Exploring the Cosmos: My Journey into Astrophotography with the SeeStar S50

In this article, I share my experiences photographing deep space objects, including stunning nebulas and galaxies, using the SeeStar S50 automated telescope. Join me as I delve into the fascinating features of this device, capture breathtaking images, and discover the wonders of our universe.

Exploring the Cosmos: My Journey into Astrophotography with the SeeStar S50

I fought the idea of photographing deep space objects like nebulas and galaxies beyond our Milky Way. That was until my friend Larry Gunn encouraged me to dip my toe into this fascinating genre using a remarkable device called the SeeStar S50. This affordable automated telescope and camera not only navigates to celestial targets automatically but has also swept me off my feet. I might be in trouble now—I spent most of last night lost in the wonder of the universe!

Discovering the Bubble Nebula (NGC 7635)

My first venture took me to capture the Bubble Nebula, also known as NGC 7635. This stunning phenomenon is created by the stellar wind from a massive, hot, young star—an 8.7 magnitude gem located 7,100 light-years away. The nebula spans about seven light-years across, which is roughly one-and-a-half times the distance from our Sun to its nearest stellar neighbor.

Making Images in Sedona, Arizona

Last night, the skies in our Bortle 4 area were pristine. By aiming my camera straight up, I was treated to incredibly dark skies, free from light pollution. The targets I photographed were positioned 70 to 80 degrees above the horizon, where light interference from the horizon was minimal. My only post-processing was minimal adjustments using Adobe Photoshop after downloading the JPEG stacks from the camera. It’s worth noting that even those who aren’t Photoshop wizards can use their smartphones to edit and share these captured images. Despite being a consumer camera/telescope, the SeeStar S50 is packed with powerful features.

Finding Targets

Among the fascinating targets was the Pelican Nebula (IC 5070). The SeeStar provides a complete overview when you activate the tags, including the name, shooting location, and how long the camera was recording and stacking images.

When selecting objects to photograph, I consulted libraries filled with sample images. I focused primarily on nebulas and galaxies, scanning for those that piqued my interest based on shape, form, and color. Additionally, using the built-in software of the SeeStar S50, I could determine which objects were positioned higher in the sky—vital for minimizing horizon light interference.

Another captivating object I captured was the Orion Nebula (M42). Situated just 1,500 light-years away, it’s one of the closest star-forming regions to Earth. This well-studied area is a treasure trove for learning about star origins.

Features of the SeeStar S50

Apart from its extensive library of targets, the S50 includes a built-in heater to prevent fogging in humid conditions. It automatically tracks and captures multiple images of your chosen subject, stacking them seamlessly. You can even watch the image materialize on your phone screen in real-time. For those cozy evenings, you can warm up indoors while the unit captures RAW FITS files. Although I haven’t ventured down that path yet, I can envision myself diving deep into various software to process the captured frames for richer images.

One of the highlights of my night included the Horse Head Nebula (IC 434). This small dark nebula resembles a knight from a chessboard, earning its nickname "Horse Head." Found south of Alnitak, the easternmost star of Orion’s Belt, it’s part of the larger Orion molecular cloud complex—truly mesmerizing!

Reasonable Price for Extraordinary Capability

For all these incredible features, the SeeStar S50 is priced at a reasonable $549. It comes with a robust carrying case and a compact carbon fiber tripod, making it everything you need to start capturing celestial images. Here’s a link to the SeeStar S50 at B&H Photo Video.

It’s astounding to think that this device can find and record images from objects millions of light-years away. The technology at play here leaves me in awe, and I can’t wait to learn more and spend countless nights marveling at the universe.

Let me know what you think about the images I was able to create with minimal processing and capture time. Here’s to our ongoing adventure among the stars!

Yours in Creative Photography,
Bob