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HAS Texas 45 Astrophotography Program

What kind of objects will I be imaging?

The Texas 45 AP is an astrophotography program designed for the motivated novice or intermediate astrophotographer so we want to make sure you photograph a wide variety of objects. The object list includes: Nebulae (planetary, diffuse, dark nebula, emission, reflection), open star clusters, globular star clusters, galaxies, and solar system objects. Special emphasis is placed on objects that can be photographed using an 80mm refractor or larger from Columbus. How cool is that?

What kind of telescope can I use?

Any size and type of telescope can be used – Refractor, Newtonian, SCT, Camera lens etc... Most of the objects will benefit by using a telescope or lens with a 400mm focal length or longer. With 60 objects to choose from and only 45 to log, choose the bigger or brighter objects if aperture or focal length is a concern. Images should not contain more than 2-3 of the objects per image. For example, no wide field images of Sagittarius showing all the objects in that constellation.

What kind of camera can I use?

Any type of camera can be used – DSLR, One shot color, Mono CCD, CMOS, or Film. If you use a Mono CCD/CMOS camera, you can take images using RGB, Narrowband, LRGB, or luminosity only.

I’m in! What do I need to do?

  • Photograph objects on the list from the HAS dark site only.
  • Photograph at least 10 objects from each season's list. That’s 40 objects, 10 each from winter, spring, summer, and autumn.
  • Photograph 5 solar system objects of your choice, any time of year. That makes 45 objects: the HAS Texas 45 AP.
  • Once completed, you can send your images in JPG format to the HAS Texas 45AP program coordinator(link sends e-mail).  Please send the images in one or several zip/7zip files of 10MB or less. You can also send a link to a webpage you have set up containing the images and all pertinent details. Links to File sharing sites such as DropBox can also be used.
  • Include your details for each image: Equipment used (camera, lens/telescope, filters), date(s), exposure details, and HAS Log report number. Let us know if we can display some of your images on the website or in the Guidestar for all to see your hard work.

Special circumstances?

If you’ve already photographed some objects at the site, fill out the HAS Texas 45 photography log like usual, estimating when you were at the site. Also, non-members are welcome to work on the list in the company of an HAS member. Special rules may apply.

Do I get an award?

Astrophotographers who successfully complete the HAS Texas 45 Astrophotography program will be presented both a pin and a certificate of completion at the HAS general membership meeting.

  • Earn the bronze certificate by photographing 45 objects using any camera: DSLR, OSC, Mono.
  • Earn the silver certificate by photographing all 65 objects using any camera: DSLR, OSC, Mono.
  • Go for the gold by photographing all 65 objects using a Mono CCD/CMOS camera in RGB, LRGB, or NB. Certificates designate the award level; the pin remains the same

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    Questions?

    Contact Chris Ober  with questions about the HAS Texas 45 AP program. Contact Chris with questions about observatory site operations and log reports.

    The HAS Texas 45 is dedicated to the memory of Bob Rogers.

    Honor Roll

    The following members have completed the HAS Texas 45 Astrophotography program. Congratulations!

     

    • Mike Edstrom, bronze level award, 40 seasonal objects plus 5 solar system objects with a OSC camera, certificate #1