Lake Afton Public Observatory

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On selected clear nights (or days), anyone with a 35mm single-lens reflex camera with a removable lens can take an astronomical photographs with the Observatory's Telescope. Automatic camera without a manual override cannot be used to take astronomical photos .  

If you do not have the proper camera, bring a USB flash drive instead. After you use the Observatory’s digital SLR to take your pictures, we will transfer them to your flash drive for you to take home and print.

Date, times, objects to be photographed, and film recommendations are given below.

 
2012 Photography Programs
Object Date Time
Venus January 21 6:00 p.m.
Mars February 25 10:00 p.m.
Mars March 3 10:00 p.m.
First Quarter Moon April 19 10:30 p.m.
Saturn May 19 11:00 p.m.
Gibbous Moon June 30 11:00 p.m.
Saturn July 14 11:00 p.m.
First Quarter Moon August 25 11:00 p.m.
Full Moon September 29 10:00 p.m.
Andromeda (M31)1 October 13 10:00 p.m.
Crescent Moon November 17 6:00 p.m.
Jupiter December 1 10:00 p.m.

1ISO 800 or faster speed film, 300mm or greater telephoto lens, and cable release are required.
For all other programs ISO 400 or 800 color film and a cable release are recommended.

Learn more about photography from wichitaphotographers.com