Telescope-based deep-sky astrophotography using a DSLR: a short course for beginners

Course Type: Face to Face with hands on tuition.

Location: Sidereal Trading Pty Ltd – Unit 14, 24-26 Carrick Drive, Tullamarine, Victoria, 3043

Course Duration: 3x 2 hour evening sessions, 7.00pm to 9.00pm

Cost: $550

Contact Sales to Sign up: sales@siderealtrading.com.au

From time to time, Sidereal Trading runs classes in deep-sky imaging with a telescope and a DSLR.

These courses are typically made up of three sessions at the telescope factory in Tullamarine, and involve both theoretical and practical learning. The aim is to have each session made up of some theoretical and some practical activities. Some practical activities will depend on the prevailing weather.

Sessions are intended to be weekly, although this is flexible and may depend on student / tutor availability and weather conditions.

At least one session will involve being out under the stars to polar align the mount and image a deep-sky target such as an open cluster that’s appropriate to a light polluted area.

At the end of the course, we may arrange a field trip to a dark sky site. This is not part of the course and may incur an additional cost.

The course covers everything a beginner will need to know and do to get their first image, including:

• Different types of astrophotography, zeroing in on our speciality
• Understanding the various components that make up an astrophotography rig
• Assembling the rig
• Polar alignment
• Sky alignment
• Preparing the camera
• Selecting and acquiring a target
• Getting the required exposures

The course material includes an extensive manual covering the course content and more. This manual is intended as an astrophotographer’s reference book.