About
The Backyard Astronomer
A journey of learning the night sky, building a small observatory, and turning clear nights into images.
Hello Stargazers
From casual stargazing to deep sky imaging.
I’m an amateur astronomer focused on capturing deep sky objects from a suburban backyard. What started as visual observing quickly evolved into astrophotography—long nights, careful tracking, and a steady pipeline of new targets to learn and share.
This site documents the journey: target planning, acquisition sessions, processing workflows, and the gear that makes it possible to image under light‑polluted skies.
Backyard Observatory Setup
Telescopes
- Celestron EdgeHD 8" SCT
- William Optics RedCat 51
- Sky‑Watcher EQ6‑R Pro Mount
Cameras
- ZWO ASI294MC Pro
- ZWO ASI224MC (Planetary)
- Sony A7III (Widefield)
Software
- PixInsight
- Adobe Photoshop
- N.I.N.A. for acquisition
Journey
Astrophotography Milestones
2015
The Beginning
Started with a 6" Dobsonian, learning constellations and attempting smartphone captures through the eyepiece.
2018
First Deep Sky Images
Upgraded to an equatorial mount and DSLR, capturing M31 and M42 with basic tracking and stacking.
2022
Backyard Observatory
Built a roll‑off roof enclosure for faster setup, longer sessions, and more consistent imaging runs.
Today
Refining the Workflow
Focused on deep‑sky mosaics, narrowband processing, and teaching the workflow to other backyard observers.
About This Website
Built with Next.js, MDX, and Tailwind CSS, this site acts as a logbook for imaging sessions and a reference for gear, planning, and processing.
Every post includes capture notes, lessons learned, and the small tweaks that make backyard imaging more successful under suburban skies.
Get in Touch
Have questions about astrophotography or want to collaborate? I’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime.
Email Me