Category Archives: Astrophotography

Jasper National Park

Camping in Jasper National Park offers a truly immersive experience in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The park is known for its awe-inspiring landscapes, including towering mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. There are several campgrounds within the park, each offering a unique camping experience.

One of the most popular campgrounds in Jasper is Whistlers Campground, which provides various amenities such as flush toilets, showers, and fire pits. It is conveniently located near the town of Jasper, making it easily accessible for campers.

Wapiti Campground is another well-liked option, situated along the Athabasca River. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and easy access to nearby trails and attractions.

For a more remote experience, campers can head to more rustic campgrounds like Snaring Campground, which provides a more secluded setting and is popular among nature enthusiasts.

Camping in Jasper National Park provides an opportunity to engage in a wide range of outdoor activities. Hiking is one of the most popular activities, with a multitude of trails catering to various skill levels. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including sightings of elk, deer, bears, and bighorn sheep.

Additionally, the area is a designated Dark Sky Preserve, making it an excellent destination for stargazing and astrophotography.

To ensure a smooth camping experience, it’s essential to be well-prepared. Campers should make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons, and check the park’s website for any updates on campground availability and regulations.

As with any camping trip, visitors should practice Leave No Trace principles, respect wildlife, and adhere to fire regulations to help preserve the natural beauty of Jasper National Park for future generations.

Banff National Park

Camping in Banff National Park is an extraordinary experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies. As Canada’s oldest national park, Banff offers a wide range of camping options, each providing unique opportunities to connect with nature.

Tunnel Mountain Campground, situated just minutes away from the town of Banff, is a popular choice for both RV and tent campers. It offers various amenities such as hot showers, flush toilets, and access to nearby hiking trails.

Two Jack Lakeside Campground is another sought-after destination, offering picturesque views of Two Jack Lake and the surrounding mountains. It provides a more serene setting for camping, with access to water activities and scenic vistas.

For a rustic camping experience, visitors can opt for backcountry camping, where they can trek into the wilderness and camp in designated sites. This type of camping allows for a deeper connection with nature and a chance to explore more remote areas of the park.

While camping in Banff, campers have a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy. Hiking is one of the most popular pastimes, with numerous trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes leading to breathtaking viewpoints.

The park’s lakes, such as Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, offer opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and simply enjoying the serene beauty of the turquoise waters.

Wildlife viewing is also a highlight of camping in Banff National Park. Visitors might encounter elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and even bears during their stay, so it’s crucial to practice wildlife safety and keep a safe distance.

Banff is also designated as a Dark Sky Preserve, making it an ideal location for stargazing on clear nights.

When camping in Banff, it’s essential to plan ahead and make reservations, especially during peak seasons, as campgrounds can fill up quickly. Additionally, campers should adhere to all park regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the park’s natural beauty and wilderness for future generations to enjoy.

Kananaskis Country

Camping in Kananaskis Country offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies in a less crowded and more tranquil setting compared to nearby Banff and Jasper National Parks. Kananaskis Country, located just west of Calgary, Alberta, encompasses a vast area of mountainous terrain, forests, rivers, and pristine alpine lakes.

There are several campgrounds throughout Kananaskis, each offering a unique camping experience. For those seeking convenient and family-friendly camping, Bow Valley Campground is a popular choice with its easy access to amenities and nearby trails.

Mount Kidd RV Park is another well-liked option, offering full-service sites and a beautiful mountain backdrop. It’s a great choice for campers looking for more comfort and modern facilities.

Backcountry camping is also a highlight of Kananaskis Country. Adventurous campers can hike into the wilderness and camp at designated backcountry sites, allowing for a more remote and immersive experience in nature.

The area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that cater to various skill levels. Popular hiking trails include the Chester Lake Trail, Ha Ling Peak, and Ptarmigan Cirque, each offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Kananaskis Country is also a haven for wildlife viewing, and visitors may encounter elk, deer, moose, and even bighorn sheep during their camping trip.

In addition to hiking and wildlife viewing, Kananaskis offers a plethora of outdoor activities, such as fishing in its pristine lakes and rivers, horseback riding, rock climbing, and canoeing or kayaking on crystal-clear waters.

During the winter months, Kananaskis transforms into a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even ice climbing for the more adventurous campers.

As with any camping trip, it’s essential to check for campground availability and regulations, especially during peak seasons. Visitors should also familiarize themselves with wildlife safety guidelines and practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the natural environment and preserve the wilderness for future generations

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park is a truly unique and immersive experience in the Badlands of southeastern Alberta, Canada. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its rich paleontological history, stunning landscapes, and abundant dinosaur fossils.

The park offers two campgrounds: Dinosaur Provincial Park Campground and Dinosaur Provincial Park Group Campground. The main campground provides both unserviced and powered sites for RVs and tents, while the group campground is ideal for larger groups and offers a more private setting.

Camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park allows visitors to explore the rugged and otherworldly terrain of the Badlands. The landscape features distinctive hoodoos, sandstone formations, and coulees, offering a unique and surreal backdrop for campers.

As a designated Dark Sky Preserve, Dinosaur Provincial Park is an excellent destination for stargazing and astrophotography. On clear nights, campers can witness a breathtaking display of stars and celestial wonders.

During the day, visitors can participate in guided tours led by knowledgeable interpreters, where they can learn about the park’s paleontological significance and the ancient dinosaurs that once roamed the area. The park’s visitor center also offers interactive exhibits and displays related to the region’s geological and paleontological history.

While camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park, visitors can partake in hiking and nature walks on the park’s trails, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including pronghorns, mule deer, coyotes, and a diverse range of bird species.

Given the sensitive nature of the park’s environment and the importance of preserving its unique features, campers are encouraged to adhere to strict Leave No Trace principles and follow all park regulations.

Overall, camping in Dinosaur Provincial Park offers a chance to step back in time and connect with the ancient history and natural wonders of the Badlands, making it a memorable and educational experience for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

 

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Camping in Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich indigenous history and stunning landscapes of southern Alberta, Canada. This provincial park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique rock art and cultural significance.

The campground in Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park provides a tranquil and scenic setting along the Milk River. Campers can choose between both unserviced and powered sites for RVs and tents, all with easy access to the park’s natural and cultural attractions.

The highlight of camping in Writing-on-Stone is the opportunity to explore the park’s ancient rock art and petroglyphs, created by Indigenous peoples thousands of years ago. Guided tours are available, allowing visitors to learn about the meaning and significance of the rock art, as well as the cultural heritage of the Blackfoot people.

Hiking is another popular activity in the park, with trails leading to stunning viewpoints, unique rock formations, and the banks of the Milk River. Campers can enjoy nature walks while spotting local wildlife and bird species, including pronghorns, mule deer, and various bird species.

During the warmer months, canoeing or kayaking along the Milk River is a great way to experience the park from a different perspective and take in the surrounding beauty.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is also a designated Dark Sky Preserve, offering campers excellent opportunities for stargazing and experiencing the brilliance of the night sky.

As with any camping trip, visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles, respect the cultural heritage and natural environment of the park, and follow all park regulations to ensure the preservation of this unique and sacred site for generations to come. Camping in Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park provides an extraordinary opportunity to connect with history, nature, and the cultural significance of the region, making it a memorable and enriching experience for all who visit.

A Kildare man’s photo has been selected to feature as part of the 2023 Reach for the Stars astrophotography outdoor exhibition, run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.

 

 

The photo entitled Timeless Wonder was captured by Kacper Groblicki from Maynooth. The image features the Poulnabrone Dolmen, which, for thousands of years has stood as a testament to the ingenuity of our ancient ancestors, beckoning visitors to ponder its mysteries and marvel at its beauty. Above it, the Milky Way has shone for millions of years, a collection of stars, gas and dust that has captivated humans since the dawn of time.

Kacper Groblicki’s image will be showcased as part of an outdoor exhibition at DIAS’s premises at 10 Burlington Road, Dublin, from Tuesday, 1^st August. The 14 top-rated images from the competition will be displayed alongside Kacper’s. The exhibition is free to attend.

The DIAS competition showed multiple breathtaking photos of the cosmos, with Adrian Hendroff and Sara Harvey taking the top spots.

Several awe-inspiring photos have taken the top prizes at the ‘Reach for the Stars’ astrophotography competition, run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS).

The winners were selected from more than 70 entries, which contained a range of breathtaking photos that show the surface of the Earth and the deep wonders of the cosmos.

Taking the top prize in the Back on Earth category was an image of the Milky Way over the Port Láirge Shipwreck in Wexford. This ‘Ghost Ship’ image was captured by Adrian Hendroff, from Stepaside, Dublin.

Prof Peter Gallagher, head of astrophysics at DIAS and a member of the judging panel, said the image “mesmerised the panel” when they saw it.

“The Milky Way captured above the ship in all its glory is perfectly framed with the rusting ship, seaweed laced mudflats and the faint glow of the Northern Lights,” Gallagher said. “It’s clear a huge amount of thought and creativity went into capturing this image.”

In addition to winning this category of the astrophotography contest, Hendroff also took the top spot in the Public Choice category, receiving the most votes for his ‘Illuminate’ image.

 

A galactic dance

The winning photo for the Out of this World category shows the Whirlpool Galaxy, located 31m light years from Earth. This galaxy has a face-on appearance when viewed from the Earth, with a distinct spiral structure and galactic core.

This photo, called ‘M51 – A Galactic Dance’ was captured by Sara Harvey from Bishopstown, Cork. Gallagher said the level of detail captured in the photo was a “technically brilliant image” with a high level of detail.

“It is well framed to include many points of interest including the hot, young stars and yellow, older stars within the winding, graceful arms of the galaxy,” Gallagher said. “You can also see some tiny galaxies floating in the background and its companion galaxy NGC 5195 is clearly visible.”

The DIAS Reach for the Stars competition is run in partnership with The Irish Times and is sponsored by Alice Public Relations. The winning photos and runner-ups are available to view on the competition website.

Meanwhile, DIAS researchers are leading a project that aims to use AI to get faster and more accurate warnings about space weather events like solar flares.

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Have you ever wondered what the same deep-space object would look like using two very different telescopes?

I thought this was a great concept for a video (see below) and a real eye-opener for those looking into upgrading their telescope for astrophotography.

For this experiment, we used two high-quality refractor telescopes that were very different in size, and price. 

One telescope costs about $1,000 and is so small that it can fit in your hand, and the other one costs nearly $10,000 and weighs over 30 pounds. 

Before we get into the results, let’s take a closer look at the deep-sky target and the equipment breakdown. 

You can also watch the video of this astrophotography experiment here:

The Deep-Sky Target

The deep-sky target chosen was the Eagle Nebula, which is visible in the night sky right now (July, August) in the constellation Serpens. It’s big, it’s bright, and it’s 7000 light years away from Earth. 

Also known as Messier 16, this target is one of the brightest nebulae in the night sky and contains the Pillars of Creation, made famous by the Hubble Space Telescope. The Pillars of Creation appear relatively small within the nebula, but in actuality, they are larger than our entire solar system.

If you have not yet had a chance to image this target, be sure to check this one out with your telescope, no matter how big it is. 

The Eagle Nebula location within the Milky Way

The Equipment 

For the comparison, we ran two full-featured astrophotography rigs at the same time and tried to keep the setups as similar as possible (i.e. EQ mounts, camera controllers, refractor telescopes). 

Both setups used dedicated astronomy cameras designed for deep-space photography. However, I don’t have two of the same cameras to make this a true apples-to-apples test, so the cameras are slightly different models.

The telescopes are high-quality refractor designs that are only 100 mm apart in size. This may not seem like a lot in terms of focal length, but that extra aperture makes a big difference in astrophotography. 

In place of a laptop computer, we used two ZWO ASIAIR mini PCs to control the telescopes and automate the imaging session. They control everything from the camera and guide camera, to the tracking mount. 

Before taking a closer look at each setup, let’s clarify a few things:

1. These are just rough prices for the telescopes (in Canadian Dollars). They don’t include the cost of the camera, mount, and all of the other telescope accessories.
2. You could take an image just as good as the one I took using your own equipment, that cost way less. By no means am I saying it costs $10K to get a picture similar to my final result.

Setup #1 – The $1,000 Telescope 

As mentioned, the cameras are slightly different. The camera featured in this setup shoots in full color (one-shot color), meaning after a night of imaging, there will be a complete color image ready for processing. 

A light pollution filter (Optolong L-eNhance) was used to isolate the h-alpha wavelengths and create a punchier image. 

This type of filter is known as a multi-bandpass filter. The transmission graph below should give you a better idea of the selective light transmission this filter allows through. 

Optolong L-eNhance Filter light transmission graph. 

Things to Consider

This setup is ultra-portable and can be set up and packed away quickly. The telescope is so light (just over 3 pounds), that the mount needed to run it is more affordable. You could even run this one on a star tracker which makes it a great choice for travelling.

The drawback is that the field of view (250mm) is going to be very wide when compared to other telescopes. This may impact some of the targets you want to photograph, as you won’t be able to ‘zoom in’ for a closer look or greater detail on smaller deep-sky objects.

Setup #1 is a lot more practical for most backyard astrophotographers because of its ease of use, cost, and impressive performance. 

Setup #2 – The $10,000 Telescope

This setup uses a monochrome camera with narrowband filters. This means in order to produce a color image, you need to shoot through LRGB filters and build a color image using the pictures from each filter. 

This type of astrophotography is known as narrowband imaging, and it is a more involved process than traditional RGB (broadband, true color) imaging. 

An electronic filter wheel was used to automate the filter-changing process, and the appropriate filter rotates into place as each new picture is taken. 

Setting up the 32-pound Sky-Watcher Esprit 150 telescope. 

Things to consider

This setup is a big financial and physical commitment. And even though it is one of my favorite refractors, it is extremely heavy and may require an additional set of hands to help you set it up. Due to its size, a more portable setup may get used more frequently, especially if it’s only going to be clear for a few hours. 

This heavy telescope (over 30 pounds) will also require a serious equatorial mount to operate. In this configuration, I am using a Sky-Watcher CQ350 computerized equatorial mount.

So for anyone thinking about upgrading their telescope for astrophotography, remember that your mount might have to upgrade along with it which is an additional cost. 

The Session

Both cameras took 4-minute-long pictures through their respective telescopes to collect light on the camera sensor. We collected over 6 hours of total exposure time through each telescope, thanks to an additional clear night for shooting.

Even though we collected the same amount of time on the Eagle Nebula through both telescopes, the larger setup will have collected more light thanks to a larger objective lens. This is one of the biggest differences between the two telescopes and what you are paying the big bucks for. 

The big telescope (setup #2) will look deep into the Eagle Nebula to reveal intricate details thanks to light-gathering power, aperture, higher magnification, and focal length. This is the benefit of all of the extra work and cost of this particular setup.

If you’ve already guessed, the pictures look way different through each telescope, since the smaller telescope (setup #1) is shooting at a quarter of the magnification of the big one. This means the field of view is much wider and you actually see other deep-space objects in the sky around the nebula.

The differences in the camera types and filters used create even more of a separation between the two images. 

The Twist

As mentioned, the plan is to capture the same target using two different rigs. But what I haven’t mentioned yet, is that the smaller rig (set #1) is going to be used by Ashley.

She is familiar with using the RedCat 51 and got it set up and polar aligned for her imaging sequence. This is a telescope configuration she is comfortable with using, whereas the bigger system, she is not.

Once all of the images were captured, she processed the final calibrated master file using Adobe Photoshop (with the help of our image processing guide). 

Ashley setting up the RedCat 51 telescope on the ZWO AM5 mount.

The Results

Though we are comparing two different telescopes that vary greatly in cost, you could argue that this is a better comparison of focal length than price.

The image scale between the two systems was substantially different, and that had a major impact on the resolution of the final images. 

And even though there are substantial differences in the cameras used, the key differences between using a 6-inch refractor telescope and a 51mm telescope, are clear.

The Eagle Nebula using the William Optics RedCat 51 (250mm, RGB).

Image Details

• Total Exposure: 6 Hours
• Integration: 90 x 240-seconds
• Pre-Processing: Registered and Calibrated in DeepSkyStacker
• Processing: Adobe Photoshop

 

The Eagle Nebula using the Sky-Watcher Esprit 150 (1050mm, SHO).

Image Details

• Total Exposure: 6 Hours
• Integration: 30 x 240s Ha, 30 x 240s OIII, 30 x 240s SII
• Pre-Processing: Registered and Calibrated in DeepSkyStacker
• Processing: PixIndight, Adobe Photoshop

Conclusion

While many people have focused on the many differences between the two setups (other than cost), I still believe that this comparison is of value to anyone looking to ‘level up’ their astrophotography kit.

Smaller telescopes typically have shorter focal lengths, and the comparison between the two versions of the Eagle Nebula shows just how different the image will appear with more reach.

Additionally, a beginner setup is more likely to utilize a one-shot-color camera and light pollution filter, while a larger one may introduce a monochrome camera and narrowband imaging workflow. 

As always, I hope that this post has inspired you to continue your astrophotography journey. Until next time, clear skies!

Related Content

A Kildare man’s photo has been selected to feature as part of the 2023 Reach for the Stars astrophotography outdoor exhibition, run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.

 

 

The photo entitled Timeless Wonder was captured by Kacper Groblicki from Maynooth. The image features the Poulnabrone Dolmen, which, for thousands of years has stood as a testament to the ingenuity of our ancient ancestors, beckoning visitors to ponder its mysteries and marvel at its beauty. Above it, the Milky Way has shone for millions of years, a collection of stars, gas and dust that has captivated humans since the dawn of time.

Kacper Groblicki’s image will be showcased as part of an outdoor exhibition at DIAS’s premises at 10 Burlington Road, Dublin, from Tuesday, 1^st August. The 14 top-rated images from the competition will be displayed alongside Kacper’s. The exhibition is free to attend.