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ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Chris — teacher, physicist, and lifelong stargazer.

Based in Lower Saxony, Germany, I teach physics, math, and IT, and have always been captivated by the cosmos. From a young age, I was drawn to rockets, spaceships, and the mysteries of the stars. That fascination never faded — and as an adult, I finally took the leap and purchased my first Newtonian telescope.

What followed was a deep dive into the complex and often overwhelming world of astronomy and astrophysics. It was humbling, exciting, and at times frustrating — but above all, deeply rewarding.

As a teacher, I naturally felt the urge to structure what I was learning into something accessible and helpful. The steep learning curve of astrophotography can be discouraging, so I began crafting a curriculum for fellow beginners: clear, practical, and rooted in real experience.

I believe astronomy is more than just a hobby — it’s one of humanity’s oldest doorways into science. Looking up at the stars has inspired wonder, curiosity, and progress for thousands of years.

This website is my way of sharing that passion. Whether you’re just getting started or already deep into capturing photons, I hope you find something here that inspires you. Feedback, questions, or connections from fellow space enthusiasts are always welcome — it would be an honor to hear from you.

Equipment

Astrophotography doesn’t start with the most expensive gear — it starts with curiosity, patience, and a setup that works for your goals. Over time, my gear has grown and evolved to match my ambitions and the challenges of the night sky. Below is the core of my current setup:

  • Telescope (OTA): SkyWatcher 150/750 PDS Newtonian Reflector
    A fast and versatile scope that’s perfect for both deep-sky and planetary work.
  • Mount: SkyWatcher EQ6-R Pro
    Reliable and precise, this mount handles long exposures and guiding with confidence.
  • Main Camera: Canon EOS 700Da (Astro-modified)
    A solid DSLR with enhanced sensitivity for nebula imaging.
  • Planetary Camera: ZWO ASI 120MC-S (Color)
    Compact and fast, great for capturing lunar and planetary detail.
  • Guide Scope: Omegon Microspeed 50mm
    Small but stable — helps keep exposures on target during long sessions.
  • Guide Camera: ZWO ASI 120MM Mini (Mono)
    Paired with guiding software to ensure accurate tracking throughout the night.

This setup allows me to balance quality and portability while still achieving the kind of results that keep me inspired. I’ve added, upgraded, and adjusted over the years — and I’m still learning with every clear night.

Location

My observatory — or rather, my trusted imaging spot — is based in central Lower Saxony, Germany. It’s not a dark-sky reserve, but on clear nights I’m lucky enough to get a decent view of the heavens despite the usual light pollution.

I shoot primarily from my garden, where I have easy access to power, alignment markers, and a familiar sky. The region’s weather can be challenging, but I make the most of the few precious cloudless nights each year.

And that’s part of the journey too — making it work, adapting to the conditions, and capturing the beauty of space one frame at a time.

Clear skies,
Chris

SPACE NEWS

June 1:
Venus reaches its greatest western elongation, shining brilliantly in the pre-dawn sky. Ideal for morning planetary imaging—look east just before sunrise.

June 2:
The Great Hercules Cluster (M13) reaches its highest point in the sky. Excellent for telescopic astrophotography from dark-sky sites.

June 5:
Celebrate Galactic Tick Day—a quirky astronomical milestone marking our Solar System’s orbit around the Milky Way.

June 7:
The Arietid meteor shower peaks. While mostly active during daylight, early risers may catch a few bright meteors before dawn.

June 11:
The Strawberry Full Moon reaches its peak. It will be the lowest full moon in 18 years—look for its large golden glow near the horizon.

June 16:
Mars and Regulus appear close in the evening sky. Also, the Butterfly Cluster (M6) in Scorpius is at its best for deep-sky imaging.

June 19:
The Moon and Saturn meet in the early morning sky. A beautiful conjunction for wide-field or planetary setups.

June 21:
The June Solstice arrives at 02:42 UTC. The longest day in the Northern Hemisphere and shortest in the Southern—welcome the new season!

June 22:
The Lagoon Nebula (M8) in Sagittarius is ideally placed for observation. Use wide-field optics to capture its glowing clouds.

June 23:
The Moon passes near Uranus and the Pleiades before dawn. A great triple subject for wide-field astrophotography.

June 25:
New Moon. The sky is at its darkest—perfect conditions for Milky Way and deep-sky imaging.

June 27:
The June Boötid meteor shower peaks. Usually low in activity, but dark skies may reward patient observers with unexpected bursts.

June 29:
A conjunction of Saturn and Neptune offers a rare opportunity to frame two distant giants together.

June 30:
The Moon occults Mars in a dramatic celestial event visible from select regions—ideal for a lunar-planetary time-lapse.

All Month:
The Milky Way core is rising higher each night. Use the new moon week for wide-field shots from southern skies or dark rural locations.

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