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The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh |
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The Astronomical Society of Edinburgh |
This group is open to all members of the Astronomical Society of Edinburgh, from complete novices to seasoned astronomers. The group has been formed to promote all forms of astrophotography within the Society, including film photography, CCD and video imaging. The main aim of the group is to provide an informal and social setting for members to enjoy the hobby, and learn from the knowledge and experience of others. The group will meet once each month; meeting dates will be posted on this website. Rather than meeting on a fixed date, the group will organize meetings around new Moon or astronomical events (such as meteor showers) to allow some observing and photography if weather permits. In the spirit of co-operation, it would be helpful if members who turn up with cars were prepared to transport other members to the dark site at Earlyburn if it looks like a good night!
Members are encouraged to submit their photographs and images to the Picture Gallery on this website. We also plan to show members' pictures on a display board in the Playfair Building at the City Observatory. These pictures do not have to be of Sky and Telescope standard ! For example, a photograph of the Moon taken in an unusual setting, a simple picture of one of the constellations, or a photograph of a person, item or building of astronomical interest would be welcome.
This is an example of what can be done using inexpensive equipment. This photo shows the February 1999 conjunction of Jupiter and Venus (Jupiter is the upper planet). The photo was taken with a cheap, hand held automatic 35mm camera from the front door! You don't need any specialized equipment to get started in astrophotography; just keep your eyes open for interesting subjects like this.
That's not to say that specialised equipment doesn't help! This set-up shows a Starlight Xpress CCD camera piggy-backed onto a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. With this configuration, the CCD camera imaged through a second hand camera lens, and the telescope was used to keep the subject in line during a long exposure.
Ideas for projects are welcome. Good projects will get small numbers of members working together on a common theme. Just come along to one of the AIG meetings or to the ASE meeting to suggest your idea for a project. Even if you do not have the equipment to do the project yourself, there may be members willing to help you out. Suggestions for projects that have been made so far include:
The Gallery gives members an opportunity to show their photographs and CCD images. All submitted pictures will be displayed on the website (assuming the subject is relevant and inoffensive!), although space constraints may prevent pictures from being shown indefinitely. The Gallery particularly welcomes pictures of recent astronomical events and Society activities. To encourage submission of a wide range of material, the Gallery is divided into several sections. These sections may in future be subdivided, depending on the number of pictures submitted.
This includes pictures of the constellations, planetary / lunar conjunctions, meteor trails, artificial satellite trails, aurorae, and atmospheric phenomena (e.g. haloes, sunsets etc.).
Lunar halo
This is caused by refraction of Moonlight through ice crystals high up in the atmosphere.
Photographed in December 1999 using 35mm SLR camera and 35-80 mm lens at f3.5. Exposure was 1/4 second. (note the telegraph wire that cuts the photo!!)
This covers all non-solar system objects including double stars, clusters, galaxies, diffuse and planetary nebulae, black holes, extrasolar planets, alien civilizations etc!
M42 and M43 in Orion.
The Great Nebula in Orion is a favourite object for astrophotography.
Imaged using the CCD set-up pictured above; single 15 second exposure at f2.8, processed using a non-linear contrast stretch.
This includes all solar system objects except the Sun and Moon (see below), i.e. planets, minor planets (asteroids) and comets.
Saturn.
Saturn's rings are wide open in Year 2000 and make a good target for photography and imaging.
Imaged using 1 second exposure on CCD.
Encompasses all close-up Sun and Moon pictures, and events such as solar and lunar eclipses.
Crescent Moon
Photographed at prime focus of 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, onto Fuji Superia 400 film. Exposure was 1/30th second.
This section encourages submissions of pictures from recent events (e.g. Society outings, star parties, Astrofest) and any other material of astronomical interest.
The astronomical origin of the Star of Bethlehem has been the subject of intense interest recently. Some authors have suggested that the 'star' was Venus, or a supernova.
Neil Grubb,
16 Cameron Toll Gardens,
Edinburgh EH16 4TG
Please enclose a SAE so that your material can be returned to you.
The AIG hope that members will gain experience in astrophotography and imaging, and that pictures will in future be submitted to Astronomy Now or (if they're really good!) to Astronomy or Sky and Telescope.
Last revised: 2001 Dec 14 (with many more additions in the pipeline)