Skygazing — An Introduction to Astrophotography

This program is for Adults and Families with children in grades 4+ (children must be accompanied by adult)

Imagine being able to take gorgeous images of the night sky, startrails, the moon and more! Join Astronomer John Natale in the Talcott Mountain Science Center (TMSC) Planetarium to learn about the basics of astrophotography and how he learned the art of photographing the night sky on his own. This presentation will focus on techniques and equipment for the beginner. Deep sky, planetary and lunar photography will be covered, and photographs of each will be shown. Tips for achieving high quality images will be shared, along with lessons learned.

Weather permitting, attendees will be able to access Talcott’s telescopes and observatories to view the night sky from the ridge atop Talcott Mountain.

$25/Adults (Ages 14+)
$15/Children (Under 14)

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

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John Natale is an amateur astronomer from East Haddam, and has been involved with the astrophotography hobby for about 2 years. He became interested in astronomy in 2020 after retiring from the U.S. Coast Guard and State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. John has an undergraduate degree in biology and a master’s degree in oceanography from the University of Connecticut, and is a member of the Thames Amateur Astronomical Society and the Astronomical Society of New Haven. He has published astrophotography articles in Connecticut Magazine, the Shoreline Times, the Hartford Courant and other local Connecticut newspapers.

Photo Caption: John Natale made this image of the Orion Nebula (aka Messier 42). Known as the middle “star” in the “sword” of Orion, it’s south of Orion’s Belt and is one of the brightest nebulae in the night sky.