Some more Astronomy

[Big V]

Given the clouds and rain were on the way and there will be no opportunity for me to do any astro work for at least a week - made a quick trip to the observatory last night..unfortunately the light cloud rolled in quicker than expected and cut the session short, you get that. Still some astronomy is better than no astronomy.

[kitchenwench]

They're beautiful! How on earth did you capture them?? (o_O) I had no idea that there were lenses which could capture this sort of distance!

[sirhc55]

That’s what a telescope is useful for

[kitchenwench]

Wait wait - you took those through a telescope?? But they're so sharp and clear!

[Big V]

The clarity has to do with the environmental conditions on the night you take the photo- if the stars are twinkling, then the air is moving a great deal and the stars etc will be larger on the final image due to refraction of the light. If the atmospheric conditions are good stars dont twinkle and they remain smaller and sharper on the final image. Glad you like them..

[zafra52]

Very nice images.

[surenj]

Love the second. Looks kind of 3D.

[Grev]

LOVE astronomy photos.

[hark40]

Been hesitant to post this link here, but a friend/co-worker of mine is rather into astrophotography has taken some shots that you won't believe. The time, effort (and money) he has put into his little hobby is extensive and the results are fantastic. Have a look at what Martin Pugh does. Some of his photos have been printed up at A0 size and mounted at work and are a delight to see.

Mark P.

[Raskill]

Big V, thanks for the explanation on the twinkling of stars and what it means, never really given it much though. We have icey nights just now, and very little 'twinkling'. Unfortunately a bright clear sky isnt going to help I guess.

Hark40, thanks for the link. Some incredible shots there!

[Big V]

Martin produces outstanding work and is a Malin award winner. He is however using a dedicated astronomy camera not a digital slr as I am, so cant compare directly..

[hark40]

Martin produces outstanding work and is a Malin award winner. He is however using a dedicated astronomy camera not a digital slr as I am, so cant compare directly..

That was why I was a hesitant about mentioning him as his is a different type of photography altogether.You have shown that even with a DSLR you can taken some pretty great shots. Apologies for not saying so earlier Well done and I look forward to any more shots you would like to share.

Mark P.