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