Digitizing the Cosmos - An Introduction to Astroimaging



I'm an amateur astronomer and imaging scientist living in Concord, MA. I’ve been imaging since about 2011, and so far, it's been a *lot* of fun. It's also been amazingly easy to do, despite the seeming complexity of the process. As with most things in this wonderful life, the first step is the hardest, and so it is with this. But, once you get started, I promise you, the fun never stops! I am by no means an expert, but the beauty of this is you don't have to be! Remember, *everyone* starts out as an amateur.
Since 2020, I've advanced to an equatorial mount, a larger telescope a cooled camera and having more fun than ever! The presentation below is still applicable describing how to get started in both deep sky imaging and planetary video imaging. I've also put together a document describing how to begin processing in DeepSkyStacker, complete with screenshots from the program. Hope this helps! Just click on the icons below (note: you need to enable external content when downloading, if you want the Bahnitov mask and planetary movie videos to play):

 

 

Introduction to Astroimaging by Terry Riopka A DeepSkyStacker Tutorial by Terry Riopka

 

 

Below are a number of links to resources that I have found useful (updated Jan. 1, 2025).

 

 

For those who might be interested in attending sessions of the Skylight Astronomical Society, Inc. we have our regular meetings on the last Thursday of every month at Rockbottom Observatory in Stow, MA. Several maps with directions appear below. Please also visit the Skylight Astronomical Society main website for more information about Rockbottom Observatory, or become a member of our facebook group!



Image from mapquest.com for 18 Rockbottom Road, Stow, MA - with arrows showing where to go. From wherever you're coming, route 62 takes you right there. Don't be intimidated by the desolate buildings as you drive in:) There is plenty of parking space.



Image from googlemaps.com for 18 Rockbottom Road, Stow, MA - with street labels. From wherever you're coming, route 62 takes you right there. Don't be intimidated by the desolate buildings as you drive in:) There is plenty of parking space.


 

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