🌙 Dark Sky Night 4: Capture the Stars with Your Camera

(Photo credit: Yuting Gao from Pexels)

Dark Sky week is the perfect time to capture the constellations with your camera. As the moon wanes, leading up to the new moon (and solar eclipse) on the 8th, we'll have the opportunity to see the stars with minimal lunar illumination. This makes it easier to focus on fainter celestial objects and achieve more detailed images of the night sky.

HERE ARE 6 STEPS TO PHOTOGRAPHING THE NIGHT SKY FROM SPACE.COM:

• A tripod is essential. You simply won't be able to hold the camera still enough by yourself for the long exposures required

• Use the timer delay on your camera to ensure there is no camera movement when taking the shot

• Set your camera to f/4 or lower. Lower F numbers mean wider apertures and greater light-gathering ability

• Shoot at a high ISO. The higher the ISO, the brighter the image, but also the granier the image. Find the right balance

• Use a slow shutter speed. Start with an exposure of 10 seconds, see how that looks, and adjust as needed

• Use manual focus. Zoom in on a bright star and adjust the focus until the light source becomes as sharp as possible

Email us your favorite photos and we'll post them on the website!

Want to learn how to better photograph the night sky?
ATTEND A FREE LECTURE: Astrophotography with and without light pollution

Time: 11 AM PDT (6 PM UTC)
Description: Mark is the President Emeritus of the Minnesota Astronomical Society and an avid astronomer. Operating observatories in Minnesota and Texas, Mark captures stunning celestial imagery, from auroras to distant galaxies. With the upcoming eclipse, Mark will delve into the art of photographing bright celestial objects and provide a behind-the-scenes look at his preparation for capturing the eclipse and possibly a comet, too.

Take the pledge. Share your story (#darkskyweek). Spread the word!

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If you'd like to support our neighborhood or get involved in future events, please consider becoming a member of the Monte Nido Valley Community Association. Happy stargazing!✨