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[peetyg]

As I am a true novice on the subject where should a novice start to read on the subject to learn. Are there Gold standard books to begin to learn from. Any recommendations would be helpful.

Are there any classes offered in the chicago land area on AP?

Thanks

PeetyG

[Paulie pchris00]

Hi Peety. A few months ago Chicago Astronomer Tom asked the same question, and I recommended to him astrophotography classes at Conway Observatory in Lowell, Indiana. He's been making the hour drive from Chicago the last 6 weeks now, and has posted summaries of each week's class in the astrophotography section. The classes are instructed by Calumet Astronomical Society's Chris Brownewell. I don't know yet if another class will be conducted later this year, but it might be helpful to look over the threads Tom has posted from his sessions.

The information line is 219-945-0543.
Or 219-769-7275.

www.casonline.org/CAS/AstrophotographyClasses.html

Additional classes may be scheduled if demand warrants, so it might be a good idea in inquire.

If you're interested, I can put you in direct touch with Chris. He will know better information than me.

Good luck.

[Paulie pchris00]

Also, check out the following threads.

Webcam astronomy of Moon and planets might be the easiest and quickest way to get into astrophotography, but the targets are limited to bright planets and the Moon.

astronomer.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Astrophotraphy&action=display&thread=3231

astronomer.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Observations&action=display&thread=3281

Last week Chicago Astronomers Bill and Tom joined me at Conway Observatory for dark sky imaging with DSLR cameras.

My blog story of that session... pchris00pnc.blogspot.com/2011/07/chicago-astronomers-enjoy-dark-sky-at.html

...and the full Chicago Astronomer account. astronomer.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=StarParty&action=display&thread=3264

At this session while at Adler, I was running an inexpensive Meade CCD webcam to my laptop, allowing many visitors to view Saturn at once, and eliminating the need for anybody but me to handle the telescope. I did not record any video of that session, but here is an earlier Saturn vid.





These are just some things to think about. Today's technology allows a wide variety of AP methods, and many kinds of cameras, from cheap point-and-shoot, to DSLR, webcams, or CCDs can be employed for different kinds of pictures. Once you have a better idea of what kind of AP you'd like to try, maybe experienced Chicago Astronomers can offer better advice, or you could blaze a trail that none of the members has tried before!

[Paulie pchris00]

CROMAN has been experimenting with webcam astronomy too. Some of his posts.

elenin.paranomalo.us/2011/06/logitech-c120-webcam-on-76mm-mini-dob/

elenin.paranomalo.us/2011/06/first-saturn-movie-with-76mm-dob-and-c120/

elenin.paranomalo.us/2011/07/logitech-c120-webcam-moon-videos/

[peetyg]

Thanks everybody for all great tips.

Peety

[lwmao]

If anyone is interested in an astrophotography class in the Chicagoland area please contact me.

I have been doing astrophotography and astronomy for 20 years and I feel that I have much knowledge to share on the subject for those interested in learning.

Here are examples of my battle through Chicago's light pollution.

www.facebook.com/pages/Lone-Wolf-Mobile-Astrophotography-Observatory/1644813335764058