Mastering Solar Eclipse Photography with Star Trackers

Capturing the mesmerizing beauty of a total solar eclipse requires careful planning and the right equipment. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of using a star tracker to enhance your solar eclipse photography experience.

Why Use a Star Tracker?

A star tracker, also known as a solar tracker in this context, offers significant advantages over traditional tripod setups. It automatically keeps the sun centered in your frame throughout the eclipse, eliminating the need for manual adjustments due to Earth’s rotation. This feature is crucial, especially when using telephoto lenses for a closer view.

Additionally, star trackers allow for longer exposures without blurring caused by Earth’s rotation. This extended exposure capability opens up opportunities to capture rare phenomena like earthshine, where light reflected off the Earth illuminates the lunar surface during totality.

Essential Equipment and Preparation

Before diving into the photography process, ensure you have the necessary equipment:

1. Star Tracker: Choose a reliable star tracker with built-in solar tracking capabilities.
2. Telephoto Lens: Opt for a telephoto lens for a closer, more detailed view of the eclipse.
3. Solar Filter: Always use a solar filter to protect your camera and eyes from the sun’s intense light.
4. Smartphone with Compass: A smartphone with a calibrated compass is essential for polar alignment.
5. Spare Batteries: Carry spare batteries to avoid power interruptions during critical moments.

Daytime Polar Alignment

Polar alignment is crucial for accurate tracking. While nighttime polar alignment using Polaris is ideal, daytime polar alignment is practical for eclipse photography. Here’s a simplified guide to daytime polar alignment using a smartphone:

1. Remove any magnetic cases from your smartphone to avoid interference with the compass.
2. Calibrate your smartphone’s compass by moving it in a figure-eight pattern.
3. Attach your smartphone securely to a wooden mount, ensuring the top of the phone points north.
4. Use a polar alignment app (e.g., PS Align Pro for iPhone, Polar Aligner Pro for Android) to align the mount’s altitude and azimuth.

Solar Tracking and Meridian Flips

Once polar aligned, point your camera with the solar filter at the sun and activate solar tracking on your star tracker. Be cautious with auto Meridian flips, as they can disrupt your photography during totality. Plan your flip timing carefully to avoid missing critical moments.

Capturing Rare Phenomena

During totality, experiment with longer exposures to capture earthshine, stars visible during totality, or even a bright comet like 12P/Pons-Brooks. Use tools like Stellarium to visualize potential compositions, ensuring you frame the eclipse, celestial objects, and any comets in your shot.

Post-Processing and Showcasing Your Work

After the eclipse, process your RAW images using software like Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop for optimal results. Showcase your stunning eclipse photos on a professional portfolio website, such as Squarespace, to share your expertise and passion with the world.

Elevate Your Eclipse Photography

By incorporating a star tracker into your eclipse photography setup and mastering techniques like daytime polar alignment and precise tracking, you can capture breathtaking images of this celestial spectacle. Embrace the challenge, prepare meticulously, and let your creativity shine through your eclipse photography journey.

Read more The 2024 Solar Eclipse: A Rare and Scientific Opportunity and The Coming Solar Eclipse Will Be the Last Visible in United State Until 2045