Local Astronomer to Discuss Real Time Astronomic Imaging
Real Time Astro Imaging, sometimes called Electronically Assisted Astronomy ("EAA"), is the practice of using astrophotography hardware and software to observe celestial objects. Unlike conventional astrophotography, images are visible immediately, and improve as the observer continues to capture additional images and "live stacks" them on top of prior captures. The practice allows faint deep space objects to be observed even in highly light-polluted skies, and allows comfortable observing even in the dead of winter.
Michael Goldstein, the speaker, MID-Hudson Astronomical Association member, and EAA practitioner since 2022, will show examples of his work and demonstrate a simulated EAA session. He will discuss the equipment needed to upgrade visual astronomy rigs to EAA, and analyze the pros and cons of using the new-generation automated telescopes such as ZWO's SeeStar50, introduced to the market in late 2023.
Michael Goldstein moved to the Catskill area from Trenton New Jersey in 2022 and begin pursuing amateur astronomy, joining the MHAA a few years later.
Michael spent most of his career in software and tech businesses, including a couple of stints as a management consultant. He switched to historic real estate development “as mid-life career change”. He currently stays not quite retired by consulting with nonprofits on adaptive reuse of historic buildings. He is currently working with a new nonprofit, 120 East State Street, to adaptively redevelop the first Presbyterian Church of Trenton, NJ into a performing arts and visitor center.
Outside of astronomy, Michael is an avid small-stream, flyfisherman and a hiker. He loves exploring the Catskills for isolated, headwater streams supporting wild native brook trout.
(See attached Photo)
The Rosette Nebula. Photo by Michael Goldstein, MHAA
This will be a hybrid event. The presentation will be delivered at the Coykendall auditorium at SUNY New Paltz at 8 PM on Tuesday, March 19 for those attending and will also be shared via Zoom. It will immediately follow the regularly scheduled business meeting of the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association which starts at 7:30. A link to the Zoom event will be sent to participants registered. To register go to midhudsonastro.org and select "ATTEND" at the association's Meetup site. To attend only the presentation join in before 8 PM and you will be admitted to the final minutes of the association meeting. The presentation will begin at 8. To attend both events join in or attend live by 7:30. The talk will be recorded so that it can be viewed later by anyone who cannot attend.
Participants may call or text Tim Denman at 845-245-5483 for assistance or for further details.