In 2019, under the cover of night, Ali Al-Kindi ventured out with his camera and tripod, driven by a curiosity that has since evolved into an unwavering passion for astrophotography.
For Ali, capturing the intricate beauty of astronomical images is a form of psychological therapy. As an accomplished astrophotographer and a member of the Oman Astronomical Society, he reflects, "These images invite contemplation of celestial objects far beyond our Earth—nebulae, galaxies, stars, and planets."
Becoming a professional astrophotographer is not as difficult as it may seem. Ali emphasizes that acquiring the necessary skills is the first step. "Creating an astronomical image demands considerable time—sometimes up to a week of observation, photography, and meticulous editing with specialized software. Patience is essential. Only a deep passion for this craft can fuel the perseverance needed to overcome challenges and excel. Mastery of image editing tools is also crucial."
One of the greatest challenges in astrophotography is combating light pollution. Ali advises, "To capture clear images, one must venture far from city lights. Even moonlight can interfere with astrophotography, so it's best to choose nights when the moon is absent." Weather conditions also play a significant role, and Ali recommends consulting weather maps to ensure clear skies before embarking on an astronomical excursion.
For beginners, Ali suggests starting with the basics. "Before diving into astrophotography, it’s beneficial to experience camping under the stars and observing them with the naked eye—your eyes are like a telescope to the universe. Start using your phone, as some models have settings optimized for capturing stars."
Every awe-inspiring astronomical image often has a story of challenges behind it. One of Ali's favourite photos is of the Milky Way Arch, taken in the Masruq Desert in Al Dhahirah Governorate, Wilayat Ibri. This image came at a significant risk. "On a hot, night, with scorpions crawling around us, we were determined to capture the galaxy, even though it would rise late. The final image made all the effort worthwhile. We used special lights to spot the scorpions."
Creating an astronomical image involves several stages before it reaches its final form. "After capturing the image with the correct settings, we move on to the processing stage using specialized software. This entire process can take up to a week, so patience is key."
Oman offers an ideal environment for astrophotography, as Ali notes, "The country has many locations free from light pollution, such as the Star-Light Reserve, which provides perfect conditions for photography."
The efforts of the Oman Astronomical Society have significantly contributed to the growth of astrophotography in Oman. Astrophotographers can even turn their hobby into a source of income by selling their images, conducting paid workshops, and organizing astronomical trips. "I have a project that supports enthusiasts in this field by organizing astronomical trips to teach the basics of astrophotography. Those interested can follow the project on Instagram at @stargazers.om."
Ali also recommends that astrophotography enthusiasts keep track of celestial events using the Astronomy Calendar on seasky.org.
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