How I capture amazing astrophotos

by Thomas AmbyAstronomy, Equipment, GjernPosted on Comments are Disabled

In this post, the author describes their astrophotography process focusing on capturing the Elephant’s Trunk Nebula (IC 1396) from Gjern, Denmark. The procedure entails selecting a target, planning observations, and optimizing equipment setup for night conditions. Initially, challenges like weather and technical issues resulted in only 47 exposures, yielding 70 minutes of usable data. Subsequent attempts increased data accumulation, improving the nebula’s visibility in images significantly, with a total of 7 hours of cumulative observation time leading to greatly enhanced details and structure in the final photographs.

PixInsight is it worth the price?

by Thomas Amby30F4 MiniScope, ASIair, Gjern, Nikon Z5, Star Adventuer GTi, Tamron 150-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G1, ZWO ASI120MM miniPosted on Comments are Disabled

The reviewer, without any endorsement, shares personal experiences with astral photography upgrades, including the Skywatcher tracker, ASIair mini, and PixInsight software. With the new setup, they achieved better alignment and remote control of their rig. Notable results were captured images of Orion and Andromeda galaxies, and Pleiades, showing significant improvement, particularly after adding auto-guiding.

Finally weather improvements

by Thomas AmbyASIair, Astronomical object, Camera, Equipment, Gjern, Mount, Nikon Z5, Sky Watcher, Star Adventuer GTi, Tamron 150-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G1Posted on Comments are Disabled

Enduring two months of overcast weather, March’s improved conditions allowed testing of the ASIair mini in Denmark. Remote operation of the Star Adventurer GTi and a successful Pleiades (M45) photoshoot were achieved with increased exposure times. The ASIair mini impressed, enabling 60-second exposures at ISO 800. Excitement grows for continued collaboration with the ASIair mini.

New Equipment…

by Thomas Amby30F4 MiniScope, ASIair, Equipment, Gjern, Optics, Star Adventuer GTi, Tamron 150-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G1Posted on Comments are Disabled

In an equipment update, the astrophotographer acquired the ZWO ASIair mini and ZWO 30F4 MiniScope for guiding, awaiting the backordered ZWOASI 120MM MiniGuide Camera. The replacement mount has arrived, prompting anticipation for testing under improved weather. The ASIair’s potential, highlighted by Astrobackyard’s Trevor Jones, is yet to be personally explored, with the compact Mini impressing during initial testing. Excitement builds for its integration with the Nikon Z5 and Tamron 150-600mm lens for enhanced polar alignment

Bad weather and not enough data

by Thomas AmbyEquipment, GjernPosted on Comments are Disabled

In January 2024, challenging weather and technical issues plagued astrophotographer’s attempts. Limited clear nights and a malfunctioning Star Adventurer GTi led to minimal data collection. Resorting to archived data from Mt. Kent’s FUT telescope, an RGB composition of the galaxy M83 was attempted. Despite setbacks, future upgrades, including ASIair mini, a new scope, or a dedicated astro-camera, are being considered for enhanced astrophotography. The journey continues under the hope of clearer skies.

First light with the new gear

by Thomas AmbyGjern, Astronomical object, Camera, Equipment, Location, Mount, Nikon Z5, Optics, Sky Watcher, Star Adventuer GTi, Tamron 150-600 mm f5.6-6.3 G1Posted on Comments are Disabled

Testing the new astrophotography rig was a success. Despite a slight hiccup with a misaligned UV filter affecting star photography, the night out was deemed a success. Imperfections aside, the experience was enjoyable, marking a memorable and satisfactory outing.

The star adventurer GTi has finally arrived

by Thomas AmbyEquipment, Gjern, Location, Mount, Sky Watcher, Star Adventuer GTiPosted on Comments are Disabled

Just when I was about to receive my new mount the Sky watcher – Star Adventurer GTi a snowstorm hit Denmark. Providing us with 30 cm of snow on average. This delayed the arrival of the setup. Now I finally have received the mount and unpacked it and now I just have to await the …

Read more “The star adventurer GTi has finally arrived”

Telescopius FOV of new astrophoto kit

Building 1 new portable astrophoto kit

by Thomas AmbyGjern, Astronomy, Camera, Equipment, Location, Meade 8", Nikon Z5, TelescopePosted on Comments are Disabled

Over the past decade, the author has periodically engaged in astrophotography, using an older Meade 8″ telescope which lacks modern features, leading to frustration. To improve, they’ve decided to build a new astrophoto kit from scratch, starting with a Skywatcher Star Adventurer GTi mount, their Nikon Z5 camera, and a Tamron 150-600mm lens.