Please join us on Nov 19 for the next session of our members-only Fast Track series – this one focuses on Astrophotography!
Update: The session starts at 4:00 pm

David Ault, with Larry Martin, will lead members through some of the key starting (and intermediate) points of capturing light through the photographer’s lens. We’ll start promptly at Eagle Eye Observatory at Canyon of the Eagles at 5pm with some daylight training and discussing, move into set up, break a little, and then prepare for evening viewing and imaging. So signup today!

Fast Track 201: Introduction to Astrophotography

During November Public Star Party, we’ll continue on with the Fast Track series with Fast Track 201: Introduction to Astrophotography, at Eagle Eye Observatory, Canyon of the Eagles.

Fast Track 201 takes an introductory look at the various forms of astrophotography, examines typical equipment used, how to set it up, select targets, find them, acquire the data and process it.  We will cover several free and pay-for programs that can be used for various parts of the astrophotography process and discuss various books and online sources for learning more.  We will also be setting up several examples of equipment and taking some data and discussing whatever equipment you already have and how it can be used to best effect.  The course will have two components a 2 hour daytime class discussing the software and planning side of astrophotography and a night time practical session.  We will cover wide field / nightscape photography, planetary imaging and deep sky astrophotography.

Fast Track 101 and 102 are NOT a prerequisites to this course but members should ideally have some sky experience.

If you have your own equipment, please bring it.  We will have a setup session to go over the setup of various types of astrophotography setups.

In addition, bring:

• Water, snacks
• Chair, hat, sunglasses
• A red flashlight or head lamp
• A DSLR and tripod
• Telescope, mount and camera
• Laptop (with red film to cover the screen, even better)
• Or any other equipment you have
• Your Fast Track astro booklet!

Moonset is a little after 11PM and will only be 33% illuminated so you may need red lights to avoid bumping into things.  While imaging, be careful not to shine light into any of scopes or cameras acquiring data.

Please signup so that we have enough materials and know who’s coming!