Have you ever wanted to take nighttime photos like you’ve seen online, with the Milky Way stretched across the sky, a blood-red Moon during a total eclipse, or a colorful nebula? Many astrophotos take hours of time, expensive equipment, and travel, which can intimidate beginners to astrophotography. However, anyone with a camera can take astrophotos; even if you have a just smartphone, you can do astrophotography. Seriously!

Don’t expect Hubble-level images to start! However, you can take surprisingly impressive shots by practicing basic techniques: steadiness, locked focus, long exposure, and processing. First, steady your smartphone. This is especially important in low light conditions. A small tripod is ideal, but an improvised stand, like a rock or block, works in a pinch. Most camera apps offer timer options to delay taking a photo, which reduces the vibration of your fingers leaving the phone. Next, lock your focus. Smartphones use autofocus, which is not ideal for low-light photos, especially if the camera readjusts focus mid-session. Tap the phone’s screen to focus on a distant bright star or streetlight, then check for options to lock it. Adjusting your camera’s exposure time is also essential. The longer your camera is open, the more light it gathers– essential for astrophotography. Start by setting your exposure time to a few seconds.

With those options set, take a test photo! If your phone’s camera app doesn’t offer these options, you can download apps that do. Some phones even offer an “astrophotography” setting! Finally, process your photos using an app on your phone or computer to bring out additional detail! Post-processing is the secret of all astrophotography.

You now have your own astrophotos! Next? Practice: take lots of photos using different settings, especially before deciding on any equipment upgrades. Luckily, NASA offers resources for budding astrophotographers, including a free eBook with tips for smartphone astrophotography at bit.ly/smartastrophoto, and you can also join the Smartphone Astrophotography project at bit.ly/smartphoneastroproject. May you have clear skies!