Monday, March 2, 2015

Astrophotography FAQ

Astrophotography FAQ

Astrophotography can be a rewarding pastime, especially when considering the rich history of the practice. Armed only with a slide camera and tripod, the causal observer can make quality prints of the night sky.

Early History

    The early history of astrophotography begins in the late 1700s with Thomas Wegwood producing "sun pictures" by treating leather with silver nitrate. In 1840, John William Draper takes the first daguerreotype of the Moon. The daguerreotype was the first photographic process that used copper plates exposed to iodine fumes. The fumes formed light sensitive silver iodine crystals that were exposed at periods of 10 to 20 minutes. In the 1850s, the first star was photographed and George Philips Bond used astrophotography to derive the magnitude of stars. Close to 80 years later in 1929, Edwin Hubble uses astrophotography to discover that the distance of other galaxies from the Milky Way is proportionate to the degree of redshift observed.

Camera

    When considering which camera to use for astrophotography, just about any camera with a bulb setting will suffice. However, an older model SLR camera is the best. Newer models run on batteries and don't have the power to create long overnight exposures. A 50mm fixed focal length lens and a wide-angle lens with a 24mm to 35mm range also make for great additions to your astrophotography package.

Film Stocks

    Unfortunately, there is not a large variety of film stocks available for astrophotography. With the rise of digital cameras and other changing trends, new film technologies are designed to improve skintone and portrait recognition. These types of film do not have the 656nm light wavelength, which is so critical to astrophotography. For this reason, slide film is the most compatible film for astrophotography. Kodak Supra 400 is one of the best films but has been discontinued from the manufacturer. Ektachrome E200 slide film is a close second but is more readily available than the Kodak counterpart.

Solar Photos

    When filming bright objects, especially the Sun, it is very important to use a special solar filter. The suns rays can cause irreparable damage to any unprotected camera lens and your eyes. Fit the solar filter over the aperture of your lens or telescope to protect your equipment. The tint of the filter only leaves a negligible impression on solar photographs.

Piggybacking

    A standard camera can be used to take pictures of the Milky Way and large areas of the night sky. A camera and wide-angle lens are mounted onto a telescope with an equatorial mount by using a technique called "piggybacking." This can be done with an adapter and T-ring. Although the camera can be tracked across the sky manually, an electronic motor can make the task much easier. "Piggybacking" can be a great way to gain experience with amateur astrophotography.

Meteors

    To film meteors or other dark spatial phenomenon, use a manual camera and long exposures on fast film. Robert Lunsford of the American Meteor Association compares filming meteors to casting a fishing line: set your camera and exercise patience. As the Visual Program Coordinator, he recommends using 1,000 speed film. It is also absolutely necessary to use a tripod and set up your filming station away from other sources of stray light. Ten-minute exposures should be sufficient, even for darker areas of the night sky.


Astrophotography FAQ

Astrophotography can be a rewarding pastime, especially when considering the rich history of the practice. Armed only with a slide camera and tripod, the causal observer can make quality prints of the night sky.

Early History

    The early history of astrophotography begins in the late 1700s with Thomas Wegwood producing "sun pictures" by treating leather with silver nitrate. In 1840, John William Draper takes the first daguerreotype of the Moon. The daguerreotype was the first photographic process that used copper plates exposed to iodine fumes. The fumes formed light sensitive silver iodine crystals that were exposed at periods of 10 to 20 minutes. In the 1850s, the first star was photographed and George Philips Bond used astrophotography to derive the magnitude of stars. Close to 80 years later in 1929, Edwin Hubble uses astrophotography to discover that the distance of other galaxies from the Milky Way is proportionate to the degree of redshift observed.

Camera

    When considering which camera to use for astrophotography, just about any camera with a bulb setting will suffice. However, an older model SLR camera is the best. Newer models run on batteries and don't have the power to create long overnight exposures. A 50mm fixed focal length lens and a wide-angle lens with a 24mm to 35mm range also make for great additions to your astrophotography package.

Film Stocks

    Unfortunately, there is not a large variety of film stocks available for astrophotography. With the rise of digital cameras and other changing trends, new film technologies are designed to improve skintone and portrait recognition. These types of film do not have the 656nm light wavelength, which is so critical to astrophotography.

    Enhance your photography skill,The Top Secret Photography Techniques

    . For this reason, slide film is the most compatible film for astrophotography. Kodak Supra 400 is one of the best films but has been discontinued from the manufacturer. Ektachrome E200 slide film is a close second but is more readily available than the Kodak counterpart.

Solar Photos

    When filming bright objects, especially the Sun, it is very important to use a special solar filter. The suns rays can cause irreparable damage to any unprotected camera lens and your eyes. Fit the solar filter over the aperture of your lens or telescope to protect your equipment. The tint of the filter only leaves a negligible impression on solar photographs.

Piggybacking

    A standard camera can be used to take pictures of the Milky Way and large areas of the night sky. A camera and wide-angle lens are mounted onto a telescope with an equatorial mount by using a technique called "piggybacking." This can be done with an adapter and T-ring. Although the camera can be tracked across the sky manually, an electronic motor can make the task much easier. "Piggybacking" can be a great way to gain experience with amateur astrophotography.

Meteors

    To film meteors or other dark spatial phenomenon, use a manual camera and long exposures on fast film. Robert Lunsford of the American Meteor Association compares filming meteors to casting a fishing line: set your camera and exercise patience. As the Visual Program Coordinator, he recommends using 1,000 speed film. It is also absolutely necessary to use a tripod and set up your filming station away from other sources of stray light. Ten-minute exposures should be sufficient, even for darker areas of the night sky.



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