Many people around the world do not have access to pristine skies or photography equipment, or both. For those people, remote astrophotography is a great way out. Not only does it let them appreciate the beauty of the night sky, but for many, it is a great learning resource. For Indian astrophotographer Harshwardhan Pathak, remote astrophotography has been a “game changer”. It is through remote astrophotography that he has been able to express his creativity and passion for the night sky. In this interview article, we talk to Harshwardhan about his astrophotography journey.
What made you enter the world of astrophotography?
As an amateur astronomer and astrophotographer, entering the world of astrophotography is often driven by a mix of curiosity, passion for the night sky, and a desire to capture the beauty of the universe in a way that connects both science and art. One of the biggest reasons is to photograph objects that are beyond the reach of the naked eye, like distant galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. It’s incredible to witness those celestial objects in detail, which you can’t always see clearly with just a telescope.
Astrophotography allows you to blend technical skill with creativity. It’s not just about setting up a camera and tripod; it’s about understanding exposure, tracking, and processing to create visually stunning images. It’s a way of interpreting space through a personal artistic lens. As an amateur astronomer, the fascination with space naturally translates into wanting to capture and document the cosmos. The process of learning about the world that is beyond our limits and capturing it through our cameras offers a deeper understanding of the universe.
Could you share with us how you were introduced to remote astrophotography?
My journey into astrophotography began in 2020, during the pandemic, when I joined the Uttar Pradesh Amateur Astronomers Club (UPAAC). It was during this time that I discovered my deep passion for capturing the beauty of the night sky. Although I enjoy shooting nightscapes and planetary imaging, my true love lies in deep-sky imaging. To pursue this passion, I previously used remote data from Telescope Live, which allows me to capture images of distant galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects with incredible detail.
I was fortunate to be guided by some truly inspiring mentors along the way. Under the guidance of my super seniors—Mr. Sumit Kumar Srivastava, a Scientific Officer at the Department of Science and Technology, India, Dr. Alka Misra,my Professor from the Department of Astronomy at the University of Lucknow, introduced me to the fascinating world of astrophotography. Their expertise and encouragement played a huge role in shaping my understanding of the field. To further my skills, I took part in various online workshops focused on astrophotography. These workshops provided me with valuable insights and hands-on experience that helped me improve my techniques and deepen my knowledge.
Thanks to these resources and the guidance of my mentors, I’ve been able to continuously grow in this incredible hobby.
How did remote astrophotography help you learn certain aspects of astrophotography?
Remote astrophotography has been a game-changer in terms of learning and expanding knowledge about astrophotography. By using remote telescopes, I could explore and capture images of deep space objects that are often out of reach for those of us with limited access to personal equipment. Remote astrophotography often involves using professional-grade telescopes, cameras, and mounts. This allows learning about how to use advanced equipment and capture higher-quality images compared to what’s available locally.
Secondly, working with remote data means getting exposed to large datasets that require advanced processing. I learned how to handle raw image data, stack multiple exposures, and use software like PixInsight or Photoshop for detailed image enhancement. It gave me a deeper understanding of processing techniques for different types of astrophotography (e.g., nebulae, galaxies, star clusters). With remote telescopes, I could access and photograph objects from different parts of the sky that would be difficult or impossible to observe from my local location.
Remote astrophotography is considered “armchair” astrophotography by many. What is your take on this?
The term “armchair” astrophotography often comes up when discussing remote astrophotography, as it can sometimes be perceived as less involved compared to the traditional hands-on approach. However, in my opinion, remote astrophotography is just as valid and rewarding, albeit with a different set of challenges and rewards. On one hand, it’s true that remote setups, like those at Telescope Live, allow astrophotographers to capture images from the comfort of their own home, without needing to venture out into the field for long hours of setup and observation. This can make the process more accessible and convenient, especially for those who live in light-polluted areas or have limited access to dark skies.
On the other hand, remote astrophotography requires a high level of technical understanding and careful planning. You still need to know how to control and operate the equipment, select appropriate targets, and process the images. Some might argue that it takes even more planning and attention to detail because you’re often working with automated systems from a distance, relying on software to manage the equipment and data collection. Remote setups also provide access to some of the best equipment that might otherwise be out of reach for many amateur astronomers, such as large telescopes, high-end cameras, and advanced tracking systems, which can help produce stunning results. In this sense, it’s an excellent way to push the boundaries of what can be achieved in astrophotography, even for beginners or those without direct access to top-tier gear.
Ultimately, I believe that whether you’re capturing the stars from a remote setup or out in the field with your telescope, the passion for exploring the cosmos and the technical skill involved in astrophotography are what matter most. It’s about connecting with the universe, no matter how you choose to do it. So, while some may view remote astrophotography as “armchair” photography, I think it’s a valid and fascinating way to experience and capture the wonders of space.
If somebody is willing to begin with remote astrophotography, what could be your top three suggestions for them?
If someone is just starting with remote astrophotography, here are my top three suggestions to help them get going:
- For beginners, using a remote telescope service like iTelescope, Telescope Live, or Chilescope can be a great way to get started without the hassle of setting up and maintaining physical equipment. These services offer access to high-quality telescopes located at dark-sky sites. Many of these platforms also provide automated tools, so you don’t need advanced skills in telescope control to start capturing images. You can choose from a variety of telescopes and imaging systems, which gives you the freedom to experiment with different setups.
- Secondly, and most importantly, even though you’re using remote equipment, the key to creating great astrophotos lies in image processing. Start learning how to process your images using software like PixInsight, Photoshop, or AstroPixelProcessor. Many remote services provide raw data that requires calibration and stacking. Understanding how to manage light frames, dark frames, flat frames, and bias frames is crucial to reducing noise and maximizing detail in your final images
- At last, one of the biggest advantages of remote astrophotography is access to objects in different parts of the sky, especially from dark-sky sites. Begin by planning your astrophotography sessions around specific targets, such as nebulae, galaxies, or star clusters. Many remote platforms allow you to select targets based on your interests, whether you’re focusing on narrowband imaging or wide-field shots.
Concerning astrophotography, how do you plan your future?
As a Master’s student in Physics with a focus on Data Analysis in Astronomy, I’m deeply interested in applying my skills in image processing to both scientific research and astrophotography. While my main emphasis is on analyzing astronomical data for scientific purposes rather than purely for aesthetic astrophotography, this experience will serve as a strong foundation for my future endeavors. I’m particularly eager to work on large-scale, collaborative projects with astrophotographers and researchers from around the world, contributing to groundbreaking work in the field of astronomy and deepening our understanding of the cosmos.
Additionally, I am passionate about giving back to the astronomy community. I want to create resources, share knowledge, and provide guidance to beginners, helping them improve their skills and build confidence in both astrophotography and astronomical data analysis. By supporting new learners, I aim to foster a more inclusive and collaborative environment that encourages growth and development within the community.
About the astrophotographer
Harshwardhan Pathak is a Master’s student in Physics at the University of Lucknow, based in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Over the years, he has developed a strong passion for astrophotography, which has led to some exciting milestones. He has had the honor of having his images featured as NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD), along with several additional APOD highlights and AAPOD2, and other prestigious online pages features. His work has been published in several renowned outlets, including Astronomy Magazine, BBC Sky at Night, and Sky & Telescope Magazine, with around 55 of his images making their way into the global astronomy community. He is always looking for new ways to push his craft and share the beauty of the universe.
You can check more of his work on his Instagram feed.
(All images used in the article are by Harshwardhan Pathak and used with permission.)
Clear skies!
