#precise tracking

Orion Nebula - M42.

These are images of the Orion Nebula (M42) taken in an urban environment.  The camera is a Nikon D90 converted for astrophotography and nightscape imaging by Spencers Camera. Performance enhancements include heat reduction and enhanced sensitivity to visible spectrum, UV and Hydrogen Alpha wavelengths.

From these images one can discern the problem of light pollution in an urban environment.  Each image was taken with a 200mm lens at ISO 3200.  DSC_4410 is a 1 second exposure, DSC_4411 is a 2 second exposure and DSC_4412 a 3 second exposure.  Clearly as exposure time increases the sky background becomes less dark.  Excess light in the night sky is a problem for the entire planet and has catastrophic impacts on human health and is harmful to many of the Earth’s life forms. For more information and insight into what everyone could do to limit the negative effects of excess light, the International Dark Sky Association website is an excellent source.

In order to obtain imaging with greater detail one needs longer exposure times. This essentially means access to dark skies. 

Beyond about 5 seconds one needs to employ a tracking device as seen in DSC_0174 (2).  This is the Vixen Polarie Star Tracker.  With this setup one can use a selection of optical tube assemblies (also known as telescopes) paired with an imaging device designed for astrophotography.

More precise tracking and longer exposure times can be obtained with something like the StarSeeker IV Mount with GoTo Hand Controller (not shown).