Spaceship_small
Reputation: 1812
Follow 3
Follow 2

What type of equipment do I need to take time exposures of the stars tonight?

There's no moon out this week, and the brightest of winter stars are coming up in the east early and earlier. Given some clear nights (don't laugh), I'd like to take some timed shots... possibly of Jupiter...maybe a few showing the turning of the earth by streaking the stars, etc.

Got a tripod...a 4 inch telescope... and some enthusiastic help. But what type of camera do I need? Rent one? What about film speed? Or is there a digital camera that does this easily nowadays?

Thanks for any help.

O my captain asked in Other - Science & Tech. 6 months ago | Report

Answer this question or share it with a smart friend:

Avatar_default
Type your answer here…

1 Answer

  • Photo_on_2012-01-03_at_17
    Reputation: 628
    Follow 3
    Kristin Bell

    uh, since no one has tackled this, I'll give a few tips.

    Good to have a tripod! I did this before digital cameras came about, but basically the idea is to keep the shutter open for as long as possible (from what I know, but I'm no expert). So, you'll just want to use a camera where you can adjust the shutter speed. Ideally though, you have to keep it open a really long time, so you can tape the camera so the shutter stays open. I can't recall if you have to tape the shutter button or the actual shutter. I'm pretty sure I just taped the shutter button down, but don't quote me. lol. It has been some time since I did this.

    You should also preferably be out of reach of city lights. I did mine at an observatory in the middle of nowhere in Oregon.

    I don't know about doing any of this with a digital camera. Since digital cameras are a whole different beast, I don't know that it would work out the same, because, what does leaving the shutter open do to a digital image?!? I don't know how it works well enough to know.

    If there is a good photo/art supply store anywhere near you, you should call or go in to see if they know tips, because a lot of times in actual photo supply places (not like photo mini-chains) they have professional photogs working there who know A LOT!

    Well, hope this helps a little. Maybe more people will answer with more info.

    Kristin Bell answered in Other - Science & Tech. 5 months ago | Report
    Comment on this answer
    Share this answer with a friend: