Astrophotography as a research area encompasses the development and application of imaging techniques to record and quantitatively analyze astronomical objects and phenomena across the electromagnetic spectrum. It involves optimization of detectors (e.g., CCDs, CMOS, infrared arrays), optics, filters, and image acquisition strategies to maximize signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range under extremely low photon fluxes. Research focuses on calibration (bias, dark, flat-field correction), image registration, stacking, deconvolution, and photometric and astrometric extraction, as well as mitigation of atmospheric turbulence and light pollution. Astrophotographic methods underpin observational studies of stars, galaxies, nebulae, exoplanets, and transient events in both professional and advanced amateur astronomy.
A private lunar lander has captured the first high-definition sunset pictures from the moon.
Space Exploration
Mar 19, 2025
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NASA astronaut Don Pettit used a camera with low light and long duration settings to capture this Jan. 29, 2025, image of the Milky Way appearing beyond Earth's horizon.
Astronomy
Feb 26, 2025
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On April 21, 1972, NASA astronaut John W. Young, commander of the Apollo 16 mission, took a far-ultraviolet photo of Earth with an ultraviolet camera. Young's original black-and-white picture was printed on Agfacontour professional ...
Planetary Sciences
Jan 14, 2025
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A spacecraft has beamed back some of the best close-up photos yet of Mercury's north pole.
Space Exploration
Jan 9, 2025
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NSF NOIRLab rings in the New Year with a glittering galaxyscape captured with the Department of Energy-fabricated Dark Energy Camera, mounted on the U.S. National Science Foundation Víctor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope at Cerro ...
Astronomy
Jan 1, 2025
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338
Say cheese again, moon. We're coming in for another close-up.
Space Exploration
Dec 21, 2024
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Earth's city lights streak by in this long-exposure photo taken by NASA astronaut Don Pettit on Oct. 24, 2024. The green glow of Earth's atmosphere is also visible on the horizon.
Space Exploration
Nov 7, 2024
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