Astronomy Images
A range of astrophotography from deep sky objects to our closest neighbour, the Moon
Integrating Smart Imaging, Portable Tracking, and Full‑Scale Deep‑Sky Capture
My astrophotography workflow spans three complementary systems: the Seestar S50 for rapid, automated deep‑sky acquisition; Canon mirrorless cameras on the Sky‑Watcher Star Adventurer for wide‑field tracked imaging; and a full HEQ5 Pro mount paired with an 8" Newtonian for high‑resolution, long‑exposure deep‑sky work. Each setup fills a different niche, letting me adapt to sky conditions, target type, and the amount of time available.
Smart Telescope Acquisition
The Seestar S50 provides an integrated approach with plate‑solving, auto‑focus, and live stacking built in. Its short focal length and fast optics make it ideal for bright nebulae and clusters, and its automated calibration pipeline produces clean data with minimal setup time. This system excels when I want efficient, high‑signal results during short observing windows.
Portable Wide‑Field Tracking
For more creative control, I use Canon mirrorless bodies with fast lenses or compact refractors on the Star Adventurer. The mount’s sidereal tracking and fine adjustment allow multi‑minute unguided exposures, capturing faint dust structures and broad Milky Way fields. Working manually with ISO, aperture, and exposure length gives me the flexibility to optimise for sky brightness and target surface brightness.
High‑Resolution Deep‑Sky Imaging
The HEQ5 Pro and 8" Newtonian form the backbone of my long‑exposure deep‑sky imaging. With accurate GoTo, stable tracking, and the ability to guide, this setup supports extended integrations at a long focal length. The Newtonian’s aperture and light‑gathering power reveal fine structural detail in galaxies, planetary nebulae, and smaller deep‑sky objects that benefit from higher resolution and longer total exposure time.
A Combined Workflow
Using these systems together lets me approach the night sky at multiple scales. The Seestar captures quick, data‑rich results; the Star Adventurer produces wide, artistic fields; and the HEQ5/Newtonian combination delivers detailed, high‑resolution images. The result is a portfolio that ranges from sweeping Milky Way vistas to tightly framed galaxies and nebulae.