Home Topics SatellitesPhotographing Satellites

How to Take Great Satellite Pictures

Artificial satellites are man made objects that orbit and monitor happenings on Earth. Some satellites also take photographs of our planet, outer space and other galaxies.

It is easy and fun to take pictures of these satellites. However, you need to be prepared with the right equipment, tracking predictions and night sky conditions that allow you to view satellites.

In terms of equipment, you should have:

Cable release
Camera with at least 50 mm lens
Clinometer, also called a protractor
Clock that displays seconds
Compass
Film, if your camera isn't an SLR
Tripod.

Preparing for Photographing Satellites

Pick your photography site wisely and avoid man made light pollution as well as full moons. Also, finding satellite pass predictions will increase your chances of getting a great picture. NASA, Heavens Above and Earth Satellite Ephemeris Service all offer up-to-date tracking on their Web sites. You can also download various satellite pass prediction programs onto your computer such as:

SkyMap
STSPlus
TrakSat
WinSat.

Data from these Web sites or from the computer programs will come in either tabular or graphic form. It is recommended you check the satellite pass predictions no more than 6 hours before you wish to take a satellite photograph. This allows you to receive the most recent information regarding each satellite's whereabouts.

Photographing Satellites: The Proper Technique

Your camera should be set to its manual function as you will need to set the shutter for a time exposure. The greater the light pollution is, the shorter the exposure needs to be. Depending on the brightness of the satellite and consequently the speed of your film, the exposure will vary. Generally, the slower the film is, the longer the exposure should be.

Some other tips to getting a great picture are:

Choose the right film speed. If the satellite appears faint in the sky, use higher speed film. Moderately bright satellites can be photographed with 400 and 800 speed film and bright satellites can be photographed with 100 speed film.

Measure the angle at which your camera is pointed while on the tripod. By doing this, you can be sure it will capture the satellite as it passes overhead.

Begin looking for the satellite of your choice about a minute before you expect it to pass. A compass will help you find what direction to look in.

If you are photographing Iridium flares, you'll want a time exposure between 15 and 20 seconds long at the very least.

You can use moonlight to your advantage. With 100 speed film, one or two-minute exposures at f/2.8, a partial Moon will brighten your foreground but not blot out the stars and flares. Decrease your exposure by half when the Moon is full.

Be sure to remind your local processing center that your pictures are of satellites so the workers don't think the photos are entirely black.

Finding the right exposure for your setting, camera and satellite of choice will come with experience. You may have a few failed attempts, but keep trying. Capturing a satellite on film can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Resources

Brash, Larry (2002). Observing and Photographing Satellites: A Beginner's Guide. Retrieved March 17, 2008, from the Satellite Photography Web site.

Di Cicco, Dennis (2008). Photographing Iridium Flares. Retrieved March 17, 2008, from the SkyandTelescope Web site.

Webb, Brian (2006). Photographing Satellites. Retrieved March 17, 2008, from the Space Archive Web site.