Outer Space Unveiled

It’s unimaginable how huge the universe is when we look at the sky, starring at the stars. Yet, not all of us know that behind the dark sky lies millions of undiscovered deep sky objects (DSO). Unfortunately, not all the beauty of the object’s configuration and colors can be seen due to our sense of sight’s limitation and the long distance from our place. By mastering photography techniques, digital image processing and astronomy, the beauty of DSO could be unveiled and recorded through a photograph. In order to photograph such DSO asplanet, galaxy, cluster, or nebula; it requires an astronomical knowledge about the position of DSO on the sky above.

As a consequence of the earth’s rotation, the position of DSO relatively changes, so the DSO is not always stay in the position where we observe it. DSO Photography Method There are some methods that can be applied to photograph DSO, such as rigid camera mounting and star tracking. The first one is the easiest way to record the beauty of DSO with wide field of view, using a tripod and wide angle lens with focal length of 17mm to 200mm. It needs a camera with manual setting so we can set the duration of the exposure. There is a time limit of the exposure duration in this method to avoid star trail (as a consequence of DSO relative movement).

Using a longer focal length requires a shorter duration of shutter speed which delivers only a small data recorded. Yet if you want to record star trail then you need to have a longer shutter speed, so that the object movement will be recorded as a long and beautiful star trail. For star tracking method, we use a special tripod mounting (German Equatorial Mount/GEM) supplied with RA motor drive, to compensate DSO relative movement, but first we must do what’s called as polar alignment. Polar alignment is a process of adjusting the GEM tripod position so its axis is in the same line with the earth’s axis.

It will make the object position on viewfinder look the same. This method gives us more space to set the long exposure, the moment patiently. Master the techniques of photography properly. Street photography does not mean that we are shooting without techniques. There is the moment when we break the rules to give deeper meaning; shooting blur image, for instance.

So dare to be different. Don’t feel inferior with your tools,so we can record a low light level. On star tracking method, the camera can be placed in some ways, such as: Camera and lens (all sizes), applied directly to GEM tripod. Camera and lens can be applied on top of the main telescope, so both will follow the telescope direction. This method is called “piggyback”. Camera is applied to focuser telescope directly by using an adapter. In this case, the telescope replaces the camera lens.

It is called “prime focus” but it only can be done with SLR/DSLR or CCD sensor/web cam. Camera is applied on the back of eyepiece telescope using an adapter, so the image projection which is seen through eyepiece can be recorded by the camera. This is known as “eyepiece projection”. As a tool to help us in observing, we may use a telescope. As long as the position of the telescope can replace camera lens/web cam (by using an adapter), then it can be used for astrophotography.

There are some types of telescopes that commonly used, namely: Refractor with lens as the prime optical components. Reflector with a parabolic mirror as the light collector. This type of telescope is called Newtonian Catadioptric which is the combi-nation of both above because it has a lens optical component and mirror. The performance of a telescope is not merely measured from the focal length, but also from the aperture’s size – the diameter of optical component used for collecting light. The larger diameter (lens or mirror), the greater the light can be captured and will result in higher resolution. In the same level of magnification and same optical quality, 8-inch telescope will deliver a detailed image with higher contrast than 5-inch telescope.

Astrophotography is a challenge, requires a patience, opens a wide insight about astronomy, and can be enjoyed as one branch of photography, as well as glorify God for the great amount of natural beauty, even far away from where we belong. Just be confident! Even a compact camera can deliver such a stunning photograph.

Filed under: Photography Articles

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