Author: Astro Escape

Getting Started In Astrophotography: Setup Examples for Each Style

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When getting started in Astrophotography, there is a lot to consider with your setup. You should ask yourself which kind of images you would like to take. Widefield night time landscapes? Constellation or star field shots? Deep Sky Objects? What about Solar System Objects? There is no right or wrong style to choose, each has a different approach that can be very rewarding. There are different equipment requirements, although there can be some overlap. In this post, I’ll explain different styles and setups, and what you will need to get started with that style of astrophotography. Night Time Landscapes Description…

How to Add Landscape to Stellarium

Articles, Guides, Software, Tools, Youtube VideoAstro EscapeLeave a comment
Introduction Stellarium has a lot of landscape already built in, but wouldn’t it be nice to have the landscape where you usually are observing or imaging from? In this guide, we will go over how to add landscapes to Stellarium. We’ll need to use a panorama image, so if you don’t have one we’ll go over how to get one using Google Maps. Stellarium comes with a bunch of ground textures to choose from, even some fun ones like Mars and Saturn. But if you are in planning, it’s advantageous to have the ground be the same location you’ll be…

How to Add Your Gear to Stellarium

Guides, SoftwareAstro Escape9 Comments
Introduction When first using Stellarium, it comes with quite a few telescope, eyepiece, and camera options. However, it’s impossible to include every variation out there by default. Would you like to know how to add your own gear to Stellarium?  Below you’ll find my guide to adding your gear. If you follow the steps below, you’ll be able to tell what objects will look like with your specific combination of gear. Fortunately, it’s very easy to do. Getting Started Before adding your gear, go to the manufacturer’s website or a store website to look for the specifications for each item.  …

Updates are a-comin! Status of the updates

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I mentioned I’ve had goals for this site and the YouTube channel, and they are coming together. I’m reworking some of the pages that exist. Anything that was a guide or review video will have an accompanying text version, complete with pictures. That way, it isn’t just a post with a video link. Some people may prefer reading over watching, and I get that. Hopefully, for the guides, it helps out. After all of those updates are finished, going forward I’ll start to slightly split the topics. Some will be video, some text, and some a mix of both. I…

ASIAIR Plus Setup Guide

Articles, Guides, Guides and Tools, Youtube VideoAstro Escape4 Comments
Version 1, published 11/10/2021 – Currently still under revision, need a clear sky to add pictures! This guide is for new users of the ASIAIR Plus, and intended to help out with any setup issues that may occur. Before beginning, please be sure to download the ASIAIR app on the mobile device you will be controlling the ASIAIR Plus with. You also need to make sure you have a good power supply for it. The ASIAIR Plus runs with a 12V power supply. So, whether that’s power from your house or a battery, you’ll need to power it. I recommend the…

November Goals – Working to Expand The Website

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In my previous post I mentioned how I did not like how little I was adding to this website. Well, I’ve set some goals. Along with the weekly video on YouTube, I’ve set some goals that will help keep new content coming in. In addition, some guides or reviews may be in conjunction with a YouTube video, but not all of them. However, each review will follow these rules: Reviews will require a minimum of six months and/or ten uses Manufacturers will not influence reviews in any way These two simple rules allows proper time to form an honest opinion.…

Things are Spotty Here, and I Don’t Like it

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So I’ve focused a LOT on YouTube, and I feel I haven’t been putting enough here. I have personal plans this weekend and next, but going into November I will make sure that something unrelated to a YouTube video is posted here, those of you keeping an eye on this site deserve better. On November 1st, I will put a poll up on my YouTube community tab (did you know that existed?) to ask which guides you would like. Some will be video, some will be text, here. So, please do participate if you get the chance!

Videos are Back to Weekly!

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Well, the craziness that was August is over, and the YouTube channel is going back to weekly videos! I have a few videos planned. The first one being the target list for September to December (similar to the June-August one). I have a few others in the works for the following couple of weeks….. and then there’s something new about the ASI Air you might need to know. It’s been upgraded, and the new version may be a PLUS? Don’t know what I’m talking about? Watch for updates around the beginning of October.

August is a BUSY MONTH!

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I have a lot going on in August, annual vacation that is in no way astro related, a few changes at work and home that are planned…. it’s a bunch! So, just for August, I am going to do bi-weekly videos, then go back to weekly in September. Good thing is, by then, I’ll have a bunch of videos lined up and ready to roll to help you all be ready for the upcoming time of year! Also, I want to give a HUGE thank you to all of the subscribers! I’m waiting for that 1,000 subscriber mark. That’s when…

The Clouds And Smoke, They Aren’t A Joke!

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Oh man, the smoke from the Western US and Canadian wildfires have royally screwed up some great nights. During the day around here, the sky, while otherwise clear, looked to be a pale white. Before the smoke rolled in, clouds ended up getting in the way of star parties in this area. The best part though is that it allowed me to work on a few video projects. One you have already seen, more to come! It’s such a huge bummer, as I recently ordered and received the Rokinon 135mm, but haven’t gotten a chance to use it yet. I’ve…