My First Astrophotography Adventure: Capturing the Iris Nebula with the SeeStar S50

It's a thrilling feeling when new equipment finally arrives, and my SeeStar S50 was no exception! As soon as it landed, the clear night sky beckoned, and I knew I had to see what this new gadget was truly capable of. This was my very first foray into dedicated astrophotography, stepping up from just using my phone.

A Night Under the Stars

The SeeStar S50 was running all night, diligently capturing images of the Iris Nebula for about 4 hours. I must say, I am incredibly happy with the end result! The only processing done was through the SeeStar app on iOS, where I slightly adjusted the contrast to deepen the background, making the nebula truly pop.

From Vacation to the Cosmos

This celestial pursuit was inspired by a recent vacation to the lakes region of New Hampshire. While there, I took advantage of the pristine, Bortle 2 skies along the Kancamagus Highway. It was there, under a canopy of stars, that a kind stranger shared their passion for astrophotography and recommended their telescope for its affordability and capability for amateurs like myself. That encounter sparked my interest, and now I have my own tool to explore the universe.

Embracing the 'Smart' Telescope Experience

I understand there are different philosophies in astrophotography, with some preferring a more hands-on, manual approach. However, for someone like me, a teacher on a budget, the SeeStar S50 offers an accessible entry into capturing deep-sky objects. My role involves setting up the target, and the app and telescope handle the heavy lifting of image acquisition. This allows me to enjoy the wonders of the night sky and learn the art of astrophotography without the need for thousands of dollars in equipment.

It's about looking up, being curious, and engaging with the universe. And for that, I'm grateful for tools that make this incredible hobby more approachable.