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Imaging Guide

Astrophotography Basics

Focus on repeatability over complexity. A stable mount, accurate focus, and consistent calibration usually improve images more than expensive upgrades.

Starter setup

Begin with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, sturdy tripod, intervalometer, and a fast wide lens. Add a star tracker when you want longer exposures with tighter stars.

Exposure workflow

  • Manual mode, RAW capture, daylight white balance.
  • Use the 500-rule as a rough upper limit for untracked shots.
  • Stack many short exposures instead of one long noisy frame.
  • Capture dark, flat, and bias frames for cleaner processing.

Post-processing priorities

Calibrate, align, stack, neutralize background gradients, then stretch carefully. Avoid oversaturation and preserve natural star color where possible.