Astrophotography thread

[M-Mittlesteadt]

Something I've learned along the way is that the total focal length (tfl) of the scope makes a difference in what it's good for viewing or imaging.

Warning: some techno jargon ahead.

Suppose you have two different scopes. One is a 10" Newtonian at f/5 (1250 mm tfl) and the other is an 11" SCT at f/10 (2800 mm tfl)

The shorter 1250 mm scope will be much better suited to wide field objects like nebulae, galaxies, and open star clusters, while the 2800 mm scope will be better suited to compact objects like the planets, double stars, and globular clusters.

For direct viewing, the choice of eyepiece can offset the differences. A longer focal length eyepiece provides a wider field of view, while a shorter focal length provides a narrower field of view.

When doing astrophotography, the eyepiece is typically bypassed, with the digital camera taking its place. However, you can alter the effective focal length (efl) of the scope by using a "barlow" lens, which either reduces or extends the scope's baseline focal length. They're rated in multiples (2x, 2½x, 3x, -2x, -2½x, -3x, etc..)

The faster the scope, the less exposure time is required, thus the mount doesn't need to be as accurate in tracking. EAA is more forgiving than AP in that way. The slower a scope is (higher F number) the more accurate the mount needs to be because exposures need to be much longer.

f10 is better for lunar and planetary, while f5 is great for wide field photos of DSO's.

 

[dmt]

Also (adding to what Mark wrote above), be aware that one doesn’t need a dark sky site to do planetary imaging. What is needed (for best results) is good atmospheric seeing ("seeing" here meaning steadiness of the air or non-turbulent flow in the air column between the observer and the target). I truly do not know the answer to this, but my rough guess (based simply on latitude and mid continent location) is that the Wisconsin northwoods doesn’t typically have excellent seeing. But, yeah, I don’t know how the seeing is from his property — maybe it’s often quite good. Perhaps he’s far enough north to often be above the jet stream in winter while still far enough south to often be below the jet stream in summer. Not in the lee of any mountains… so it might not be bad (or might even be good), depending on local terrain. Also, the seeing situation may vary significantly by season.

For imaging DSO, especially the faint fuzzies, is where the dark skies he has become so valued (‘clear, dark and transparent’ being the big 3). Telescope type-wise, these days, many people choose a fast refractor for pursuit of DSO astrophotography due to it allowing for quick collection of data, providing a wide field of view, and simplifying various issues on the telescope end. Imaging Newtonians are gaining in popularity (more aperture for increased resolution; bring back the diffraction spikes on stars), but it seems (to me, merely from reading on my part) like another level of commitment on getting things right on the telescope end, like, for example, with collimation and system element spacings. For imaging DSOs with an SCT, a Hyperstar could be something to look into (potential game changer): HyperStar 11 v4 Nevertheless, people certainly image DSO with SCTs without a Hyperstar. It’s just that you’d somewhat be fighting the focal ratio situation and limiting some targets based on field of view (unless going to mosaics), but regardless, don’t get me wrong, people certainly use SCTs for imaging DSOs.

Anyway, just sharing some info and thoughts, some or all of which you may already be well aware of (in which case, please forgive me for adding info or opinions you didn’t need). You guys have a plan, so go for it. Once the observatory is built, one can always switch out scopes later if desired (or if the observatory is big enough or if multiple observatories are built, have two scopes — one large SCT and one smallish-to-mid-sized fast refractor, and be able to do everything. Add a shed with a roll-out Dob, a small refractor and binoculars for visual, and Bob’s yer uncle ) Oh yeah, also invite me over for a viewing party and crank it up on 40 acres jam Sounds like a dream property…

 

[hbarcat]

What is needed (for best results) is good atmospheric seeing ("seeing" here meaning steadiness of the air or non-turbulent flow in the air column between the observer and the target). I truly do not know the answer to this, but my rough guess (based simply on latitude and mid continent location) is that the Wisconsin northwoods doesn’t typically have excellent seeing.

But, yeah, I don’t know how the seeing is from his property — maybe it’s often quite good. Perhaps he’s far enough north to often be above the jet stream in winter while still far enough south to often be below the jet stream in summer. Not in the lee of any mountains… so it might not be bad (or might even be good), depending on local terrain. Also, the seeing situation may vary significantly by season.

You are quite correct.

My friend actually lives on Madeline Island, which is part of the Apostle Islands group on Lake Superior. This tends to create some chaotic weather conditions, especially in the summer months and the atmosphere is often very turbulent, resulting in bad "seeing". Also, he's at pretty close to sea level so all of the atmosphere is in play.

For imaging DSOs with an SCT, a Hyperstar could be something to look into (potential game changer): HyperStar 11 v4

I was unaware of this. Thank you for mentioning it.

Oh yeah, also invite me over for a viewing party and crank it up on 40 acres jam Sounds like a dream property…

We'd love to have you!

 

[Inky13]

My 5" Celestron and its thick-legged tripod make for enough of a hogbeast that I only haul it out on special occasions. Something as huge as that 11" is the kind of thing for which I'd start considering setting up a backyard observatory, so it could remain in place. There are some pretty clever DIY options, from the Invalid Link Removed to the more advanced (an amazing project), or click-to-buy, pop-up pre-fab units, just for an example. There's even a mom & pop outfit that would do custom builds of "roll-off roof" observatory sheds. (One of the owners recently had a stroke though, so they're limited to selling plans and equipment for the time being.) The Cloudy Nights forum has a whole section dedicated to Invalid Link Removed which is great "when I hit the lottery" fodder.

Anyway, putting those ideas together with @dmt's suggestion about an outreach at the library, if there's enough room on their property, it could be a great contribution (or maybe someone's Eagle Scout project) to build something like that there. I would think (okay, hope) it would be a good opportunity to draw people to the library, and boost some appreciation for science education.

Gosh, how sweet would a roll-off or a dome be?

 

[hbarcat]

Been into astronomy for over 40 years. I used to do EAA and AP. Now I'm just a casual visual observer. I suggest checking out Invalid Link Removed. Everything you could ever want to learn is right there for and thousands of professional and amateur astronomers are available to help.

Lots of options for both now with newer "all-in-one" scopes that can do it. But sometimes it's more fun to build your own rig (just like bass rigs, right?)...

A few I've owned over the years...

Those are some fantastic scopes. I'm envious!

 

[M-Mittlesteadt]

Those are some fantastic scopes. I'm envious!

Thanks. I didn't own them all at once though. I did a lot of experimentation, buying/selling/trading. Cloudy Nights has a great Classifieds section. I used it more like a "rental" place.

My seeing in northcentral Wisconsin is horrible! Light pollution, weather, etc. This is all I use now...Original Orion EON 80ED apo. Just for visual. Sometimes I'll use my phone camera with it. I like simple and portable now. I installed a pier through my deck and anchored in the ground below, but I also have tripods when I go somewhere else. I made the manual Alt-Az mount with slo-motion controls.

I don't do EAA or AP any longer.

 

[Winslow]

Gosh, how sweet would a roll-off or a dome be?

I've got a nice, fairly level piece of land where something like that could go, but I would have to cut down so many trees to get a view of anything, everyone from the county to Greenpeace would want a crack at putting me in jail.

My real "dream setup" would be a rooftop deck where I could just walk outside for some casual viewing. I'm not enough of an imaging purist to worry about the vibrations of the house messing with exposure, but for grab-and-get-outside fun - and better clearance from the aforementioned trees - a roof deck would be awesome.

Again, "Some day, when I hit the lottery..."

 

[dmt]

Nothing to do with astrophotography, but since this is a bass forum, perhaps some allowance can be made to include an occasional visual mention.

My two main telescopes:

My two main refractors (plus I have another li’l guy, a 2"er, and then a couple of handheld binoculars) :

 

[hbarcat]

My dad and I built this in 1980, when I was 12 years old, after Astronomy magazine ran a three part series of articles on how to build a 10" Dobsonian.

It finally fell apart beyond repair after 30 years of hard use (lots and lots of car trips) and I kept the mirrors, hardware, and miscellaneous parts for other projects.

It was more or less useless for astrophotography, apart from the moon and planets, but it was amazingly easy to use for casual visual observing of deep sky objects.

John Dobson revolutionized backyard astronomy in the 80s and 90s (see "San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers) with his simple and cheap, DIY telescope design.

Lots of builders modify his design in various ways to try to improve on it (roller bearings, solid wood tube, adjustable tension springs, etc..), but they seldom succeed in making the scope more usable.

We followed Dobson's instructions to the letter, and the scope worked beautifully for hundreds of viewing sessions over the years.

 

[dmt]

My dad and I built this in 1980, when I was 12 years old, after Astronomy magazine ran a three part series of articles on how to build a 10" Dobsonian.

It finally fell apart beyond repair after 30 years of hard use (lots and lots of car trips) and I kept the mirrors, hardware, and miscellaneous parts for other projects.

It was more or less useless for astrophotography, apart from the moon and planets, but it was amazingly easy to use for casual visual observing of deep sky objects.



View attachment 7235827
John Dobson revolutionized backyard astronomy in the 80s and 90s (see "San Francisco Sidewalk Astronomers) with his simple and cheap, DIY telescope design.

Lots of builders modify his design in various ways to try to improve on it (roller bearings, solid wood tube, adjustable tension springs, etc..), but they seldom succeed in making the scope more usable.

We followed Dobson's instructions to the letter, and the scope worked beautifully for hundreds of viewing sessions over the years.

Very cool that you and your dad got to share that project, not to mention the 30 years of good use it gave you

 

[hbarcat]

Very cool that you and your dad got to share that project, not to mention the 30 years of good use it gave you

My oldest grandchild is 11 years old now. I've had her come out with me several times in the past year or so to view the moon and planets and also a couple of comets.

It's really tough getting her attention with anything, but she seems at least luke warm to the astronomy thing.

The scope I use is a 4½" tabletop Dobsonian. Very easy to use and very kid friendly.

 

[InhumanResource]

Any other bass to astro converts? I might even trade/sell bass stuff for more astro stuff, I’m hooked!

 

[Winslow]

Any other bass to astro converts?

A few, maybe...

Thread 'Astrophotography thread'

Apr 10, 2025

Back when all cameras used film, I was into astrophotography for awhile before it got too expensive and I lost interest.

But now things are different. I have two smaller telescopes that are portable and easy to use, and digital cameras that are dedicated to astrophotography have become cheap and plentiful.

Moreover, there is some amazing software available now that is almost miraculous in its ability to overcome most of the atmospheric distortions and other limitations of small, ground based telescopes, allowing casual, backyard astronomers the ability to achieve some stunningly...

• hbarcat
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• Forum: Off Topic [BG]

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Thread 'Amateur Astronomers?'

Dec 17, 2006

How many of us bass players are Amateur Astronomers?

I've been into astronomy since I was about 12 years old, but I didn't get a telescope until I was in my early thirties.

I now have a Meade ETX105 for a grab'n'go scope and an LX90 for more serious observing. I run both scopes with Starry Night Pro.

I plan on getting a nice Televue APO at some point and also a Meade 14" LX200GPS, after we move out to an old farm in the country and I convert an old silo into an observatory. At which point I will get seriously into imaging.

What about the rest of you? What do you have for equipment and...

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Post in thread 'Getting into amateur Astronomy....any tips?'

Sep 21, 2022

Some more specific advice about equipment:

Binoculars are an excellent idea for someone on a budget who doesn't yet know what kind of telescope they might want. I got my first telescope at age 9 (way back in 1977) and have since owned at least a dozen telescopes (several that I built myself) and I still often enjoy grabbing a pair of binoculars to go sky gazing because they're so easy to use and the stars just look so amazing with even a modest pair. My go to binoculars are 8x50s that cost me $150.

As far as telescopes go, I strongly recommend that when you decide to buy your first...

• hbarcat

• 

Thread 'Looking to buy an astronomical telescope - please advise.'

Nov 26, 2019

I’d like to buy a reasonably priced (< $250,) telescope for exploring the night sky. I started researching online and was immediately inundated with jargon and realized that I’m beyond my depth. I’d like it to be relatively easy to set up and use, produce sharp, blur-free images and be able to track objects as they traverse the sky. Be nice if I could attach a camera or a phone’s camera.

Being entirely new at this, am I setting unreasonable standards? I know that I may need to sacrifice one quality for another in order to come close to what I’m looking for, so tell me what is important...

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[InhumanResource]

If only people did that every time a new thread about p basses came up!

 

[MJ5150]

All merged together.
Moderator hat on: Great conversation to have, but buying and selling is not something we'll want to do in this thread. Supporting Members can use the classifieds under the non-bass related items forum if they have items of this kind to sell.

-Mike