Deep Sky Astrophotography Course

Season 1 covers deep sky imaging with a telescope

Season 1 is comprised of three sections based on skill level and equipment.

You will learn how to use different telescopes, cameras, software, and techniques to get the widest possible range of knowledge. Any combination you can think of… we got it covered!

Using a DSLR Camera, a One-Shot Color camera, and a Monochrome camera
Using a refractor and a reflector
Imaging from extreme light pollution and imaging from the desert
Guiding with a guide scope and with an Off-Axis Guider
Using a manual or an electronic focuser
And many more!

The main goal of Season 1 is to start from nothing, and finish with your own print that you can proudly display in your home. And we'll be there to help you along the way!

Course curriculum

01
The Galactic Hub
- A Message from the Instructors
- How to Navigate this Course
- Useful Resources
- Table of Contents
- Astrophotography Glossary
02
S1 Chapter 1: How to Get Started
- Before We Begin...
- How We Got Started
- What Resources Should You Read?
- How to Get Motivated: Astrophotography Apps and Websites
- Get to Know Your Objective
03
S1 Chapter 2: Using a DSLR Camera
- Introduction
- The Camera: Your New Best Friend
- The Telescope: Making the Right Decision
- The Mount: Strong and Sturdy
- Camera Accessories: Make Your Life a Little Easier
- Telescope Accessories: Don't Leave These at Home
- Power Sources: Getting Amped on the Field
- DSLR Camera - Equipment Summary
- What Equipment Will You Be Using?
- How German Equatorial Mounts Work
- How to Attach a Clip-On Filter to a DSLR Camera
04
S1 Chapter 3: DSLR - Camera Settings
- Introduction
- Menu Walkthrough and Important Features to Activate
- Main Menu Settings (ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture)
- How to Switch to Manual or Automatic Focus
- How to Switch to BULB Mode
- Summary of Camera Settings
- How to Use an Intervalometer
05
S1 Chapter 4: DSLR - Planning is Everything
- Introduction
- Battling Light Pollution: How to Find the Perfect Location
- Weather Wizard: Which Websites and Apps to Use
- Scouting a Location to Image from
- What Object Should You Image?
- How to Frame Using Planetarium Software
- The Dangers Out on the Field
- Survey
06
S1 Chapter 5: DSLR - Setting Up and Initializing
- Introduction
- How to Set Up Your Equipment
- How to Attach the Camera to Your Telescope
- How to Balance Your Rig
- How to Plug in the Cables
- How to Polar Align
- Initializing the Mount and 3-Star Alignment
07
S1 Chapter 6: DSLR - Imaging a Deep Sky Object
- Introduction
- How to Focus at Night
- What Settings Should We Use?
- How to Focus the Guide Camera
- How to Use the Auto-Guider
- Using the Intervalometer and Taking Test Shots
- Passing Time While Imaging
- Calibration Frames: How to Take Darks, Bias, and Flats
08
S1 Chapter 7: DSLR - Processing Data
- Introduction
- Importing the Files
- Downloading Raw Data
- Stacking with Deep Sky Stacker
- Stacking with PixInsight
- Processing a Globular Cluster With PixInsight
- Post-Processing with Lightroom
- PixInsight - Download Our Processing Workflow PDF
- Processing Summary
- Beginner Processing Survey
- Messier 13 - Final Image Results
09
S1 Chapter 8: Using a One-Shot Color Cooled Astrophotography Camera
- Introduction
- One-Shot Color Cooled Astrophotography Camera
- Telescopes - Using a Reflector Over a Refractor
- Mounts - The Jump to a High-End Mount
- Filters - Do You Need Them?
- Batteries - We. Need. More. Power!
- OSC Camera - Equipment Summary
10
S1 Chapter 9: OSC Camera - Planning and Sequence Generator Pro
- Introduction
- Planning Ahead with SkySafari
- SGP: Dashboard Walkthrough and The Basics
- SGP: Preparing Our Imaging Session
- SGP: Settings Used to Capture M33
- SGP: Setting Up Text and Email Notifications
11
S1 Chapter 10: OSC Camera - Imaging a Galaxy from the Desert
- Introduction
- Setting Up the Equipment
- How to Use a Coma Corrector
- How to Collimate a Reflector Telescope
- Initializing the MyT Mount
- SGP: How to Focus
- Test Shots and Launching Our Series
- Calibration Frames with SGP: Taking Darks and Flats
12
S1 Chapter 11: OSC Camera - Processing Data
- Introduction
- Transferring Files
- Download Our OSC Camera Raw Data!
- Debayering: Why is it Important?
- Processing a Galaxy with PixInsight
- Messier 33 - Final Image Results
13
S1 Chapter 12: Using a Monochrome Cooled Astrophotography Camera
- Introduction
- The Monochrome Camera
- The Telescope: We're Using Another Refractor!
- Extra Accessories: An Off Axis Guider and Electronic Auto-Focuser
- How to Mount the OAG on the Camera
- The Electronic Filter Wheel and Narrowband Filters
- Mono Camera - Equipment Summary
14
S1 Chapter 13: Mono Camera - Planning Shots and the ASIAir
- Introduction
- Understanding monochrome cameras
- Planning Our Shot
- What is the ASIAir?
- What is a Field Flattener?
15
S1 Chapter 14: Mono Camera - Imaging a Nebula from Home
- Introduction
- Setting Up in the Backyard
- ASIAir: Initializing and Connecting the Equipment
- ASIAir: How to Focus and use the Electronic Focuser
- ASIAir: How to Focus the Guide Camera on the OAG
- ASIAir: Test Shots and Launching Our Series
- ASIAir: Shooting Flats and Darks
- ASIAir Pro - Mount Controls and Auto-Guiding
- [2022 Update] Full Walkthrough of the ASIAir Plus
16
S1 Chapter 15: Mono Camera - Processing the Data
- Introduction
- Transferring Files from the ASIAir to the Computer
- Download Our Raw Data!
- Processing Walkthrough of Monochrome Data
- IC 5070 - Final Image Results
17
S1 Chapter 16: Art You Can Be Proud Of
- Introduction
- Our Favorite Printing Companies
- Displaying Your Art
- Final Thoughts
- Before You Go...

TESTIMONIALS

WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY

“One of a kind! Astrophotography is an intense hobby and it can be hard to know where to start or find the information and help needed throughout the learning process. I had always wished there was an all in one class or course to help lay it all out in the same way I have learned my other photography skills. When I saw this course announced I was super excited and signed up right away. It is very informative and well put together, covering everything a beginner would need to know. Highly recommend.”

“This truly is an all-in-one course for learning astrophotography. It will help you choose what equipment you will need. Or if you already have some equipment it will help you to get the best out of your equipment. It covers everything from the equipment, to taking the pictures, to how to edit the pictures. And then it even shows you where to get your picture printed to show off the skills that you have acquired.”

“This course is absolutely outstanding. Great course with 100% real-world scenarios and lots of materials to download. I love the course and would recommend it as the first thing to whoever wants to wet their feet in astrophotography. 100% worth the investment and not at all a hefty price considering the help this course provides with whatever we might need to learn and invest in the rig. This would be THE course I would recommend to anyone who wants to start astrophotography as a hobby.”

“I loved everything and have learned so much! It was well worth the investment and I can't wait for the next course to be released.”

“I really enjoyed the course. Nothing was overly technical and was well explained. I've really enjoyed having access to the Discord community and being able to get answers and see questions from others like myself just starting out. So far it's been worth the investment, with the understanding that future seasons are going to be added. I also enjoyed the fact that you used different equipment and explained in detail what to do with all of it. ”

“Tons of valuable information on astrophotography. The way they have the courses set up, you can mix and match section to ultimately fit the setup that works for you.”

“Def worth the investment! Learned a lot and the use of your data will help a lot in learning how to edit. ”

“I feel this was a great course and it was well worth the money for me. We all spend a lot of money on our equipment and having someone to help you through all the ins and outs makes it more enjoyable. I wish something like this was around for me 35 years ago when I first started, then my telescope my not have sat in the corner collecting dust all that time. Of course the technology has changed but the love of space has not. I would highly recommend this course to anyone.”

“Lots of top tips, useful advice and good content. I’m enjoying being part of it and it has definitely improved my understanding, skill level and results for astrophotography. Worth doing.”

“I made the move from visual to astrophotography about a year ago. I have been heavily leveraging Galactic Hunter's instructional videos on YouTube, as well as following their step-by-step guides for image processing. I have a growing collection of frame-worthy images and I thank Galactic Hunter for it!”

“Great course! Great content, taught by knowledgeable teachers :) ”

“I have learned a lot from this course which includes the planning, set-up of equipment, and processing the final image. The material in the course is easy to follow. And the feedback from Antoine has helped my astrophotography journey.”

More Reviews

Jimmy Ragsdale

“Don't know how to start, stuck in the middle, been doing this for along time and want some new ideas! This is the spot to be. ”

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Jeff Halter

“It has been quite a learning curve for me because it really is hard to teach old dogs new tricks. I started in 1982 and set my scope aside in 2001. I started again in 2020 and things have really changed. This was just the thing I needed to get bac...”

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Stephen TAYLOR

“The advanced processing piece is loaded with great Milky way processing tips that actually simplify things.”

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