Chapter 1: The Passion for Astrophotography

Today, I am thrilled to introduce Nazmus Nasir.

A software engineer by profession and an amateur astronomer by passion, Nazmus Nasir has nurtured a fascination for astronomy since childhood. He received his first telescope as a teenager and has been dedicated to the night sky ever since. Since 2019, he has aided others in their telescope research and astrophotography equipment choices, and he often takes people along for stargazing adventures. Additionally, he organizes meetups to provide opportunities for observing planets up close through telescopes.

Cendrine Marrouat: Welcome, Nazmus! Was there a specific moment that ignited your interest in astrophotography?

Nazmus Nasir: For many astrophotographers, the Hubble Space Telescope has been a significant source of inspiration. Personally, I was captivated by an image of the Eagle Nebula, also known as the Pillars of Creation, taken by Hubble. That image sparked my desire to capture the night sky myself. However, it took me approximately 15 years to embark on my astrophotography journey. I’m looking forward to seeing a surge of new astronomers inspired by the James Webb Space Telescope in the near future.

CM: What is your typical workflow like? Do you follow a structured routine?

NN: I can break my process down into a few essential steps: Check the weather, select a target, capture images, stack the images, and process them. The most significant hurdle is often securing clear skies, a sentiment many astronomers would share. Once the weather cooperates and I determine what to photograph, I ask my telescope to focus on that object for several hours, capturing as many exposures as possible. This is the most time-consuming phase. The most enjoyable aspect, however, is the stacking and processing of images, where I finally witness the results of my efforts.

CM: What are your preferred subjects in astrophotography? Planets, stars, comets, or others? What draws you to them?

NN: Choosing favorites is challenging because I adore them all. Comets are fascinating due to their rarity. Stars, too, are captivating; one truly realizes their multitude when capturing a long exposure of any section of the sky. I particularly enjoy photographing planets during outreach events, allowing others to see giants like Jupiter and Saturn through my eyepiece. Witnessing children's reactions to Saturn's rings for the first time is incredibly rewarding. My astronomy club, the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston, also engages in outreach, and I make a point to participate.

My absolute favorite celestial event, however, is a total solar eclipse. There’s nothing quite like witnessing the moon gradually cover the sun until it reveals a stunning corona. Such events are rare, and I wish everyone could experience one at least once. I’ve witnessed two in my lifetime and plan to travel for the next in 2024.

CM: What is the most distant object your telescope has captured? How did it feel to see it?

NN: The farthest object I’ve successfully imaged is a group of galaxies known as the Draco Triplet, located 130 million light-years away. I managed to capture these stunning galaxies from my light-polluted backyard, which was an experiment I undertook without high expectations. However, when the first image appeared, I was overjoyed to discern the galaxies' structures. It was an exhilarating moment, and this year I aim to explore even more distant galaxies.

CM: Can you share details about your two favorite photographs?

NN: Selecting favorites is difficult, but if I had to choose, it would be my images of the Andromeda Galaxy and the Heart Nebula. Both are visible from my backyard, allowing me to dedicate considerable time to each. The Andromeda Galaxy is particularly striking; it’s the furthest object visible to the naked eye (in dark areas). When viewed without aid, its bright core and surrounding fuzzy cloud are breathtaking. If visible in its entirety, it would appear six times the width of the full moon. It’s a favorite target for telescope demonstrations.

The Heart Nebula, located in the constellation Cassiopeia, is also quite bright and expansive, showcasing beautiful colors, especially with its central star cluster. I cherish imaging it every year. Both images will be showcased at a gallery at Harvard University from March 2nd to April 6th, which I’m incredibly proud of.

CM: How does astrophotography compare to regular photography in terms of challenges? Any advice for newcomers?

NN: In my view, the learning curve for astrophotography is steeper. It can also become quite costly, as different celestial objects necessitate varying equipment (for instance, long focal lengths for planets versus shorter for nebulae). While the expenses might seem comparable to regular photography, particularly for professionals with multiple lenses, astrophotography costs can escalate quickly.

Light pollution is another significant challenge; city dwellers can view planets and the moon but may struggle to capture other celestial objects without investing in gear designed to counteract the light interference. Some enthusiasts dive into the hobby by spending thousands on equipment to get started quickly. My advice? Don’t rush into it; take your time!

I recommend beginning with visual astronomy. A modest telescope, like a tabletop Dobsonian, is user-friendly and holds its value well for resale when you’re ready to upgrade. Potential upgrades could include a new telescope, a star tracker, a computerized mount, or a dedicated camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or astro camera).

Another tip is to utilize what you already have. If you own a camera capable of long exposures, set it on a tripod, point it at the sky, and take numerous images to stack. Many smartphones now support this too. This approach falls under widefield astrophotography, allowing you to capture the Milky Way with ease. This initial step will help you acclimate to the hobby.

Lastly, seek out local astronomy clubs. They exist globally, and fellow astronomers are usually eager to share their passion. If you reach out or visit during their events, you’ll receive more information than you might expect.

CM: Who is your favorite figure in astrophotography or astronomy, and why?

NN: My favorite astronomer is Fritz Zwicky, a 20th-century Swiss astronomer. Beyond his intriguing name, his contributions to astronomy are substantial; he discovered supernovae, neutron stars, gravitational lensing, and dark matter, among others. He was a fascinating individual whose life is worth exploring. The "green" comet that made headlines in early 2023 was nicknamed Comet ZTF, short for Zwicky Transient Facility, honoring Fritz Zwicky.

CM: How do you leverage social media to showcase your images?

NN: When I capture something noteworthy, I share it across various social media platforms, including Reddit, Mastodon, and Facebook. I often provide context to spark interest. While I’m not the best at self-promotion, I make an effort. I’ve also begun creating YouTube videos that document my capture and editing processes, offering tips and tricks I’ve gathered over the years, which my audience appreciates.

Before sharing anything publicly, I always consult with my wife, who provides honest feedback, helping me improve my work.

CM: Is there anything else you'd like people to know?

NN: Anyone interested in starting their journey in astronomy or astrophotography is welcome to connect with me through any of my social media channels. I love discussing astronomy and am always happy to answer questions or provide guidance.

Currently, I’m focused on producing helpful videos about capturing and processing images for my YouTube channel, in addition to updating my website, which I launched back in 2010. I also host star parties when planets are visible, inviting friends, colleagues, and even passersby to observe through my telescope. I’ve been doing this on and off since 2012 and hope to continue the tradition.

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