Astro-Imaging
Astro-Imaging Group
The Astro-Imaging Group is a Special Interest Group within ASSA for members interested in capturing, processing and sharing astronomical images.
Members image a wide range of subjects, including nebulae, galaxies, star clusters, planets, comets, the Moon, auroras, the Milky Way and nightscape scenes.
Tom Inslay's and Jeff Lusher's astrophotography rigs, showing the kind of equipment members use for imaging projects.
What members image
Deep-sky imaging includes objects beyond the Solar System such as galaxies, emission nebulae, reflection nebulae, planetary nebulae and star clusters.
Solar-system imaging can include planets, the Moon, the Sun, natural satellites, comets and asteroids, often using different capture and processing techniques.
Nightscape imaging combines the night sky with a terrestrial foreground, including Milky Way scenes, auroras, conjunctions and wide-field sky views.
Member images
Astro-imaging within ASSA ranges from smartphone and nightscape photography through to advanced deep-sky and solar-system imaging. These examples are drawn from recent ASSA award-winning images.
Deep Sky and Best Overall Image Winner Paul Montague - Corona Australis
Nightscape Winner - Hobart Aurora - Stephen Muller
Smartphone winner - Celestial Smoke - Jane Brooks
Solar Winner - Splendid Comet - C/2024 G3 ATLAS - Michael Mattiazzo
Equipment and techniques
The group includes members using DSLR and mirrorless cameras, camera lenses, star trackers, telescopes, equatorial mounts and dedicated astronomical CCD or CMOS cameras.
Some members use portable camera setups for nightscape photography, while others use advanced imaging rigs designed to automate capture over many hours.
Learning and support
The Astro-Imaging Group is a supportive community where members share images, ask questions and provide constructive feedback.
Discussion often covers capture planning, mounts, guiding, focusing, filters, calibration frames, stacking, processing software and image presentation.
Meetings
The group meets monthly online via Zoom, usually on the Tuesday closest to full moon. Meetings generally begin at 7.30 pm.
Meetings give members an opportunity to share images, discuss techniques, ask questions and continue developing their imaging skills.
Astro camps and dark-sky imaging
The group also organises astro camps at dark-sky locations several times a year.
These camps are social and practical events where members can connect with others who share an interest in the night sky, while making use of darker skies for imaging and observing.
Membership and access
Participation in the Astro-Imaging Group requires current ASSA membership.
The group maintains a private Facebook page where members can ask questions, share images and take part in discussions. Information about upcoming meetings, events and Zoom links is communicated to ASSA members through ASSA-Chat email notices and the dedicated Astro-Imaging Facebook Group.
Point of contact
| Name | Richard Muhlack |
|---|---|
| Phone | Not currently listed |