Learn the basics of deep-space astrophotography — a brief guide to imaging deep-sky objects with a mono CCD camera.
Learn the basics of astrophotography with a mono CCD camera and understand what goes into capturing the data to make winning astro images. All astronomical images in the video are taken and processed by me.
In this video I cover the basic ideas behind CCD imaging and how it can best be used to get stunning astro photos. I explain the basics of how a mono CCD is used to get beautiful colour images.
Topics covered
- The premise of deep sky imaging
- Software – Free software links and ideas
- Stacking – Why it is done and how it benefits the imager
- Components of astro imaging – Camera, telescope, mount, filters, etc.
- Different ways to image the sky – DSLR on a fixed tripod, DSLR on a tracking mount with a 300mm lens, DSLR with tracking mount and telescope, monochrome CCD camera with a telescope and tracking mount
- Data capture – How a colour image is created from a mono camera
- Imaging kit
- Exposure length – What it involves and how it is done
- Putting it all together
- Camera / telescope combinations – Field of view and what a difference different focal lengths make
- Planning a target – Filters, exposure length, and numbers
- Filters – Different filters, why they are used, and their differences
- Mosaics – Planning a mosaic if the target is large
- Other issues to think about – Light pollution, wind, season, moon
Like this article enough to buy the author a drink? (a small donation of $1-$20)
Great piece as always, Sara. Thanks 🙂
Cheers Robin…… I hope that you found it useful