If you already own a telescope and want more from your amateur astronomy hobby, have you considered astrophotography? With the advent of new camera technology, it is now possible for the average amateur astronomer to take spectacular photos of the night sky. With a modest investment, taking photos of the stars and planets from your own back yard is now achievable for anyone, with amazing results.
Traditional telescopes have lenses of various quality and eyepieces. But typically, only faint images of deep sky objects in shades of grey (known to astronomers as "faint fuzzies") are all that are visible through an eyepiece. However, with the advent of new camera sensor technology (specifically, complementary metal oxide semiconductors, or CMOS sensors), modern astronomy cameras, known as "astro cameras," are now much more sensitive than the human eye, allowing for the gathering of dim light from objects millions of light years away. The images you will see with an astro camera can be spectacular, and it is now possible to see galaxies, nebulas and other deep sky objects with remarkable color, clarity and detail.
A typical astrophotography set-up will consist of a telescope, telescope mount that tracks movement of the Earth, camera, and laptop computer (or hand-held device). These items are typically all purchased separately, and there can be a huge range in price and quality of each component.
There are two main categories of objects you can view in the night sky: objects within our solar system (the moon and planets) and deep sky objects (stars, star clusters, galaxies and nebulas). Views of both categories of objects are enhanced when using astro cameras. Nebulas are large regions of cosmic gas and dust, and can be truly spectacular targets. One well-known nebula now visible in the night sky is the Orion Nebula, one of the most often viewed in the winter months, and found in the sword of the constellation Orion. An image of it through an astro camera reveals unbelievable detail of swirling clouds of gas and dust, in dramatic shades of reds and blues. Another amazing nebula is the Horsehead Nebula, also located in the constellation Orion. These are truly "must see" objects for any amateur astronomer.
For planetary photography, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars are great targets. When photographing Jupiter, it is possible to see some detail on the planet's great red spot, detail of its four Galilean Moons, or witness the dramatic crossing of a moon shadow across its surface. Saturn's rings, and the well-known "Cassini Division" separating the rings are also visible on a clear night. Mars will show shades of muted reds on its surface, and its white polar cap can also be seen. The moon is also a great object to photograph; its craters and mountain ranges, when accentuated by shadows, can provide dramatic views.
As far as process is concerned, after taking photos, they are saved and refined through an electronic method called "stacking." In this process, individual frames are stacked on top of each other to improve clarity. The final stacked image is then further refined with a variety of different software you can either download for free or purchase. This software sharpens the images and allows for the reduction of background noise or light pollution, and can remove other un-wanted effects. This may sound complicated but it really isn't - it goes quickly and is easy to do, once you learn how.
There is another process you can use if you are displaying your images to a group, called "livestacking," where the stacked images are displayed directly on a laptop or hand-held device, with no need for further processing. This is also referred to as "electronically-assisted astronomy," or EAA, and is great for public outreach events. Groups can see the amazing arms of spiral galaxies, colorful nebulas or details on planets directly on the computer screen. These images can be as large as you want to make them, and additional larger monitors can be hooked up in tandem if desired.
In addition to livestacking, there are now "smart telescopes" available that will take and process images of the night sky as you watch. These units are compact, easy to carry, designed for the beginning astronomer and user-friendly. They are self-contained with all necessary components included. It is possible to get good images using these for a much lower investment than if you were to buy traditional astrophotography equipment separately (e.g., telescope, mount, laptop, camera, etc). Whether you opt for a traditional astrophotography set-up or a smart telescope, the views are almost always better than those achievable with a traditional telescope and eyepiece.
As with any hobby, astrophotography can have a steep learning curve, and is not for everyone. It can also be expensive, and before you rush out to buy a new astro camera or smart telescope, I highly recommend you do your research first to figure out the type that is best for you.
Astro cameras are designed for different uses, such as planetary and lunar photography, or deep sky objects. Those used for deep sky objects are usually electronically cooled to reduce background noise, while planetary cameras are not. With a dedicated effort, talking with other amateur astronomers, and some careful shopping it is indeed possible to get good used (or loaned) equipment if you're on a tight budget.
A great resource is membership in an astronomy club, where you can meet like-minded people and get advice from other astrophotographers. I belong to the Thames Amateur Astronomical Society based in Southeast Connecticut, which has been a great resource for me while learning the hobby. There are other astronomy clubs throughout the State, and it is easy to find one near you.
Also, if you're just starting out, there is a wealth of information on the subject of astrophotography on-line, and I recommend checking out the many web sites and tutorials that are available. There are also a number of great you-tube channels dedicated to learning astrophotography that you can watch to step you through the process. These can be entertaining as well as informational. Some of my favorites are Heavenly Backyard Astronomy, Wido's Astroforum, Star Stuff and Martin's Astrophotography. All of these are well-suited for beginners interested in learning astrophotography.
If you want more out of amateur astronomy, astrophotography is the way to go, and will really enhance your experience. It can be an extremely satisfying and enjoyable hobby.