Tag: astrophotography

Stargazing and Astrophotography at Corynnia Station: January is Special

Looking for an authentic outback luxury experience? Corynnia Station offers an unforgettable retreat on the edge of the NSW outback. Our 17,000-acre working farm blends natural beauty with modern farming, providing guests with an exclusive opportunity to unwind and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re here to relax, rejuvenate, or simply escape the busy pace of everyday life, Corynnia Station offers the perfect setting.

The Ultimate Stargazing and Astrophotography at Corynnia Station: January is Special Destination

Corynnia Station is more than just a place to stay—it’s a stargazing paradise. With clear, expansive skies and no light pollution, our station is one of the best places in Australia to gaze at the stars and capture breathtaking photos of the night sky. If you’re passionate about astrophotography, our outback location is an ideal spot for you. Here, you’ll find a perfect canvas for capturing the cosmos in all its glory.

The vast, 360-degree views offer stunning opportunities for stargazers and photographers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or simply a lover of the night sky, the celestial displays above Corynnia Station will leave you in awe.

Stargazing and Astrophotography: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

Astrophotography enthusiasts flock to Corynnia Station year-round, but January is an especially exciting time. In 2025, January offers a spectacular opportunity to photograph the night sky, with a rare alignment of four planets visible to the naked eye.

Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars will all align throughout the month, making for a stunning celestial event. According to NASA, this four-planet conjunction will be visible in the evening sky during the first few hours after dark. Venus and Saturn will be in the southwest, Jupiter will shine brightly overhead, and Mars will rise in the east. It’s a rare sight that’s sure to thrill both amateur and professional astronomers.

Don’t Miss the Four-Planet Alignment

The planetary alignment will occur every night throughout January 2025. While a telescope isn’t necessary to view the four planets, it will enhance the experience. For those with telescopes, you can also spot Uranus and Neptune—though they will appear dimmer than the other planets.

These alignments, while not extremely rare, offer a chance to observe our solar system in a way that doesn’t happen every year. As NASA explains, the planets will appear to line up along the ecliptic, the plane of our solar system, giving stargazers a stunning view of the night sky.

A Special Event: Super Close Approach and Mars Opposition

In mid-January, both Venus and Saturn will gradually get closer to one another, culminating in a “super close approach.” This will make them appear even more spectacular in the sky. At the same time, Mars will reach opposition, appearing larger and brighter than usual. These astronomical events will align, creating a mesmerizing sight as the planets form a straight line across the night sky.

Remember, despite how close they seem, these planets are still hundreds of millions of miles apart, and observing them is like staring deep into the vastness of space. It’s an awe-inspiring experience, especially when viewed from the unspoiled skies of Corynnia Station.

Capture the Cosmos: Astrophotography at Its Best

For astrophotographers, Corynnia Station offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Stargazing and Astrophotography and to capture the stars and planets in stunning detail. With no light pollution and expansive, unobstructed views, the station provides the perfect backdrop for your celestial photography. Whether you’re photographing the alignment of four planets or simply capturing the beauty of the Milky Way, Corynnia Station’s clear skies create an exceptional environment for your astrophotography endeavors.

Plan Your Stargazing and AstrophotographyTrip Today

Corynnia Station offers far more than just a luxury outback getaway. It’s a destination where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the big smoke, immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, and witness the spectacular wonders of the night sky. Whether you’re visiting for stargazing, astrophotography, or simply to enjoy the serenity of the outback, our station offers an experience unlike any other.

Take advantage of the rare planetary alignments and clear skies this January. Plan your visit to Corynnia Station for an unforgettable stargazing and astrophotography adventure. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to witness the cosmos like never before.

How to Use Google Pixel’s Astrophotography Mode: A Complete Guide

Since its debut with the Google Pixel 4 in 2019, the Astrophotography Mode has amazed users with its ability to capture stunning images of the night sky. Previously, users had to rely on the Pixel’s automatic detection system to activate the feature. But as of August 2024, Google has added a major update. It allows you to manually trigger Astrophotography mode, giving you even more control over your night sky shots.

Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or just someone eager to experiment with the stars, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this powerful tool on your Google Pixel phone.

Discover your Outback Oasis while gazing at the amazing clear night skies astrophotography
Night skies

What’s New with Astrophotography Mode in 2024?

The August 2024 update to the Google Camera app now lets you manually activate Astrophotography mode, perfect for times when your phone doesn’t automatically recognize the night sky or when you want to experiment with different lighting conditions. The feature remains available across the latest Pixel devices, so you can unlock its full potential with your Pixel 6, Pixel 7, or the newest Pixel 8 series.

How to Enable Astrophotography Mode on Your Pixel

Once you’ve updated the Google Camera app to the latest version, you’re ready to take your astrophotography to the next level. Follow these simple steps to manually activate the feature:

  1. Open the Camera App: Launch the Google Camera app on your Pixel device.
  2. Switch to Night Sight: Tap the Night Sight button. If you can’t find it, swipe to Camera mode using the button at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Activate Astrophotography: In Night Sight mode, tap the Astrophotography icon (a crescent moon) located at the bottom-right of your screen.
  4. Set Exposure Time: Move the slider to “Astro” on the right. This triggers the long exposure necessary for astrophotography.
  5. Capture the Shot: Press the Shutter button. The camera will take 16 images, each with a 16-second exposure, and merge them into one stunning shot.
    • Tip: You can tap the Stop button to end the shot early, and it will save the photo with whatever data it has collected.

The camera will typically take about four minutes to complete the exposure, capturing breathtaking details of the night sky.

Tips for Perfect Astrophotography Shots on Your Pixel

While manual astrophotography mode offers more flexibility, there are some important tips to keep in mind to ensure you get the best results:

  1. Use in Dark Areas: Astrophotography mode relies on low light. If you try to use it in a well-lit area, your Pixel will shorten the exposure time. For best results, ensure you’re in a dark location with minimal ambient light.
  2. Avoid Moving the Phone: The slightest shake can ruin an astrophotography shot. Set up your phone on a tripod or a stable surface before starting the long exposure. Even if you manually trigger the mode, make sure the camera is still for the entire duration.
  3. Watch for Light Pollution: While Astrophotography mode can capture incredible details of the night sky, light pollution can still negatively impact the photo. For optimal results, use the feature in areas with minimal artificial lighting.
  4. Enable Time-Lapse: Want to capture a time-lapse of the night sky along with your regular astrophotography shots? Here’s how:
    • Tap the Settings button in the bottom left corner.
    • Go to More settings > Advanced.
    • Toggle the Enable Time Lapse for Astro switch to on.

Troubleshooting

  • If the Astro Feature Doesn’t Appear: Make sure your Google Camera app is up to date. Head to the Google Play Store, search for the Camera app, and tap Update if available.
  • In Well-Lit Areas: If you activate astrophotography mode in an area that’s too bright, the exposure time will automatically adjust. To get around this, you can start the exposure in a dark place, but be cautious—moving the camera to a lit area mid-exposure can lead to a blurred image.

Capture Stunning Nightscapes with Your Pixel

The addition of manual astrophotography mode on the Google Pixel is a game-changer for photography enthusiasts who want to capture the beauty of the night sky. Whether you’re photographing stars, planets, or even the Milky Way, your Pixel phone has the power to turn your photos into captivating cosmic images.

Best Locations for Astrophotography

If you’re looking for the perfect place to use your Pixel’s astrophotography mode, consider locations with minimal light pollution. Corynnia Station in outback NSW, Australia, for example, is a luxury outback retreat known for its breathtaking night skies. Situated on a vast, working farm, this destination offers expansive 360-degree views, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and capturing the night sky.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced photographer, Corynnia Station offers the perfect setting to test out your new astrophotography skills. With clear skies and minimal artificial lighting, you’ll be able to photograph the stunning celestial displays like never before. Book your visit now!

With the manual activation of Astrophotography Mode on your Google Pixel, the possibilities for night sky photography are endless. From setting up the perfect shot to capturing intricate details of the cosmos, your Pixel phone can help you create stunning images with ease. So grab your phone, head to a dark spot, and let the stars guide you to your next breathtaking shot.