Photographers Kanek and Brandon tell us exclusively National Geography in SpanishEverything you need to know about astrophotography.
Astrophotography is a field Integrates astronomy with photography; It is the intersection between science and art. Its origins go back to the origins of photography. In 1840, a few months after his discovery was officially announced, John William Draper finished. The first photograph of the moon. This image, whose content is an astronomical object, is known The first astronomical photograph in history. Since then, capturing the sky has been of interest to the scientific and amateur community.
Today, technological advances and access to knowledge have opened up the possibility of amateur astrophotography of exceptional quality. HoweverCan function depending on certain environmental conditions Humidity, clouds, precipitation, wind, temperature, atmospheric turbulence and light pollution, etc., can hinder its practice.
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Which places on the planet are the best for astrophotography?
are in the world Few places with dark skies and easy vehicular access. There are privileged places where light pollution is less. In them we can observe the Milky Way and walk under the light emitted by the center of the galaxy.
There is a scale for classifying the skies according to their night brightness, called Portal criteria, astronomer John E. Created by Port. It was first introduced to the world 22 years ago (February 2001), in the publication of the science journal Sky & Telescope. The criteria define nine levels: Ninth is a place with a lot of light pollution (the center of a city), which does not allow you to appreciate the night sky, and type it as a place without any artificial light with a clear view of the sky.
Astrophysics In Mexico
Located in the municipality of Ensenada National Astronomical Observatory of San Pedro Martir (OAN-SPM), at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). The observatory is located at an altitude of 2,800 meters above sea level, and has an average of 200 clear nights per year. This place is recognized in the world for its night sky.
A step A study published in 2016 In the magazine Science, 80% of the population lives in areas with excessive air pollution from artificial light; This situation led to A third of the world’s population has never seen the Milky Way in their lifetime. This is due to the high level of light pollution in the city, which causes a luminous haze that prevents the appreciation of objects from the galaxy such as galaxies and nebulae.
In Mexico, only the municipality of Ensenada has control over conservation Straight into the dark sky. The Law of Heaven Dr. from UNAM’s Institute of Astronomy. Given by Fernando Ávila Castro, and with a regularity Prevents outdoor lighting from emitting light above the horizon.
This effort Reduces light pollution in the cityThis brings a variety of benefits: improving night vision, astrotourism, maintaining wild flora and fauna, and enhancing the quality of life of the community by avoiding the potential disruptions artificial light can cause to circadian rhythms.
How is astrophotography affected?
At that time astrophotography played a very important role Dissemination of science, especially astronomy and ecology. The photographs taken by the astrophysical community are tantalizing to some Audiences are eager to learn more about the subject and live the experience See the Milky Way, planets, constellations or nebulae with your own eyes. Bringing the public closer to these issues and experiences awakens a collective conscience to care for the environment and its skies by understanding the importance of preserving nature without any pollution including light. Ultimately, power Seeing the sky is the right of all of us who live on this planet.
International Astrophysical Congress
Based on these efforts, in 2018 the International Astrophysical Congress, Organized by Northwest Institute of Photography. Since its first edition, the city of Tijuana has hosted a unique event of its kind. The Congress has received speakers and fans from Mexico and other countries such as Spain, Chile and Colombia.
From 2020, Congress started transmitting its proceedings on digital platforms, which allowed greater access, and was located. Baja California One of the international maps Perfect places for astronomy lovers People who enjoy observing the night sky and taking astrophotography.
Experiences of the conference are shared through master lectures and workshops Astronomy and astrophotography by experts and amateurs from around the world. The congress closes its proceedings with a camp under one of Baja California’s privileged skies, where participants admire night views of the stars that any lover would love. The conference will be held this year From July 19 to 22.
This text was written by the founders International Astrophysical Congress, Caneck Leyva and Brandon Echeverrys.
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