Technology's Impact On Astrophotography In L.A. Is Otherworldly
Although conducting scientific research may not be their overall mission, amateur astronomers continue to make significant contributions to astronomy by auditing and documenting orbiting objects. Throughout the history of their dabbler framework, many of these revolutionaries have even discovered such history-making celestial bodies such as comets and minor planets. Due to technological advancements, astrophotography has become a monumental sub-discipline in this trendy field.
"Current technology is improving our ability to detect night-sky objects with incredible sensitivity and resolution," said Dr. Mike Shaw, a working physicist and owner of Mike Shaw Photography, a Los Angeles-based company. "Anyone with a modern digital single-lens reflex camera can easily take a picture of the Milky Way at the right location and time of year."
How is technology improving an astrophotographer's star status?
"Advances in hardware and software technologies have made it easier and more economical than ever to create, process and format an image for mass consumption in literally minutes. In effect, we are able to create more compelling images."
What should tomorrow's astrophotographers anticipate?
"The critically important next generation of amateur astrophotographers will depend on modern software and hardware to learn and apply their craft. In return, they will be the ones to inform the developers of astrophotography technologies of needs and opportunities we can't even conceive of yet."
How is technology changing the way we view the universe?
"The ongoing renaissance in public hunger for knowledge of the universe can be at least partly attributed to the multitude of ways in which astronomy, cosmology and astrophysics have been brought out of dusty classrooms and into the hands of the public in vivid color."
What is your message to astrophotographers?
"It is absolutely crucial for astrophotographers to actively seek out others through direct contact and social media. Long-term dedication and an unconquerable spirit are also essential. Expect to invest at least several years in exploring the regular seasons of the night skies to really understand what's up there and how it all works. The learning curve can seem steep, but the entire universe is waiting for you, tonight, free, right outside and directly overhead."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.
