AstroBackyard Inc.’s Post

NGC 6914 Nebula Complex The latest picture from the AstroBackyard is NGC 6914 in Cygnus! You may have seen this object in your wide-field Cygnus shots near the bright star Sadr. I have always noticed those glowing 'blue eyes', but had never dedicated a project to them until now. I spent a lot of time processing this one to get it right. Session 1 & 2: Camera: https://bit.ly/3XuHoMJ Filter: https://bit.ly/3EnvQ3t Telescope: https://bit.ly/4dKKDFb Mount: https://bit.ly/49Pug8w 170 x 2-minutes (5 Hours, 40 Minutes) Session 3: Camera: https://bit.ly/3ISZcsY Filters: https://bit.ly/47dnTv2 90 x 2 minutes each filter (3 Hours)

Strain wave mounts are for those looking to streamline their astrophotography experience, including less overall weight and faster setup time. They can carry an impressive payload (without the need for a counterweight) and are an incredible option for anyone that has to tear down and setup regularly or travels to dark sky locations. The Sky-Watcher Wave 150i is the newest addition to the strain wave mount family, with some impressive specs:  • EQ and AZ modes  • Built-in cable management  • Weighs 12.8 pounds (5.8kg)  • 33-pound (15kg) payload capacity without optional counterweight  • 55-pound (25kg) payload capacity with optional counterweight  • Balance the OTA on the RA and Dec axes  • Swift slew rate of 7.5 degrees per second For a full breakdown: https://lnkd.in/gCpuktqu Sky-Watcher USA

There is nothing like taking your first deep-sky image. You're taking pictures of objects that lie thousands or millions of light-years away. Galaxies, nebulae, and star-forming regions are out there, and there’s an endless supply of new targets to capture.    The best part is that you can see WAY more in an image than you ever could with your eye. Even if visual astronomy is your thing, how can you not enjoy seeing the object in incredible detail, especially when you’ve captured it yourself? For this reason, everyone should try astrophotography, and it’s not as complicated as you think. Astrophotography Basics: https://lnkd.in/gHA649v4

The Milky Way in the Southern Hemisphere is a sight to behold for any stargazer or casual observer. Not only does it contain constellations, nebulae, and stars not found in the Northern Hemisphere sky, but it also showcases the bright galactic centre of the Milky Way overhead. I took the following picture of the Southern Hemisphere Milky Way using my mirrorless camera and lens from Yulara, Australia. Learn how I took the photo, the equipment I used, and the best camera settings for your perfect shot: https://lnkd.in/gQjhmpeV

Most deep-sky astrophotography projects involve several hours of integration (often over several nights). In my latest video, I gave myself only one hour to take the picture, after setting up my gear, to see what I could get. How did I do? : https://lnkd.in/gkTHJaiu

Nebulae, which are massive clouds of dust and gas, are popular targets for deep-sky astrophotography due to their size and colour combinations. They also happen to make great targets for beginners because they are easier to focus, frame, and process compared to dimmer, smaller objects. We've put together a list of the brightest nebulae in the night sky for your next clear night. How many have you checked off your list? ☑ https://lnkd.in/gQdXMwXM

We have rounded up a list of the best stargazing apps for your mobile phone or tablet. This list is based on apps we personally use, and from the recommendations of some of the best astrophotographers in the world. Top Choices: 📱 Stellarium Mobile (Free Star Map) 📱 Astrospheric (Free Weather Forecasting App) 📱 SkySafari 7 Plus (Paid Astronomy Guide) Check out the rest of the list: ⤵ https://lnkd.in/eYMmgefe

The Whirlpool Galaxy with a giant reflector telescope. This is the Sky-Watcher USA Quattro 300P - which has 305mm aperture, 1200mm focal length, and a fast f/4 focal ratio. Video: https://lnkd.in/gPKsRP9i

I am still speechless...