Astrophotographer

Darren here. So I want to get a telescope and take pictures of galaxies far, far away. I've always wanted to. And maybe contribute to galaxyzoo.org & stuff like that, explore for real what I've only done virtually via Microsoft's WorldWide Telescope. With the kids getting old enough and with lots of camping trips foreseen deep into the dark outback, it might just be time. That line of thinking sat me down in front of the computer at 10pm Saturday, the beginning of a ridiculous no-break, six hour research frenzy. By the end, I had joined a astronomy forum and ordered a book. Despite having downloaded what seemed to me an immense amount of knowledge of telescopes and astrophotography, I had no idea what to do next. This stuff is complicated. And expensive. But you can't believe the quality of these photographs taken by hobbiests. I'll include some below. Hopefully, you'll see some of Darvey's in the future. Ride a wormhole there and tell me if they are any good.

Images of Deep Rosette by Boren, M42 by Penfold & M31 by Luke: