ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY #1

USING CANON EOS 1100D

ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY

Night sky photography is extremely rewarding because we often capture of things that our own eyes either can't see, or never think of looking to them. When seeing photos of stars, heavenly objects, or other night images, we often surprised by the facinating colors it gives. People often think these photos captured are either unreal or manipulated. While that could be the case, what most people don't understand about light is that the human eye doesn't discern between the chemical compounds that make up light. Humans view a very narrow spectrum. Cameras, on the other hand, can pick up light wavelengths that is composed of chemical compounds like helium, hydrogen, and so on. These chemicals change the color of light that we can't easily see, but cameras can.

I make this blog about astrophotography, to invite astrophotographers to share their experiences in night photography or astrophotography in the area of Abu Dhabi and might organized an event for astrophotography.

Before the week end came I was invited and discovered a heavenly place in the heart of desert where it is an excellent location to strart an astrophotography career.

VENUS TRANSIT - June 6, 2012

Every astronomy fanatics are waiting for the sun to shine to see how planet Venus passes to it's perimeter. I was setting up my telescope when my eyes captured by the beauty of the the moon. It gives me an idea to capture the moon also to see how jealous she is when people are waiting for Venus to appear.

Images taken was the picture of the Moon and Venus passing from the sun.    

TIPS FOR SAFER VENUS TRANSIT VIEWING

Astronomy fanatics are searching for tips on how to safely view the transit of Venus  this June 2012.  Here are the five important suggestions to follow.

The rare event that takes place four times in around 250 years is set to become visible across the world over Tuesday and Wednesday.  The transit of Venus occurs when Venus moves along the face of Sun. From earth, people can observe Venus as a black dot passing over the sun. The transit will last for a few hours. Obervers from across the world can enjoy the Transit of Venus, which consider as one of the exciting celestial events ever. The next Transit of Venus, you will have to wait over 100 years.

 In obeserving this event y
ou should take enough precautions to consider, same like you do with a solar or lunar eclipse. Here are five safety tips you should consider while watching the space wonder. Otherwise, it might blind your eyes in a matter of minutes.

Welding glass: You can use welding glass if you don’t have any specialized tool for sun watching. It is a nice idea to use this glass to ensure complete security for your eyes even if the equipment doesn’t look nice. It features special filter that can let you enjoy safe viewing and enjoy the event greatly.

Prepare a pinhole projector: Pinhole projector is famous in eclipse watching. This technique can be applied to observe the Transit of Venus safely. It is also easy to build a pinhole projector. You have to spend around half an hour to set up the projector. But the shortcoming of unmagnified views as Venus comes near to the edges of sun. Similar to the welding glass, small features such as the ‘black drop’ effect will not be visible.

Using reflector telescope or binoculars: It is another safe method to use a reflector telescope or binocular to have the magnified view of the sun. It is more advanced way to have a view of the Transit of Venus. If there is a large binocular, several people can easily watch the event. However, magnified projection tools have some limitations.

Use of popular projection device: It is a method to allow a huge crowd of people to watch the transit of Venus concurrently. It is to project magnified images through closed-loop equipment, which will let many people observe the celestial wonder. It is also safer for the eyes of onlookers. The popular projection tool is made of simple materials that include a plastic funnel, an eyepiece, a clamp, some projection fabric and others.

Watch live telecast: If you are stopped from face-to-face observing of the event due to some reasons including clouds or others, it is great to depend on any telecast or podcast. You can watch the live webcast from atop Mauna Kea in Hawaii, which is provided with expert commentary at NASA EDGE. You can also find some podcasts to have a view of the 2012 Transit of Venus.