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There is nothing like looking at the night sky. It has always brought me a deep sense of peace and wonder, especially in difficult times.
One of my favorite tools to help identify the stars while traveling through them from the ground is Guide of the skyan augmented reality app that overlays the sky to see the constellations.
I often plan my evenings around events that highlight it, like when the International Space Station passes overhead (I always tune in)! And, like many people, I developed a strong connection with the Moon. I like to look at it when it’s just a sliver, when it’s round and full, and when it looks like a big smile suspended in the sky.
But as much as I loved using apps to enhance my stargazing, I longed for something more. A few years ago, a very kind friend gave me a telescope for my birthday.
Although I never made much use of it while living in a basement flat in London, UK, I’m now in Yorkshire with darker skies – and I’m ready to make 2025 the year I actually have the my astronomical game.
How to choose the right telescope for stargazing
If you are considering taking your stargazing to the next level, the first step is to find the right telescope.
“The best telescope is the one you actually use.” That’s what amateur astronomer and astrophotographer Nazmus Nasir, known as Naztronomy online, he tells me. “For most people, it’s the one that’s easiest to set up and takes the least time to maintain.” Otherwise they just end up gathering dust – like mine did for two years.
Tips for photographing the aurora with your phone
Photographer Rebecca Douglas share their top tips:
1. Night mode or long exposure:
Use a 3- to 10-second exposure with night mode, or set ISO to 800-3200 in manual mode to balance light and noise.
2. Stabilize your phone:
Use a tripod or lean against a sturdy surface. Or hold steady with both hands, elbows tucked in, and press the button while holding your breath.
3. Focus on the sky:
Lower screen brightness to adjust your eyes to the dark and give the camera time to focus in low light.
4. Edit your photos:
Use built-in tools to enhance saturation, contrast and sharpness for more detail.
To understand what type of telescope might work for you, Thomas Burbinevisiting assistant professor in Astronomy at Mount Holyoke College, offers practical advice. “Visit an amateur astronomy club or a star party. Talk to people who already have telescopes. If they’ve observed at night, try to see a few objects through them. Too many people buy expensive telescopes that they never use. It’s better get as much practical information as possible before making a purchase.”
For beginners, Naz recommends tabletop Dobsonian telescopes. “They’re kind of a really big starting goal,” he explains. “They are small reflectors that you can put on a table and they give you the best bang for your buck.” It is recommended to take a look at popular models, which include the Orion Starblast 4.5, Zhumell z114 and Sky-Watcher Heritage 130p. They are easy to install and can provide an excellent view of celestial objects.
You may also consider a refracting telescope. Naz suggests starting with a small, wide space. “These are easier to use, require almost no maintenance, and are ideal for taking pictures,” he explains.
Naz warns against looking at cheap telescopes that seem too good to be true, as their optics often disappoint. Instead, look for reputable brands such as Celestron, Apertura, Astro-Tech and Sky-Watcher. While some of these may be expensive, their quality is well ahead of the budget options.
Once you’ve chosen a telescope, consider upgrading your setup with a sturdy mount or tripod. “A mount with slow-motion controls makes it easier to track objects,” says Naz. For even more precision, a tracking mount with “go-to” capabilities is a game changer. “You can tell what to find and still keep the object in view so you don’t have to fumble with the gear,” Naz explains. We recommend models like Sky-Watcher AZ-GTi and Star Adventurer 2i; holding objects in view, they open up possibilities for better imaging.
If you are interested in instant gratification, smart telescopeslike the Seestar S50, they are worth checking out. These compact, automated devices handle everything for you, from locating celestial objects to taking and stacking photos. “The only downside is that they don’t have eyepieces, so you can’t see through most of them like a traditional telescope,” says Naz. But they are perfect for beginners looking for quick results.
How to take pictures with your telescope
Seeing the wonders of the night sky is incredible, but what if you want to capture to share or revisit later? Luckily, you don’t need a lot of new equipment to get started. With just a smartphone and a few smart accessories, you can take impressive astrophotography shots right next to your telescope.
For telescope users, Naz suggests having a phone holder, which allows you to attach your device to the eyepiece. Once you’ve got that figured out, you can play around with what works best for the objects you want to photograph. “For the moon and planets, a single exposure would be fine. For deep sky objects, you can make exposures that are several seconds long,” says Naz.
He suggests starting with an intervalometer app to take regular pictures, or using apps like Deep Sky camera and AstroShader(above) to capture stunning night shots – especially of star trails or meteor showers. You can also consult our guide how to take pictures of the night sky with your phone.
If you are ready to move beyond your phone, consider investing in one of the better DSLR o the best mirrorless cameras. “Learn to use manual mode,” advises Naz. “Experiment with ISO settings and exposure times to get different results.” Some good starting parameters and recommendations can be found in our guide to photographing the Blue Moon and the Milky Way.
Dedicated T-adapters can also connect your camera to your telescope. “This essentially turns your telescope into the lens of your camera,” Naz explains.
How to take photos with your phone
Not ready to invest in a telescope? Binoculars are an excellent alternative. “Even a small pair can improve your view of the night sky,” says Naz. “The Moon is spectacular through binoculars. You can also see the core of the Andromeda Galaxy more easily or even the Galilean moons of Jupiter.
Even without advanced equipment, the night sky offers many opportunities to capture its beauty. Thanks to advances in smartphone technology, creating stunning photos is more attainable than ever.
Photographer Rebecca Douglas explain how far we have come. “10 years ago when I started shooting the night sky, it was impossible to capture anything on a phone,” he says changing. “But there are many things you need to know to be able to capture images that resemble the majesty you see with your own eyes.”
She recommends using apps like Star Walk 2 for celestial identification and PhotoPills to plan your shots. She also tells me that a tripod and remote trigger are essential to reduce any motion blur.
But I like that Rebecca reminds me that astrophotography is not just about technology. “The night sky connects us to something much bigger than ourselves,” he says.
Whether you use a phone, binoculars, or a telescope, she says stargazing offers a deep sense of awe. “Whether it’s ancient starlight, the swirling colors of an aurora, or the vast ribbon of the Milky Way across the sky, there’s a little magic waiting for you every time.”
