Astrophotography is the use of photography in astronomy – the photographing of celestial objects and phenomena. In addition to capturing details of extended objects like the Moon, it also has the power to image objects not visible to the human eye, such as dim stars, nebulae, and galaxies. The MMA’s beginner's astrophotography workshop intends to give participants the foundations needed to take dramatic pictures of the dark skies above. Have you ever wondered how photographers capture the breathtaking, vivid milky way skyscapes? If so, come join MMA’s Artist in residence Charity Grace Mofsen & MMA's Telescope Engineer and Astronomer, Gary Walker for an exciting 4-week course in the world of Astrophotography. Nantucket boasts some of the darkest night skies in the northeast and the cosmos certainly puts on the best show! The beginner astrophotography workshop intends to give participants the foundations needed to take dramatic pictures of the dark skies above.

In this workshop, you will photograph celestial objects and phenomena starting with a cell phone and DSLR cameras and then progress to the RC24 inch Telescope at the MMA Loines Observatory. Each class will build on the last and some homework will be assigned in between meetings to make the most of this course. Proceeds from the tuition will go toward offsetting/eliminating the cost of this course for local Nantucket students with a photography interest through scholarships in the Fall offering. The first session will focus on an introduction to astrophotography. This will include a presentation of night shots taken around the island, as well as a demonstration of the equipment used to take such photos. The second session will be a trial run for amateur photographers who will be able to practice camera setup, including manual settings, and practice shooting. The third session will consist of a continuation of practice shooting, while also focusing on capturing printable photos. The fourth and final session will be for post-processing. In this session, one will review images captured during the previous session and receive feedback.  Also, an introduction to basic editing of the photos taken will be discussed.

The astrophotography course will be held on Thursdays beginning August 10 and continue through August 31, 2023. This astrophotography program is geared towards beginner or budding astrophotographers interested in learning more about photographing celestial objects. The course consists of four workshop-style classes with field work and live shooting time and costs $700. Classes will start with cell phones and DSLR's and progress to the RC24 inch telescope at Loines Observatory. Each class will build on the previous and fun-work will be assigned. Please note classes start at MMA Research Center at 2 Vestal Street, 6:45pm – 7:45pm and then move to Loines Observatory, 59 Milk Street Extension when the skies will be dark enough for study. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. This course meets on the following dates: August 10, 17, 24 and 31.

Charity Grace Mofsen captures the island of Nantucket in all its glory–“In Light and At Night.” With a particular affinity for astrophotography, she believes there is always Light, if you have eyes to see it. From fine art landscapes to fun portrait sessions and creative product photography, she finds joy sharing her love of Nantucket

with the hope that others will also cherish the island’s natural beauty. Recently featured in Framebridge’s “Black Artist Spotlight,” N Magazine’s 2022 “Night Life,” and Nantucket Current’s “This Week in Photos,” her work speaks to [wo]man’s connection to the cosmos. Describing her style as meditative, Charity Grace highlights the beauty of the island’s contrasts – the solitude of the off-season and the joy of summer, the colors of the Light and the wisdom of the Night.

Gary Walker has over fifty years of experience as a consultant, professional engineer, amateur and professional astronomer. Gary is past CCD Chairperson, Secretary, and President of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). Gary retired as Director of Engineering of Navigation Products for Northrop-Grumman Corporation where he enjoyed a thirty year career. He was also deeply involved in the selection of the MMA’s RC- 24 inch and CDK17 Telescopes in 2007/2008. The first amateur to submit a CCD and sCMOS Observations to the AAVSO, Gary has over 111,000 variable star observations. He is also actively involved with teaching the MMA’s astronomy National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates summer interns with aspects of telescope operation and data reduction.

AUGUST 10 - AUGUST 31

Session 1: Intro to Astrophotography

Presentation of night shots and equipment demonstration.

Session 2: Field work

Camera setup; manual settings and practice shooting

Session 3: Field work

Practice shooting and refined focused on shooting printable photos

Session 4: Post-processing

Review of captured images, feedback and post process editing

Time: 6:45PM

Location: 2 Vestal Street, Nantucket MA

Registration deadline: August 7, 2023 6pm

Cost per participant: $700

Members receive a 10% discount