Astrophotography involves capturing images of the night sky. It is an intricate form of photography, given the complexities of distance and lighting involved. Different types of astrophotography, such as deep space and solar systems, require special gear. Although professional equipment is often used, impressive results can also be achieved with your iPhone using the right techniques and settings.

When talking about astrophotography it’s necessary to bring up telescopes, since the invention of the telescopes paved the way for the detailed imagery we capture today. The ability to see far and in detail, is what allows for the amazing deep space imagery we see in the video above.

It is said that the well-known Astronomer Galileo Galilei would sketch the images he saw in his telescope, the precursor to photography. Many decades later, as astronomers and photographers collaborated, John Adams Whipple captured a daguerreotype of the moon in 1839 (photo below). It is the earliest known image of the moon.

Fast forward to the 21st century, where we have cellphones that are also cameras. Now, let's pose the question: can we capture an image of the moon on our iPhone?

The short answer is yes.

The iPhone is capable of capturing the following:

Nightscape/Landscape: Images of the Milky Way with a landscape element, such as star trails, mountains, and aurora.

However, deep space images are not possible and require heavier and more complex gear. Although the iPhone cannot capture these forms of astrophotography, being able to see the moon and the Milky Way in detail is mesmerizing, and we have come a long way.

There will be a good amount of editing required after capturing your images. Adjusting your camera's settings is foundational to producing quality images. Switching to ProRAW and slowing down your shutter speed in night mode are the two most important adjustments.

ProRaw enables extensive editing post-photoshoot, while night mode allows your camera to capture stars more clearly. Check out the videos below for tutorials on how to ensure you adjust your settings correctly.

Once you have your settings updated, check out the gear listed below to bring your photos to a higher level of quality:

Preparing for a night of astrophotography entails planning ahead. You can have all your gear and settings ready to go, but if you leave without double-checking the three categories below, you won't end up with the best shots

There are multiple astronomy apps that make it easier to check these three categories a long with star positions through out the night.

Astrophotography with your iPhone can be a rewarding experience. With the right settings and gear, you can capture breathtaking images of the night sky.

Happy shooting!