Backyard Astrophotography Night
Utilize basic telescopes or high-quality smartphone cameras mounted on tripods to identify constellations and attempt to capture deep-sky objects or planetary bodies.
- Takes
- 1–3 hr
- Your setup
- 20 min prep
- Ages
- Ages 12 and up
- Mess
- No mess
- Cost
- $
- Where
- Outdoors
How to do it
- 1Wait until after astronomical twilight begins.
- 2Use the star chart app to locate prominent objects (planets, galaxies, specific constellations).
- 3Practice using the equipment to focus on the targets.
- 4If using phones, experiment with long-exposure settings to capture faint light.
- 5Discuss the scientific principles behind the observed phenomena.
What they're practising
- Astronomical knowledge
- Patience and focus
- Equipment handling
- Night photography skills