Astrophotography and the IC1318 Butterfly Nebula, an interview with Drew Evans. Watch the Interview Now
Introduction
Welcome to Optical Mechanics, where we delve into the fascinating world of astronomy and the passionate individuals who contribute to its exploration. Recently, we had the pleasure of interviewing Drew Evans, an astrophotographer whose work with the Butterfly Nebula has left a lasting impression.
In this post, we’ll explore Drew’s journey into astronomy, his techniques for capturing astounding images, and the equipment that makes it all possible. Why not view the full interview via the Youtube video shown above.
Drew Evans' Journey into Astronomy
Drew Evans, hailing from Flagstaff, Arizona, has had a lifelong interest in astronomy. Growing up on the East Coast, he initially faced challenges related to light pollution. However, the opportunity to work remotely allowed him to move to the Southwest, where he could pursue astrophotography more deeply. With an observatory in his backyard in Northern Arizona, Drew enjoys the clear, dark skies conducive to his work.
Drew’s interest in astronomy began as a child, and over the years, evolved into a serious passion for astrophotography. A graduate of Penn State University, he has dedicated the past 15 to 20 years to honing his skills and capturing stunning images, especially since relocating to the optimal skies of Arizona.
Capturing the Butterfly Nebula
Drew’s image of the Butterfly Nebula (IC 1318) showcases the core of this celestial object. By utilizing monochrome cameras and specialized filters, he can block out certain wavelengths of light to highlight the nebula’s colors. From hydrogen alpha to oxygen filters, Drew meticulously maps these colors to create striking images. Achieving such results involves hours of exposure over several nights, stacking multiple frames with calibration for precision.
Drew captures these images using a SharpStar SCA 260 reflector telescope, a piece of equipment he speaks highly of due to its ability to gather significant amounts of light. His observatory setup allows remote operation, even while traveling, ensuring he never misses an opportunity to capture the cosmic wonders overhead.
Technical Details and Equipment
The post-processing phase of astrophotography has been transformed over the years thanks to advanced software like PixInsight. Much of the manual labor once necessary is now automated, making the process more efficient. Drew uses PixInsight for aligning and stacking his frames, followed by detailed post-processing to bring out the best in his images.
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Advice for Aspiring Astrophotographers
For those considering a foray into astrophotography, Drew emphasizes patience and starting small. It’s crucial to understand the basics of polar alignment and begin with modest equipment before investing heavily. A solid mount is the most critical piece, as it drives successful imaging. He recommends utilizing resources like YouTube tutorials and learning at your own pace.
Conclusion and Future Plans
Drew continues to dream of photographing celestial objects from the Southern Hemisphere and hopes to explore those skies one day. Meanwhile, he’ll keep capturing and processing data from his home observatory.
Equipment Used
- Telescope: SharpStar SCA 260 Reflector
- Mount: iOptron CEM 120
- Camera: ZWO ASI6200MM Pro Monochrome camera
- Filters: hydrogen alpha and oxygen filters
- Auto-guiding: ZWO ASI174MM Mini and ZWO OAG-L
- Auto-focus: ZWO EAF
- Controller: ZWO ASIAIR
- Software: PixInsight for post-processing
Drew’s journey through the night sky is an inspiring story of passion, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. We hope his insights encourage aspiring astrophotographers to gaze upon the stars with newfound wonder and curiosity.
