Capturing Stars with Mobile Devices: Fact or Fiction?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of capturing images of stars, specifically Rigel, using mobile devices such as iPads and iPhones. Participants explore the technical aspects of mobile photography in astronomy, including the use of telescopes and the quality of images produced.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the capability of an iPad to zoom in sufficiently to capture a star like Rigel.
  • One participant notes that they could not verify the claim due to not having a camera on their first-generation iPad but encourages others to attempt it.
  • Another participant suggests that the video may have been taken with an iPad through a telescope, implying that this method could enhance the image quality.
  • Concerns are raised about the focus of the image, with one participant stating that the star appears out-of-focus, resulting in a disc shape rather than a point, and speculates on the type of telescope used.
  • A later reply questions the method of capturing the image, specifically mentioning the use of an iPhone video camera filming a camera screen, and seeks clarification on the type of camera involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of capturing stars with mobile devices. There are competing views regarding the methods and equipment used, as well as the quality of the resulting images.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specifics of the equipment used, including the type of telescope and camera setup, which may affect the discussion's conclusions.

liometopum
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This Facebook video is said to be of the star Rigel, taken with an Ipad. Comments?
 
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hmmm I wouldn't think an ipad could zoom in close enough to make out a star.
 
My daughter mentioned it to me, and took me out and pointed to the star that was the supposed target. It was Rigel. I have a first generation Ipad, which has no camera, so I could not attempt to duplicate the video. Maybe someone here can try it.

Actually, it was not an Ipad, but an IPhone. Whatever... I hope some others try it.
 
Last edited:
Taken with an iPad through a telescope...
 
To state the obvious, it is highly out-of-focus. That's why it's a disc, rather than a point. (And I'm going to guess that it's through a refractor-type scope (no vanes))
 
[edit] Wait a minute:
here's the video of it when it was bigger/closer in (used my iphone video camera filming Jakob's camera screen capturing the object).
iphone taking a picture of a "camera screen"? What kind of camera screen? Like the photo in my avatar? DSLR attached to the back of a telescope? Oy!
 

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