Science in Astrophotography

Imagine that you are a detective who suddenly hears a gunshot. However, you can not walk to the area from which the noise came to see exactly what just happened, how would you solve the case? With this premise today I start talking about the process that we have been following to disclose and understand the physics of the super interesting gamma ray bursts. At the end of the episode I also solve some of the questions that you have sent me during this week.

Link to episode on light pollution filters: https://podcasts.fotografonocturno.com/13-astrofotografia-con-filtros-de-contaminacion-luminica/

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Website: http://skywonders.ie
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This week’s episode is aimed at those who are interested in buying your first telescope or upgrading to a bigger one. I explain the pros and cons of each of the types of telescopes, their prices, their problems… And of course, I also mention the mounts that we need to be able to do astrophotography.
During the episode I mention some brands that I feel I can trust when choosing a telescope. These are: Skywatcher, Celestron, Meade, Orion, Vixen, Explore Scientific, William Optics, TS and Takahashi.

You can find me in:
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Galaxies and nebulae require long exposure times and need large amounts of images. This week I talk in detail about my workflow to make observe deep sky objects either with DSLRs and lenses or with more advanced tools such as telescopes and dedicated cameras. From the planning, to processing, I reveal all the steps and steps needed to get the final image that we were always wanting.

You can find me in:
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The night sky in May bring us a lot of different options for both north and Southern hemispheres. In particular, this month we will be able to observe the Eta Aquarids meteor shower, the best meteor shower of 2019. It is also a fantastic month to photography deep sky objects in the are of the Milky Way and to photograph Jupiter in all its power. Learn on this episode the tricks to successfully photograph all these sources as well as other interest ones visible during this next month.

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
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Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywonders_ie
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In this week’s episode I describe a large list of software options for capturing your astrophotography images that work with CCDs, CMOS and DSLRs.

The apps mentioned are:
PHD2: https://openphdguiding.org
AstroGuider: http://www.cloudmakers.eu
Firecapture: http://www.firecapture.de
Oacapture: https://www.openastroproject.org/oacapture/
Planetary-imager: https://blog.gulinux.net/en/software/planetary-imager
Sharpcap: https://www.sharpcap.co.uk
Backyard: https://www.otelescope.com
Astro photography tool: https://www.ideiki.com/astro/Default.aspx
AstroDSLR: http://www.cloudmakers.eu
AstroImager: http://www.cloudmakers.eu
Sequence Generator Pro: http://mainsequencesoftware.com/products/sgpro
ZWO ASAIR: https://astronomy-imaging-camera.com/product/zwo-asiair

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
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On April 10, 2019, the first image of a black hole taken with the Event Horizon telescope was published. This telescope uses a technique called interferometry to combine the observations of multiple observatories located throughout Earth. In this episode I describe the importance of this discovery within the world of astrophysics and physics in general and I cover in detail what information the image offers us.

Link to the image: https://www.eso.org/public/news/eso1907/

You can find me in:
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This week I talk about how astronomers live at an observatory doing scientific observations for almost a week. I also tell you about the preparation that goes with it before going. Through examples of projects made by my students I show you the amount of science that can be done with simple images and I encourage you to look at your astronomical images with different eyes.

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
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The night sky in April bring us a lot of different options for both north and Southern hemispheres. In particular, it is one of the best moments to do Milky Way panoramas. Learn on this episode the tricks to successfully photograph the full arch of the Milky Way as well as what other interest sources will be able to see and photograph during this next month.

Milky Way panorama: https://www.instagram.com/p/BvccMvxBKGY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
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In this week’s episode I describe a large list of software options for all kind of imaging processing, from astro-landscapes, to lucky imaging and deep sky objects. With the apps mentioned in this episode you will have everything you need to start extract every photon from your photos.

Lightroom and darktable (https://www.darktable.org): 01:49 min
Photoshop and Affinity Photo (https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/photo/): 04:08 min
Starry Landscape Stacker and Sequator: 05:27 min
https://sites.google.com/site/starrylandscapestacker
https://sites.google.com/site/sequatorglobal/
PiPP, Autostakkert and Registax: 07:48 min
https://sites.google.com/site/astropipp/
https://www.autostakkert.com
DSS (http://deepskystacker.free.fr/english/index.html): 10:02 min
Startools (http://www.startools.org): 11:51min
MaximDL (http://diffractionlimited.com/product/maxim-dl/): 14:13 min
Nebulosity (http://www.stark-labs.com/nebulosity.html): 15:30 min
PixInsight and Astro Pixel Processor: 16:08 min
https://pixinsight.com
https://www.astropixelprocessor.com

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywonders_ie
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As it is now tradition every month, this week’s episode summarises the main events and objects of the night sky that we will be able to see from the North and South Hemispheres during March. As always, the episode includes tips on how to photograph them as well as additional information on the science behind them. We talk about planets, the moon, galaxies and stellar clusters.

Episode about the effects of the atmosphere: https://podcasts.fotografonocturno.com/21-los-efectos-de-la-atmosfera-en-astrofotografia/
Episode about the Zodiacal light: https://podcasts.fotografonocturno.com/3-como-fotografiar-la-luz-zodiacal/
Time-lapse of the Milky Way rising: https://www.instagram.com/p/BipZk6Ulb2i/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Image of the region of Rho Oph: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bho-gDdFuTT/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
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This week I bring you my top 5 list of weather apps to help you plan our observing nights knowing if the sky is going to be clear or covered. Each app has its pros and cons, but after years testing different options, these are the apps that give me the best results and I consider them the most reliable for my planning. I hope they can be useful for you as well.

Episode’s time index:
http://weatherunderground.com: 02:10 min
http://yr.no: 06:06 min
http://meteoblue.com: 09:24 min
http://clearoutside.com: 14:20 min
http://ventusky.com: 17:19 min

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
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The effects of the atmosphere in astrophotography

If you have ever wondered why it is sometimes difficult to capture the Moon when it is close to the horizon or why some nights without clouds you get disappointing results compared to others, then this will be a very special episode for you. This week I talk about how the airmass or the seeing can affect our images. I also talk about the lucky imaging technique that help us counteract these effects and give us more sharper images of the moon and planets.

Episode’s time index:
The airmass: 03:40 min
The seeing: 09:02 min
Lucky imaging: 14:51 min

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
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In this week’s episode I cover 4 different methods to achieve perfect focused images in a quickly and reliable way when using your DSRLs and/or telescopes.

In this link you can find the online tool to generate a Bahtinov mask suitable for your setup: http://astrojargon.net/MaskGen.aspx
And in this second link you can find the hyperlocal table provided by Photopills: https://www.photopills.com/calculators/hyperfocal-table

Episode’s time index:
Focusing method 1: 5:09 min
Focusing method 2: 11:07 min
Focusing method 3: 12:54 min
Focusing method 4: 15:44 min

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
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This week’s episode summarises the main events and objects of the night sky that we will be able to see from the North and South Hemispheres during February. As always, the episode includes tips on how to photograph them as well as additional information on the science behind them. We talk about planets, the moon, nebulae and stellar clusters,

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywonders_ie
Facebook: http://facebook.com/skywondersie

The proper calibration of our RAW images, is a really important stage of the acquisition of astronomical images. In this episode I describe each of the different types of calibrating images, why they are useful and how we need to proceed to take them and apply them.

Images of the total lunar eclipse
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs6f7zvB2cp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs_X-MqB_wh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

You can find me in:
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In the early hours of January 21st, we will have the opportunity of witnessing the only total lunar eclipse of 2019. In this episode, I show you all the different techniques to successfully photograph such an incredible event: composition, camera settings, exposition during different phases of the eclipse… Do not forget to share your images with me either via Instagram or Twitter using #skywondersie.

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywonders_ie
Facebook: http://facebook.com/skywondersie

In this episode I uncover what the images obtained by the New Horizon probe, launched in 2006, are telling us about Pluto, seeing like never before, and most recently, in January 1st, 2019, about Ultima-Thule, the farthest object ever visited.

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
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We kick off 2019 with an special episode in response to loads of requests, questions from all of you. On this episode I will describe in detail what equipment for astrophotography I currently have, which one is always in my luggage, and the purpose on my work of each of the different cameras, lenses, software tools that I have.

Astronomical calendar of 2019 including all major events of the year and free international shipping: http://skywonders.ie/product/calendar-2019/

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
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The last episode of 2018 is here and of course it covers the astronomical events and main celestial objects of the January night sky, as well as photographing tips. We talk about comets, planets, meteor showers and star clusters. Don’t miss the special surprise at the end of the episode. Happy 2019

Astronomical calendar of 2019 including all major events of the year and free international shipping: http://skywonders.ie/product/calendar-2019/

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
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In astrophotography we always talk about travelling to dark skies, however not everyone has the opportunity to move away from the big cities. In those cases, it is important to know that we can still do astrophotography! All we have to do is modify our workflows and use different techniques. In this episode, I describe the different options of light pollution filters that we can use to help us doing astrophotography under bright city skies.

Astronomical calendar of 2019 including all major events of the year and free international shipping: http://skywonders.ie/product/calendar-2019/

Light pollution map: https://www.lightpollutionmap.info

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
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December came and with it one of the most awaited astronomical events of the year, the arrival of comet 46P/Wirtanen. It has been quite a while now since the last comet visible with the naked-eye and because of that, everyone is getting very excited about it. However, the images that we are already seeing are showing us a comet quite unusual, without its typical long tail and showing us a green colour. Why is the comet green? Where is its tail? In this episode, not only I will talk about how to photograph it, but I will talk about the science behind the way it looks.

Astronomical calendar of 2019 including all major events of the year and free international shipping: http://skywonders.ie/product/calendar-2019/

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
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December is here and it is time to talk about the astronomical events that we will see until the end of the year. This week’s episode summarises the main events and objects of the night sky that we will be able to see and photograph from the North and South Hemispheres, including additional information on the science behind them. We talk about comets, meteor showers and stellar clusters, with emphasis on what equipment we will need to photograph them.

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywonders_ie
Facebook: http://facebook.com/skywonders

Should I update my camera? What lens should I buy? Should I invest on a new DSLR or a CMOS or a CCD? Should | get a star tracker or a telescope? If you are asking yourself some of these questions, or similar, now that Christmas is approaching, then this is your podcast. In this episode, | walk you through the different accessories of the astrophotography equipment, from basic to advance levels alike, to help you decide what should be your next step on your photography adventure.

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywonders_ie
Facebook: http://facebook.com/skywonders

November is here bringing with it the winter night sky. This week’s episode summarises the main events and objects of the night sky that we will be able to see and photograph from the North and South Hemispheres. We talk about comets, meteor showers, galaxies and nebulae, with emphasis on what equipment we will need to photograph them.

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywonders_ie
Facebook: http://facebook.com/skywonders

This week we will talk about how to photograph the Sun using either DSLR or dedicated CMOS cameras and telescopes. I talk about what things we will be able to see depending on our set up and briefly describe the science behind all those features. I also mention very briefly some of the techniques used to capture the data.

Links mentioned:
Baader solar filter: https://amzn.to/2D50TmW
http://spaceweather.com
Images:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTCPbG2gZsz/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWXIr65gOct/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbsJ94mg8Iw/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywonders_ie
Facebook: http://facebook.com/skywonders

In this week’s episode, we are celebrating the first anniversary of the announcement of the first object detected by telescopes and gravitational waves simultaneously. This incredible discovery has kicked off a new era in the world of astrophysics and in this podcast, I will talk to you in a clear and simple way about how the discovery happened and why it is a game changer for astrophysics.

You can find me in:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywonders_ie
Facebook: http://facebook.com/skywonders

In this episode, I talk about how to know if the International Space Station (ISS) will be visible from our location and how to photograph it either with a wide-angle lens or with a telescope to be able to capture its shape. I also talk about planning observations of the ISS while transiting the sun or the moon. Finally, in the podcast I talk about what an Iridium flare is and how to capture it, and how to spot geostationary satellites.

Links to apps and images mentioned in the episode:
https://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/iss-spotter/id523486350?mt=8
http://www.issdetector.com
https://www.heavens-above.com
http://www.transit-finder.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgRmYt0lULV/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

You can find me at:
Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywonders_ie
Facebook: http://facebook.com/skywonders

Have you ever wonder what it would be to be part of a large scientific project? In this podcast I will explain how you can use your astrophotography shots using DSLRs or CCDs, to join hundreds of astrophotographers like you to study variable stars.

https://www.aavso.org —> in the observers section you can find all the information required to start taking images and uploading your results.

Tutorial on differential photometry using images: https://www.aavso.org/visual-observing-manual

You can find me at:

Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywonders_ie
Facebook: http://facebook.com/skywonders

September is coming to an end and October comes with a brand new night sky. This week’s episode summarises the main events and objects of the night sky that we will be able to see and photograph from the North and South Hemispheres. We talk about comets, meteor showers, galaxies and nebulae, as well as how their properties can affect the way we photograph them.

You can find me at:

Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywonders_ie
Facebook: http://facebook.com/skywonders

The equinox is approaching and thus, it is the perfect time to talk about how to photograph the Zodiacal light from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In this episode, first I describe briefly the science behind this bright cone of white light that can be seen about 90 minutes before the sunrise in the East or after sunset in the West. I also describe the best conditions to observe it as well as the equipment necessary.

Image of mentioned in the episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bgov48HAzo6/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

You can find me at:

Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywonders_ie
Facebook: http://facebook.com/skywonders

In this episode we talk about a few apps that will help us locating stars, constellations, galaxies, etc in the night sky and that will allow us to plan a full observing and/or photographing night before we head to our location.

The apps mentioned in this episode are:
Stellarium: http://stellarium.org
Star Walk: http://vitotechnology.com/star-walk.html
Photopills: https://www.photopills.com
http://dso-browser.com

You can find me at:

Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywonders_ie
Facebook: http://facebook.com/skywonders

We kick off this new adventure talking about the idea behind this new podcast that covers several topics such as astrophotography, astrophysics and all things space related. We also talk about how to enter in the world of astrophotography without investing a huge amount of money by using the equipment that we already have for normal photography.

Image of the region of the Horsehead and Orion nebulae mentioned in the episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/BhwoT8vlLJ3/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Image of the region of Antares mentioned in the episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bho-gDdFuTT/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

You can find me at:

Website: http://skywonders.ie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antmarcarr
Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywonders_ie
Facebook: http://facebook.com/skywonders