Capturing Stars with Mobile Devices: Fact or Fiction?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of capturing images of the star Rigel using mobile devices, specifically an iPhone and an iPad. Participants clarify that the video in question was likely taken with an iPhone through a telescope, rather than directly with an iPad. The quality of the image is critiqued, noting it appears out-of-focus, indicative of improper focusing techniques often associated with refractor telescopes. The conversation encourages experimentation with mobile devices for astrophotography, particularly using smartphones in conjunction with telescopes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of astrophotography techniques
  • Familiarity with mobile device camera capabilities
  • Knowledge of telescope types, particularly refractor telescopes
  • Basic principles of focusing and image capture
NEXT STEPS
  • Research techniques for smartphone astrophotography
  • Learn about different telescope types and their optical properties
  • Explore the use of DSLR cameras in astrophotography
  • Investigate mobile apps for enhancing astrophotography images
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, amateur astrophotographers, and mobile device users interested in capturing celestial objects will benefit from this discussion.

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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