Astrophotography - Imaging the Fireworks Galaxy. An interview with D.j Van Bourgondien.
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Imaging the Fireworks Galaxy Using a Celestron EdgeHD 8" Telescope
Recently, Andrew Roberts from Optical Mechanics sat down with astrophotography enthusiast DJ Van Bourgondien to discuss his fascinating journey into this captivating field, as well as his process and equipment used in shooting the breathtaking Fireworks Galaxy.
Dj's Early Fascination with Astronomy
Growing up on the eastern shore of Maryland, DJ’s love for the sky and nature began in childhood. Despite Maryland’s flatness, DJ cherished watching meteor showers and lunar events with his family from their back deck. This early fascination laid the foundation for his deep interest in astronomy.
The pandemic shifted many lives, and for DJ, it reignited his passion for astronomy. Free time during lockdowns allowed him to invest in astrophotography, starting with a modest telescope and his cell phone camera. His awe at capturing celestial objects motivated him to dive deeper into the field, beginning with an accidental capture of the Orion Nebula.
Equipment and Techniques
Transitioning from childhood telescopes to modern equipment, DJ started with a Celestron 127 SLT, a Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope. The motorized base allowed for easier navigation of the cosmos, a marked upgrade from manual methods.
Eager to improve his results, DJ upgraded to a CPC 1100 Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Despite its weight and complexity, he embraced the challenge, eventually returning to a Radian Raptor 61 refractor for its simplicity and wider view. With each step, DJ learned more about equipment, techniques, and the sky.
DJ’s dream of a home observatory faces hurdles, notably funding. Yet, his rural location offers some respite from light pollution, resulting in clear Bortle 4 skies, which are ideal for stargazing. Despite challenges, DJ remains committed to realizing his dream.
Capturing the Fireworks Galaxy
Determined to photograph the Fireworks Galaxy, DJ utilized an Edge 8 HD along with a Celestron Edge HD 8-inch scope. Despite hot, humid conditions, he amassed over ten hours of integration time spread across multiple nights. The result was a stunning image of the galaxy, capturing its vibrant colors and dynamic form.
Using PixInsight, DJ navigated the complexities of image processing. From stacking images to applying Blur Exterminator and other tools, he meticulously enhanced the details and colors of the galaxy. His continuous learning and application of new techniques led to significant improvements in his final images.
DJ encourages beginners to start small, be patient, and use available resources like YouTube tutorials and Facebook communities. Engaging with other enthusiasts can provide invaluable insights and support. He also recommends using tools like Stellarium for planning astrophotography sessions.
Equipment used
Current Telescopes:
Celestron 127 SLT
CPC 1100 Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain
Radian Raptor 61
Celestron 8″ Edge HD
Celestron 11′ Edge HD
Mounts :
Skyguider Pro
iOptron Cem40, CEM70
Radian Raptor 61 refractor, Hyperstar lens
Cameras:
ASI 2600 MC Pro
ASI 432MM
Filters: AstroHue Tech IDAS HEUB
Processing Software:
PixInsight, https://pixinsight.com/
ARIES AstroPixel Processor https://www.astropixelprocessor.com/
