Re: [APML] Astrophotography from the ISS revisited

["Robert Reeves" <reeves10@swbell.net>]

> So many questions, I have!!
>
> If I recall correctly, he was using some sort of consumer digital camera
(no film).

Kevin,

I can answer many of these questions now.  They use Nikon equipment, both F5
film cameras and the SLR digital adaptation of the F5.  I forget the model
of the digital, but the chip in it is a little smaller than 35 mm film, so
the image scale is bigger for a given lens.  In spite of the uncheduled
return via Soyuz instead of Shuttle, Don was able to return some of his film
images, though I have not seen them yet.  99% of the images taken were
digital and were downloaded via email.
>
> What kind(s) of camera and lenses did he use?

Essentially off the shelf Nikon equipment using Nikor 28mm f/1.4, 5?mm f/1.2
nocto, 85 mm, 180 mm, and 400 mm with 2X converter if needed.

> Did he just press the lens up against a window or what? If not, did
reflections from the glass present a problem? Was it necessary to darken the
compartment from which he was exposing? How was the camera kept "still"?

Reflections were a problem.  Often the interior lights could not be dimmed
due to ongoing workloads (other folks were busy inside doing
taxpayer-supported research <g>).  Sun glaring off the windows killed any
imaging.  Sometimes Don was able to go to another station module or the
airlock module and use their windows.  Reflections show up in many images
and have to be Photoshoped out.  There were mounts at the window where the
could be secured.

> How long was a typical exposure?

Up to two minutes with the digital, unknown with the film images, but
preflight discussion centered on two minutes due to station movement
limitations.

> What types of objects did he image?

Wide-field piggyback type objects like you and I would with a short
telephoto.  Constellations, Magelanic clouds, aurorae, large star clusters

> Are his results posted anywhere we can see?

www.spaceflight.nasa.gov then go to "gallery" then scroll to Expedition 6

> How did he compensate for the rotation of the ISS with respect to the
stars, if at all?

The station is inherently stable enough that two minute unguided exposures
can succeed.  The resukts are similar to what you get with a barndoor
tracker on a tripod.

> What other types of challenges did he have to overcome imaging from the
ISS vs. from the ground? Was it more or less difficult than imaging from
terra firma?

A question I plan to ask him!

Robert Reeves



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