Big Dipper - Ursa Major Constellation Captured with a Smartphone!
Who says you need a fancy DSLR and telescope to capture the wonders of the night sky? In a remarkable demonstration of modern smartphone capabilities and processing power, the iconic Big Dipper, a prominent asterism within the larger Ursa Major constellation, has been beautifully rendered using just a Realme 8 phone.
This impressive shot was achieved with a total exposure time of 25 minutes, a testament to the dedication of the astrophotographer in overcoming the limitations of a mobile device. The Bortle scale rating of 4/5 indicates a moderately dark sky, providing a decent canvas for capturing celestial details.
The magic behind this image lies in the post-processing. The raw data was skillfully stacked using Sequator, a popular stacking software that combines multiple exposures to reduce noise and enhance detail. Following this, GIMP and Snapseed were employed to further refine the image, bringing out the subtle beauty of the constellation and its surrounding starlight.
What's even more astonishing are the hints of deeper celestial objects that might have been captured! One keen observer in the comments pointed out the potential presence of the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51). This is an incredible feat for smartphone astrophotography, suggesting that with the right techniques, even faint galaxies can be discerned.
This achievement is reminiscent of the early days of astrophotography, sparking a sense of wonder and continuity. It's truly amazing to see how far technology has come, allowing enthusiasts to explore the cosmos with tools that fit in their pockets.
Technical Details:
- Device: Realme 8
- Stacking Software: Sequator
- Processing Software: GIMP + Snapseed
- Total Exposure Time: 25 minutes
- Sky Conditions: Bortle 4/5
