Paul T. Daniell
ptd001@marietta.edu
I became interested in taking pictures of space after seeing the images of Hubble many years ago. I assumed I would simply buy a telescope and look and see all the majesty and colors of space. As I set up my little $50 telescope (purchased from a big box store), my mind was full of expectations of huge spiral galaxies and nebula.
Looking in for the first time, I could not see anything except a few blurry points of light. I set out on a journey to learn about how to actually see deep space. It turns out that it is not possible to see color or detail looking in a telescope. The details and color in space are so faint, that the human eye cannot detect them.
I learned that a number of things are needed to capture the glory of deep space.
- You need to be away from city lights.
- You need a decent telescope.
- You need to be able to take long exposure photographs.
- You must account for the rotation of the Earth during these long exposure times.
Over the next year, I was able to put together the electronics and guidance system to accomplish this. Tips from friendly folks online were a huge help. Imagine taking a picture of a person running in daylight. With a very fast exposure, it appears they are still. However, if you left the camera shutter open for 5 minutes, the subject would have left the frame. You would be left with a blur. Such is the issue of space. The stars move across the sky. In order to photograph them, you have to move precisely with them.
Finally, all the wires and gadgets were assembled and after much practice, it was time to shoot for the good stuff.
Here are two images I enjoy sharing. The first is a nebula designated as Bernard 33. The details on the photo session are as follows.
Imaging Scope: Orion ED 80mm refractor
Camera: Modified Canon Rebel
Guide scope: Orion 190 mm Mak Newt.
Exposures: 10 x 10 minutes, digitally combined with Nebulosity software.
Location: Tornado, WV
A second image is the famous Whirlpool Galaxy. This is designated as “Messier 51”. It is believed to be the collision of two spiral galaxies interacting.
Imaging Scope: Orion 11” Schmidt Cassegrain
Camera: Modified Canon Rebel
Guide scope: Orion 80 mm refractor
Exposures: 15 x 5 minutes. digitally combined with Nebulosity software.
Location: Tornado, WV
Anyone interested in other images or questions about the hobby, please feel free to contact me at ptd001@marietta.edu.
Clear Skies!!
Dr. Paul T. Daniel is the McCoy associate professor in the department of petroleum engineering and geology.
