography competition includes separate events for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The Northern Hemisphere event runs from December 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, and the Southern Hemisphere event from June 1 to August 31, 2024. Both are free, promote remote imaging, and offer prizes, with winners determined by public voting. The main detai...

T Coronae Borealis set to brighten the night sky in 2024

Monday, June 17, 2024 by Richard Harris

This year, keep a lookout for T Coronae Borealis (T CrB), a recurrent nova set to dazzle astronomers by brightening from invisibility to naked-eye visibility. T CrB, a star not seen without a telescope since the 1940s will soon grace our night sky with a fleeting yet spectacular appearance. This celestial event is caused by an outburst, or nova, from the star system ...

Daytime astrophotography from Macquarie Huntsman Telescope

Monday, June 17, 2024 by Richard Harris

Researchers at Macquarie University have developed a method for observing celestial bodies during daylight, enabling 24/7 satellite monitoring and significantly boosting Earth and space safety. This approach utilizes the Huntsman Telescope at the university, an array of ten camera lenses operating simultaneously, originally intended for highly sensitive night sky obs...

The peace and connection of solitary astro imaging

Friday, June 14, 2024 by Richard Harris

Venturing out alone to dark sites for astrophotography offers a unique sense of peace and connection to the universe that can be missed when in groups. The solitude under the night sky can be profoundly calming and introspective. However, safety is always a concern when venturing out alone. Inform someone about your location and expected return time, carry necessary saf...

Side-by-side dovetail plates and saddles from Rouz Astro

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 by Richard Harris

Rouz Astro has launched its new side-by-side dovetail plates and saddles, constructed with FDM 3D print engineering-grade carbon fiber composite material and CAD designed for maximum strength-to-weight ratio. It saves a lot of weight (typically 1/3 – 1/2 that of metal), which improves mount capacity and tracking performance. Why u...

NGC5005 and 5033 astrophoto from the TS-Optics 10 inch ONTC

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 by Jon Main

I have been interested in imaging NGC5005 for several months, ever since I saw the Hubble image of this galaxy. The Hubble image showed bright blue regions that I interpreted as active star formation. In hindsight, it should have been obvious that the Hubble team took some 'creative liberties' with the data and made the Ha regions blue. I stuck with the project ...

The ZWO ASI585MC Pro lands with a review from Trevor Jones

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 by Richard Harris

The ZWO ASI585MC Pro is the latest addition to ZWO's line of deep-sky cameras. It's built around a 4K Sony CMOS sensor with a 1/1.2″ format and 2.9μm pixels, delivering a resolution of 3840x2160 (8.29MP). This camera offers high sensitivity and a fast frame rate, reaching 47 frames per second at full resolution. ZWO ASI585MC Pro, deep-sky camera feat...

Astrophotography setups from $100 to $10000

Thursday, June 6, 2024 by Richard Harris

Nico Carver, also known as Nebula Photos on YouTube, has provided an in-depth look at various astrophotography setups in his video "Astrophotography from $100 to $10,000." He showcases a range of equipment from a DIY smartphone tracker to advanced setups with dedicated cameras and telescopes, discussing the pros and cons of each option. Emphasizing factors lik...

The problem with astrophotography

Wednesday, June 5, 2024 by Russ Scritchfield

In a recent presentation, Bray Falls explores the significant challenges faced by astrophotographers in consistently accessing dark and clear skies, which are essential for producing high-quality images. The discussion highlights that dark skies are not easily accessible to everyone due to the high cost associated with owning or renting a property that provides suitable...

About the EQUINOX 2 smart telescope from UNISTELLAR

Tuesday, June 4, 2024 by Freeman Lightner

The EQUINOX 2 smart telescope from Unistellar offers a host of innovative features and technologies for an easier observational experience, perfect for those who don't prioritize eyepiece observation. You can observe celestial objects directly through your mobile device or tablet using the free iOS and Android app. It includes manual focus and collimation for p...