What is Planetary Astrophotography?
Planetary astrophotography is the art of photographing planets and their moons in our Solar System. This type of photography requires specialized equipment and techniques, as the planets are often very faint and difficult to capture. The most important factor in obtaining a good quality image is to use a high–quality telescope, camera, and mount.
Additionally, to obtain a clear image, the telescope must be accurately aligned and the exposure settings need to be adjusted to fit the brightness of the target. Planetary astrophotography also requires patience, as it can take multiple attempts to get the desired result. By taking the time to properly set–up and adjust all the equipment, one can obtain vivid and detailed images of the planets and their moons.
How is it different from other types of astrophotography?
This type of astrophotography is different from other types of astrophotography because the objects that are being photographed are much closer and much brighter than the far away celestial objects that are photographed in deep space astrophotography.
The planets and other small bodies of the Solar System are quite bright and require shorter exposure times and less specialized equipment than deep space objects. Planetary astrophotography also requires smaller field of view and more precise tracking due to the objects being closer.
Factors to Consider when Purchasing a Telescope for Planetary Astrophotography
Aperture
The larger the aperture size, the more detail the telescope can capture. It has a direct effect on how much light is collected, which in turn affects the image resolution. A larger aperture size allows more light to enter the camera, resulting in a sharper image with greater detail. Additionally, a larger aperture size will also reduce the effects of atmospheric turbulence, which can further improve the image quality.
Focal Length
A longer focal length will result in higher magnification and a narrower field of view. Focal length allows you to magnify the image of the planet and capture more details. A longer focal length allows you to capture more of the planet’s features, while a shorter focal length will result in a wider field of view but less detail. By using a longer focal length, you can get a much clearer and detailed image of the planet, which can be used for scientific study.
Mount
The mount should be sturdy and stable to minimize vibration which can blur images. It provides a stable platform for the telescope and camera. The mount must be able to track the motion of the planets in order to capture clear images. A mount also helps to reduce vibration that can cause blurry images. Additionally, a mount helps to ensure precise alignments for tracking the planets accurately and consistently.
Image Sensor
An imaging sensor is the primary tool used to capture and record light from the night sky. It enables astronomers to capture high-quality images of planets, stars, and other celestial bodies. By capturing light from distant objects, a image sensor can help astronomers better understand the structure and composition of our universe.
Autoguider
An autoguider can help keep the telescope accurately pointed at the target object. It is important for planetary astrophotgraphy because it helps keep the camera pointed at the same area of the sky for long exposures. This is important for capturing detailed images of planets, as the planet will move across the sky due to the Earth’s rotation.
The autoguider compensates for this, keeping the camera pointed at the same area of the sky for the duration of the exposure, allowing for sharper images with less star trailing.
Computerized Control
A computerized control system can automate the tracking of the telescope and simplify the imaging process. It allows the photographer to make precise adjustments to the telescope’s focus and exposure settings. It also allows the photographer to track the planet’s movement, enabling them to take multiple exposures of the same object without having to manually adjust the telescope’s position. This makes it easier to capture detailed images of distant planets and other celestial objects.
Other Accessories
A barlow lens, filters, and an adapter may be necessary to get the best images.
A barlow lens helps magnify the image of the planet or other astronomical object being photographed. By increasing the magnification of the image, the level of detail that can be captured is significantly improved. This allows the photographer to capture finer details in the image such as planetary features, surface features, and other small details. Additionally, the Barlow lens also increases the focal length of the telescope, which further increases the level of detail that can be captured.
Filters are important for planetary astrophotography because they allow photographers to isolate and record specific wavelengths of light emitted by planets and other celestial objects. Different filters can be used to capture different features of a planet such as the presence of certain gases, its surface features, and the various colors it reflects. By using different filters, astrophotographers can build up detailed images of planets and other objects in the night sky.
A camera adapter is an essential tool for planetary astrophotography, as it allows the camera to be securely and accurately connected to the telescope. This connection is necessary in order to capture sharp, high–quality images of planets and other celestial objects. The adapter also acts as a bridge between the telescope and camera, allowing for precise focusing, tracking, and image capturing.
Price
Price affects the quality of the telescope. Generally speaking, more expensive telescopes will have better optics and other features such as tracking capabilities, better mounts, and higher quality eyepieces. These features will enable you to observe faint and distant objects such as planets and galaxies with greater clarity, making it easier to take stunning astrophotographs.
The Best Telescopes for Planetary Astrophotography
While there are a variety of telescopes that are sold online, the most commonly bought, known, and verified are reviewed below.
Celestron Astromaster 130EQ
The telescope has an aperture of 130mm which provides a bright image, although it’s not the largest aperture available, it is still sufficient for capturing detailed images of planets. The telescope’s design is also well–suited for astrophotography, with a German equatorial mount that allows for smooth tracking of the night sky and fine adjustments to the telescope’s position. It also has slow motion controls, which allow you to track objects accurately.
The telescope also comes with a StarPointer finder scope, making it easier to locate and track objects in the night sky. The Astromaster 130EQ also comes with two eyepieces, one high power and one low power, allowing you to view both large and small objects. The telescope also features a built–in Barlow lens, which allows you to increase the magnification of the eyepieces, making it easier to capture detailed images of planets.
The Celestron Astromaster 130EQ is a great choice for those looking for an affordable and capable telescope for planetary astrophotography. It provides a bright image, smooth and accurate tracking
Meade LX90 ACF
The Meade LX90 ACF telescope is an excellent choice for those looking to get into planetary astrophotography. This telescope features an 8” aperture and a 2,032mm focal length that provides plenty of light–gathering power for capturing detailed planetary images. The Advanced Coma–Free optics design provides excellent image quality, allowing for sharp images with minimal coma and chromatic aberration. The telescope has a built–in Autostar computer system that makes it easy to locate and track objects in the night sky. The system also has an onboard database of over 145,000 celestial objects and an autoguider port for use with a compatible autoguider.
The LX90 ACF also features a sturdy, precision–engineered mount that is designed to track objects accurately and keep them in view for extended periods of time. The mount also includes a computer–controlled GoTo pointing system, which allows users to easily locate and track objects in the night sky. The mount also features an adjustable altitude and azimuth, which allows users to set the perfect position for the telescope.
Overall, the Meade LX90 ACF telescope is an excellent choice for those looking to get into planetary astrophotography. The combination of its high–quality optics, sturdy mount, and easy–to–use computerized GoTo pointing system make it a great choice for anyone looking to take stunning planetary images.
Sky–Watcher Pro ED 120
The Sky–Watcher Pro ED 120 Telescope is a perfect addition to any amateur astronomer‘s toolkit. It is an affordable and high–quality refractor telescope that offers excellent image quality and an impressive aperture, making it an ideal choice for planetary astrophotography.
The Sky–Watcher Pro ED 120 Telescope is equipped with a 120mm f/7.5 ED (Extra–low Dispersion) objective lens and a two–element air–spaced doublet design, which provides excellent sharpness and color correction. This ensures that the images produced are of the highest quality and sharpness. The doublet design also reduces chromatic aberration, which is a common issue with single–element lenses, so you don’t have to worry about colors being distorted.
The telescope also has a long focal length of 900mm, which allows it to capture a wide field of view, making it ideal for capturing large objects in the night sky such as nebulas and star clusters. The long focal length also allows for higher magnification, making it possible to observe details on planets such as Jupiter’s Great Red Spot or Saturn’s rings.\
The telescope also comes with a 2–inch Crayford focuser, which provides precise focusing, allowing for precise and accurate astrophotography. The focuser also has a dual–speed 10:1 fine focusing knob, allowing for precise and smooth focusing even at high magnifications.
Overall, the Sky–Watcher Pro ED 120 Telescope is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable and high–quality telescope for planetary astrophotography. It offers excellent image quality, a long focal length, and precise focusing, making it an ideal choice for any amateur astronomer.
Orion ED80
The Orion ED80 telescope is an excellent choice for planetary astrophotography. It is a highly portable telescope, weighing only 16.8 lbs, and it is equipped with a long focal length of 800mm. This long focal length allows for a wide field of view, making it ideal for capturing detailed images of planets and other celestial bodies. The ED80 also comes with a 2“ dual–speed Crayford focuser, which provides smooth and precise focusing for perfect image quality. The telescope also has a 6x30 finderscope attached to it, allowing for easy aiming and tracking of planets.
The image quality of the ED80 is excellent, as it is equipped with a fully multicoated achromatic doublet lens. This lens helps to produce clear and bright images at high magnifications, which is essential for capturing detailed planetary photos. Additionally, the ED80 is designed with a 2“ visual back, making it compatible with a variety of imaging accessories, such as cameras and filters.
Overall, the Orion ED80 telescope is an excellent choice for planetary astrophotography. Its long focal length, combined with its high–quality optics, make it ideal for capturing detailed images of planets. Its lightweight design and 6x30 finderscope also make it easy to transport and use. All in all, the ED80 is a great choice for any aspiring planetary astrophotographer.
Planetary Astrophotography: What You Need to Get Started
Astrophotography of our solar system’s planets is a fascinating and rewarding hobby. With the right equipment and knowledge, you can capture beautiful images of the planets in the night sky. Here’s what you need to get started with planetary astrophotography.
- Telescope: A telescope is the most essential piece of equipment for any type of astrophotography. For planetary photography, a long focal length telescope is best. A refractor telescope is usually the best choice as it is easier to mount and align, and offers the greatest contrast. Magnification of around 200x is recommended for capturing the best details.
- Mount: A mount is necessary for keeping the telescope steady while tracking the planet as it moves across the night sky. A motorized mount with GoTo capabilities is best, as it will allow you to automatically point the telescope at the planet.
- Camera: A camera with a high resolution is important for capturing the best details of the planets. A DSLR or a dedicated astrophotography camera is recommended.
- Tripod: A good quality tripod is necessary for keeping the camera and telescope steady. It should be able to support the weight of the telescope/camera combination and be able to withstand some wind.
- Software: Software is needed for image processing. Programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom are great for editing and enhancing your images.
- Other Accessories: Other essential accessories include camera filters, eyepieces, and a dew shield. Camera filters can help reduce glare a nd enhance contrast. Eyepieces are important for visual observation. A dew shield is necessary for preventing condensation from forming on the lens.
With the right equipment and knowledge, you can capture stunning images of the planets in the night sky. If you’re looking to get started with planetary astrophotography, make sure you have all the necessary equipment.