How to: Deep Space Astrophotography, from Sara Wager

Learn the basics of astrophotography with a mono CCD camera and understand what goes into capturing the data to make winning astro images.

All astronomical images are taken and processed by Sara Wager. She explains the basics of how a mono CCD is used to get beautiful colour images.

In this video Sara covers the basic ideas behind mono CCD imaging and how it can best be used to get stunning astro photos.

Topics covered:
* The premise of deep sky imaging
* Software – Free software links and ideas
* Stacking – Why it is done and how it benefits the imager
* Components of astro imaging – Camera, telescope, mount, filters, etc.
* Different ways to image the sky -  DSLR on a fixed tripod, DSLR on a tracking mount with a 300mm lens, DSLR with tracking mount and telescope, mono CCD camera with a telescope and tracking mount
* Data capture -  How a colour image is created from a mono camera
imaging Kit
* Exposure length – What it involves and how it is done
* Camera / scope combinations – Field of view and what a difference different focal lengths make
* Planning a target – Filters, exposure length, and numbers
* Filters – Different filters and why they are used and their differences
* Mosaics – Planning a mosaic if the target is large
* Other issues to think about – Light pollution, wind, season, moon