Astrophotography, Second Attempt

Once again, I apologize for the lengthy delay in the updates. 2014 wasn't a good year for observing, let alone photography; too many complications with the weather patterns in the Pennsylvania area. However, in a few narrow windows of opportunity, I've had the chance to resume experimenting with the astrophotography hobby.

My attempts in 2013 were limited to 30-second exposures, and on closer inspection of the images, one can notice some slight movement in the images. This movement was the result of me physically reaching in and triggering the camera shutter. To address this issue, I have acquired a remote shutter controller. The controller allows the user to program exposure lengths, number of exposures shot, and delays between exposures.

Latest Astrophotography Images:

Orion Nebula

This image of the Orion Nebula demonstrates the need to use photo editing software to bring out deep-space objects. On closer inspection of this image, there is still evidence of ambient light affecting parts of the image.

Also note the faint streak of light in the image. This light is sunlight reflecting off a satellite. The occasional break in the streak is the result of a ten second pause between exposures.

Andromeda Galaxy

Compare this stacked image of the Andromeda Galaxy with my first 30 second exposure of the same object. This newer image is the result of a series of images, each with three minutes exposure time at ISO-1600, being stacked in DeepSkyStacker.

This image of the Andromeda Galaxy has an unusually high concentration of blue, resulting from my lack of experience modifying astrophotographs.

Eagle Nebula

One notable problem beginner astrophotographers will face when working with DSLR cameras is the poor response to red light; note the high concentration of blue. This problem can be fixed in one of two ways: with Photoshop, or having the camera modified.

Lagoon Nebula

As with the previous example, DSLR cameras will not respond to red signatures very well. Note the higher concentration of blue in this image in contrast to the previous example.

Despite the improvements in catching deep-space objects with a DSLR camera, experience has shown me that three minute exposures is the maximum with an unguided telescope. Even at three minute exposures, the stars begin to show signs of movement, when previewing the image at 200% it's actual size. My next attempt at the hobby calls for autoguiding equipment, to ensure more accurate alignments while taking exposures of deep-space objects.

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Astrophotography

I would like to thank all my readers for their patience for the next update to this blog. It's been almost six months since the last update. Anyway, I had left off with some astrophotography images that were taken with a Canon SX20 IS camera. This camera was limited to a maximum of 15-second exposures, and a fixed lens, but since then I've upgraded to a Canon Rebel T3i. The maximum exposure length has been doubled and the lens is removable, allowing the photographer to use multiple lenses, including telescopes.

Here are a few samples of 30-second exposures, taken with the Canon Rebel T3i. These close-ups were achieved by connecting the camera into a refractor as though it were an eyepiece.

The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and satellite galaxies M32 and M110

Double Cluster

Dumbbell Nebula

Hercules Cluster

In the next update, I will be providing additional astrophotography images, along with tips regarding handy photography accessories for astrophotographers.

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Cherry Springs State Park--Part 3

Explore Scientific refractor on Meade LX80 mount

Though stated in previous posts, I cannot emphasize the necessity for dark skies enough. Light pollution and ambient light are the astronomer's worst enemy, next to unfavorable weather conditions. Of all the observing sites in Pennsylvania, amateur astronomers will suggest packing a telescope, and camping gear, for a night or two at Cherry Springs State Park--the darkest site in the state. It is at this mountain-top location where light pollution and ambient light are absent, providing freshmen and veteran astronomers with an "open window" for deep-space objects, such as galaxies, globular clusters, nebulae, etc.

Three weeks ago, my dad and I attended the Cherry Springs Star Party, an event held every late spring/early summer--refer to my previous post for more information about star parties. For our nighttime observing, we brought along an Explore Scientific refractor, and for solar observations a Lunt solar scope.

Same scope, different angle, and in monochrome

Observing through telescopes easily satisfies the amateur astronomer, although there are some who prefer alternatives. One popular alternative to observing through telescopes is capturing the night skies with cameras. You think photography is restricted for daytime pleasure? Think again--astronomers can capture images of the night sky with cameras. However, for astrophotography, the astronomer must use a camera that can be manipulated; in other words, the shutter speed, ISO, and focal length are altered. Cellphones, pocket-sized cameras, basic cameras in general cannot be manipulated easily. Personally, I recommend the Canon SX20 IS, as a starter.

Although the camera lens is permanently attached to the Canon SX20 IS, one can alter the shutter speed, ISO, focal length, color, and more when operating under manual settings. By default, the camera is set with automatic settings. Using manual settings, I experimented with my SX20 IS at the Cherry Springs star party, taking 15 second exposures with an ISO of 1600 and 2.8 F-stop. I took numerous photographs of Cygnus (or as I called it "The Australian Boomerang"), Cassiopeia (the big 'W'), and Scorpius. I've captured these constellations, as well as Ursa Major and Minor, and, much to surprise my dad and I, three nebulae near Scorpius. 15 second exposures are barely adequate for capturing deep space objects, yet my camera captured three nebulae; they appeared as small fuzzballs. To properly capture deep space objects, exposures must last 30 seconds or longer, an operation my camera couldn't accommodate without altering the operating software.

Canon SX20 IS camera	Canon T3i camera with ADM adapter
This camera, though limited to 15 second exposures, proved to be an excellent starting point for wide-field astrophotography. Notice the lens is permanently attached to the camera. This can prove frustrating, if up-close images of galaxies, nebulae, planets, and other objects are desired.	The Canon T3i can take 30 second exposures--twice the length of the SX20 IS. With this camera, an astrophotographer can insert another lens, or the camera into a telescope. Combining both optics allows for great up-close images of popular objects: the planets, nebulae, globular clusters, galaxies, etc.

From my brief experiments in astrophotography, using the SX20 IS camera, not only have I rediscovered my interest in photography, I've also gained an interest in astrophotography. My interest in both fields have lead to the recent camera upgrade, from the SX20 IS to the T3i. With the new camera, my intentions are to take serious astrophotography photos, with and without the aid of telescopes.

Astrophotography Gallery

The following images are only a few of the photographs taken at the Cherry Springs Star Party. Due to these photographs being part of an experiment, I've hand-picked a few to display.

Cygnus the Swan (look for the "Boomerang") and right-hand portion of Cassiopeia

Cygnus the Swan

Cassiopeia (the "Big W") and foreground campsite

Cygnus the Swan

Cygnus and Cassiopeia
Notice the faint straight line of dots to the right of Cassiopeia--it is a passing satellite

Scorpius the Scorpion

The Big and Little Dippers

Should the weather be favorable this weekend, my dad and I may take another trip to Cherry Springs. Since the upgrade to the Canon T3i, we've been eager to take astrophotography images with it. Until next time, be on the lookout for Cherry Springs State Park--Park 4.

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Star Partying 101

What is a star party?

Star parties are gatherings in which many astronomers will observe the night sky together, usually in an open field far away from the city lights. The meets usually last an entire night, although meets lasting several nights to an entire week are common. The number of participants at a star party varies from a dozen to hundreds, depending on location, weather conditions, and other factors.

What happens at a star party?

Activities at star parties usually involve looking through telescopes or binoculars at objects beyond our Solar System--stars, nebulae, globular clusters, galaxies, and more. New to the hobby? Then attend a star party. New astronomers will have a chance to expand their knowledge on the hobby. Veteran astronomers will be there to help and answer questions.

At larger star parties, participants can expect guest speakers (from NASA, telescope manufacturers, astronomy magazines, etc.) providing presentations covering our solar system, interstellar neighborhood, galaxy, and the universe as a whole. Participants can also expect prizes at larger star parties, donated by astronomy retailers and manufacturers. Prizes given are usually eyepieces, telescope kits, filters, etc.

Where are star parties located?

Due to the issue of light pollution near urban and suburban developments, star parties are usually held in remote locations. There are exceptions, however; some star parties are located closer to urban centers in order to attract local participants. Events are usually held in state parks, private camps, and club-owned observatory sites. The key ingredient to the location is dark skies.

What expectations are there?

There are a few expectations set in stone by astronomers for an orderly observing night; the most important to note concerns white lights. Due to the sensitivity of the human eye, any emission of artificial light, using common flashlights, will reduce the astronomer's ability observing the faintest of stars. The only flashlights permitted at star parties are those emitting red-spectrum light. White flashlights are not tolerated.

For those bringing their kids along, it is recommended to keep an eye on them. Pets are generally not allowed at star parties. No one wants to listen to dogs barking and howling all through the night, and pets don't always get along with one another.

What to bring?

Regardless of the location, veteran astronomers will recommend bringing spare clothes--flannel shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, or hooded jackets. The extra clothes will prove necessary as temperatures drop during the night. It is recommended to wear layers when spending an entire night observing the night skies.

Other items to consider bringing along include food and beverages, nothing too complicated though. A few water bottles and some dry snacks should be enough, if observing for one night. Should the star party last for several days, however, options may vary, depending on location. There are a select few star parties where restaurants are within driving distance. In most cases, restaurants are out of the question, due to remote locations. However, some of the larger, more organized star parties include food vendors on site.

Assuming there's a combination of interests (astronomy and camping), recommendations suggest the astronomer should bring along camping equipment--tent, stakes, camping chairs, etc. And as stated before, bringing conventional flashlights is out of the question. In place of a traditional white-beam flashlight, astronomers suggest bringing along a red-spectrum flashlight. It may not be as bright as a conventional flashlight, but its bright enough to see what the observer is doing.

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Celestron SkyProdigy--Part 2

The Celestron SkyProdigy telescope is designed to automatically align itself with minimal human intervention. The astronomer isn't required to manually align the telescope; just type in the local time and coordinates of the observation site, and the telescope does the rest.

Celestron SkyProdigy

The Celestron SkyProdigy 130

Last week, I borrowed a SkyProdigy 130 Newtonian Reflector to test whether the scope could align itself with numerous obstructions present. Looking back, I had problems with buildings during my previous semester at Susquehanna University with the Celestron NexStar 5SE Schmidt-Cassegrain scope. To loosely simulate the building situation at Susquehanna, a suburban cul-de-sac development served as the test site. Unlike the Susquehanna University campus, however, trees were a concern.

The SkyProdigy telescope, according to Celestron, aligns itself in three minutes. This estimate assumes there are no obstructions interfering with the scope's alignment process. In the cul-de-sac development, however, trees obstructed approximately one-half of the sky. As a result, the alignment process took more than three minutes. With only half the sky available, it took the scope approximately five minutes to align.

Following a successful alignment, my tour of the suburban "night" skies started with the planet Saturn. I was able to make out the largest of the Saturn ring gaps and three "stars," though I'm sure I was actually looking at three of Saturn's moons. Had there been clear skies the following night, I would have taken the telescope out again and determine whether those "stars" were actual stars or satellites of Saturn.

M5 as seen through the Hubble Space Telescope. Image by NASA and ESA

Other than Saturn and it's neighboring "stars," my tour included a few globular clusters, M5 in particular. Unlike the ringed planet, however, I didn't find M5 as amusing. With the local light pollution and the position of the object, M5 appeared similar to a puffball. Had I waited for an hour, or relocated to a darker site, the globular cluster would have appeared to have thousands of individual stars, gathered around one common point in space.

As a result of this test, I am considering bringing a SkyProdigy to Susquehanna University. Although the alignment process took longer with the SkyProdigy, the accuracy and operation had improvements over the NexStar telescope, which, I believe, will make the hobby more enjoyable. However, additional tests will be necessary before my return.

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