How to get started with astrophotography?

Omar N

Omar N

Active member
Hello community!


I want to go on a weekend getaway to try out astrophotography, but I am unsure how to start this. It seems like the best way to go about it would be to sign up with some kind of astrophotography club that could guide me to a good place place for it, but I am unsure of any clubs that host such events. I know there are certain areas in California and Nevada for instance that have good astrophotraphy options, but to actually get to the right locations is another story. Surely I cannot just get off a plane and hope to find somewhere good for it. The other option I was thinking would be to go to a state park such as Yellow Stone and just camp out for a night. Since those are government property, I should have permission to do so.


Can anybody offer any tips or advice on how to get started?


Many thanks in advance!
Omar
 
There are astronomy clubs in just about every town of 10,000 or more people around here. Many of them have assembled small observatories as a club project, or at least have arranged to get access to a good (i.e. dark) rural location where they can set up their equipment. Almost all have regular viewing nights when they all gather as a group with their telescopes. I don't know of any that are specifically devoted to astrophotography, but that's such an integral part of astronomy that it would be rare not to find someone with the expertise and equipment in any club.

My suggestion would be to find the planetarium or college astronomy department nearest to your location and give them a call. They are the people most likely to have the contact information for any local clubs or enthusiastic amateurs. They may even sponsor some viewing opportunities themselves. In my community, one of the astronomy clubs (there are at least two) is affiliated with the local park district, so they would also be able to provide information.

- Greg
 
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