I have a long way to go on this journey.  The intent of this website is to describe my journey, share my images, and hopefully help others who may be interested in joining this hobby.  My preferred imaging set ups are small refractors using one shot color dedicated astrophotography cameras. 

I began this journey in July of 2018 when my wife gave me a telescope.  She knew I always liked the stars and thought a telescope would make it more interesting.  She had no idea what an all consuming hobby this would become.  I started as a visual astronomer, but soon learned you cannot see much visually under a bortle 7-8 sky.  I switched from visual observation to astrophotography.

I experimented with many different mounts and telescopes including refractors, reflectors and even a Schmidt- Cassegrain telescope (SCT).  While the large telescopes and mounts provided great views and excellent images I settled on lighter weight, portable refractors.  These smaller scopes offer flexibility and simplicity.  They are very forgiving with things like polar alignment and guiding.  This is exactly what a novice (like me) in this hobby needs. 

After experimenting with multiple rigs I settled on a William Optics FLT91mm (3.5 inch diameter) refractor telescope with the ASI533MC Pro dedicated astrophotography camera mounted on an AM5 mount.  This is lightweight and portable.  The addition of a ZWO ASIAIR Plus makes the set up and management easy.  Another rig I use is a  Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI mount with an ASIAIR Mini. I use this with one of several lenses or a William Optics RedCat 51mm  (2 inch diameter) refractor.  Both rigs are light enough to pick up with one hand.  I have other lightweight rigs and will cover them in more detail in later sections of this website.  

Currently, I use free processing software like Deep Sky Stacker, GIMP, and SIRIL to complete my images.  As my imaging skills improve and, should the need arise, I may explore using some of the more powerful, paid tools such as Pixinsight and Photoshop.  For now, given my skill level I believe there are plenty of free tools and applications available to meet my processing needs.

Today I mostly image deep sky objects (as opposed to planets).  My preferred targets are large emission nebulae.  My goals are to: 

1.  have fun, 

2.  improve my skills, 

3.  learn more about the universe, 

4.  introduce other folks to the wonders of the night sky.  

This website documents my journey and showcases my images (good and not so good).  This page shows my most recent project.  Images of past projects can be seen on the Gallery page.   Starting with images of the solar system, then within the galaxy, and ultimately targets beyond the boundary of the Milky Way.  The second section, Things I know now I wish I knew then, contains various things I learned (usually the hard way) to help anyone with this hobby. The third and final section, Equipment, highlights some of the equipment I use to capture the images.   This is a trip without a destination.  Enjoy the journey.

Through the use of multiple imaging  rigs, I usually have one or two projects ongoing at any given time.  In this section I display the most recent project or projects before moving the images to the appropriate section of the gallery

For additional images please visit the Gallery Page 

Things I have learned along the way that might help other folks interested in this hobby. This is the latest update.  For additional topics please see the Lessons Learned page: https://sites.google.com/d/1Um_FT0c4cQqI9R-gN2_IZYfdpLG4nW80/p/1728aD9sSrudcjg12sBYFGGcxJXzPCyzz/edit

Things I have learned along the way that might help other folks interested in this hobby

Things I have learned along the way that might help other folks interested in this hobby

Light Pollution - Bortle Ratings

One of the greatest challenges astrophotographers face today is light pollution. This is the presence of unwanted, inappropriate, or excessive artificial lighting. Light pollution comes in many forms: streetlights, security lights, advertising signs, landscaping lights, and a variety of other sources. While not an artificial source of light, the moon can also affect imaging with its light on the night sky. Light pollution (natural or man made affects astro images by adding unwanted noise (light). As an astrophotographer the goal is to increase the signal to noise ratio by removing this unwanted light. 

 The Bortle scale, a series of measurements from 1 to 9, is used to measure light pollution. Level 1 is the absence of light pollution with level 9 being light pollution as measured from the middle of a major city. In a Bortle 1 sky you can not only see the Milky Way (at the right time of year), but it will actually shine so brightly that it casts a shadow. Living in a suburban area just outside of Atlanta, my night sky normally measures a 7 on the Bortle scale but can be higher if I am imaging targets to my east or south (the direction of Atlanta). I am fortunate in that when I image my neighbors will turn off their landscaping and outside lights. This eliminates some major local sources of light pollution.

There are several ways to mitigate the impact of light pollution on images. The first is to not image in areas with light pollution.  Often astrophotographers will forego imaging on nights of or near the full moon. 

Removing the source of light pollution is another option. As I mentioned my neighbors are very supportive and turn off their lights outside when I am imaging. Some imagers will erect screens or barriers to block local sources of light. 

A popular way to reduce the impact of light pollution is through the use of filters.  I use dual band (Hydrogen alpha and Oxygen) filters when imaging nebulae and broadband filters when imaging galaxies or star clusters. Filters will filter out all, but certain wavelengths of light which makes them very effective in removing light from sodium vapor (streetlight) lamps. Unfortunately, filters are less effective with blocking light emitted by LED light bulbs which are growing in popularity. 

Another popular way to reduce the impact of light pollution is to image in a less affected location. In my area many astrophotographers will pack up their rigs and set up in the mountains north of the city or the less populated area several hours east of the city. These dark sites are popular gathering places for astrophotographers. 

Regardless of mitigation strategy light pollution is a problem that continues to grow. The ultimate goal is to reduce the noise from light pollution in our images. 

For additional articles please visit the Lessons Learned Page