Astronomy pictures or pictures of astronomy objects are quite
beautiful. These subjects are difficult to capture due to the vast
distances, low light levels because of their distance, as well as
these objects appear to be in constant motion because of the earth’s
rotation. At times, overcoming these difficulties of capturing these
subjects in the eye of the digital camera can be quite frustrating.
Through determination and a few successes in the beginning, I’ve
learned to gather the data and create Astronomy Pictures.
Using a moderate setup, which started with a Meade LX200
telescope and an SBIG 237A CCD camera, I was able to learn the
basics of digital astrophotography. With each upgrade, an SBIG-ST7e,
Canon Digital Rebel and an Orion 80ED Refractor, along with post
processing skills, I’ve seen my skills improve which was evident to
me in creating this web site. I have posted my astronomy pictures on
this site listing them from the earlier beginnings with the SBIG
ST-237a to recent images using the SBIG ST-2000XM and Canon Digital Rebel. Follow this link to see
Bob’s Astronomy Pictures to see my journey up the learning
curve.
| Messier Objects |
| Be sure to visit the
Messier Object List, a compilation of amateur astronomy pictures
taken by myself as well as members of the San Diego Astronomy
Association’s Astro-Imagers-Special-Interest Group ( AISIG) to show the
Messier Catalog photographically. The Messier Catalog is a collection of
galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, objects difficult to distinguish
from comets with the telescopes available in the 18th century and
cataloged by French astronomer Charles Messier. These objects are
considered the showpieces of the night sky. |
| San Diego Astronomy |
| This site was originally created as an
astronomy tool for the members of the
San Diego Astronomy Association (SDAA). It has evolved into
more, but I have kept those original astronomer's tools intact.
The astronomy tools are included to help with astrophotography
and visual observing with telescopes like weather forecasts for
Tierra del Sol in eastern San Diego County. Click the following
link to get more information about the
San Diego CA Weather Forecast. Another valuable astronomy
tool is the
Moon Phase Calendar to see the moon's phase when planning
your astronomy picture taking and observing session. Here you
will find moon rise and set times and well as sun rise and set
times. |
| APOD |
| The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is one of
NASA's greatest success stories.This instrument has produced
some of the most breathtaking astronomy pictures ever seen. See
the
Astronomy Picture of the Day, a showcase of one of these
extraordinary images from HST, a different picture every day. |
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