Shooting stars exhibit exceptional brilliance in this instance

Shooting stars exhibit exceptional brilliance in this instance

Preparing for this year's Perseids meteor shower is more crucial than ever, as the event will be challenged by the bright moonlight. Here are some tips to help you capture stunning meteor photos using smartphones or cameras, even during moonlit nights.

Smartphone Photography

To capture mesmerizing meteor shots with your smartphone, follow these steps:

1. Enable night mode or a long exposure app to allow more light in.
2. Stabilize your device using a tripod or phone mount to avoid shaking.
3. Adjust brightness and exposure settings if available.
4. Try apps designed for night photography or astrophotography.
5. Frame the sky with a foreground object for artistic composition.

Camera Photography (DSLR/Mirrorless)

For those with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, here's a guide:

1. Mount your camera on a sturdy tripod.
2. Set your camera to manual mode with:
3. Aperture as wide as possible (lowest f-number).
4. Shutter speed between 20–30 seconds (long enough for meteors, short enough to keep stars pinpoint).
5. ISO 800 or similar to balance sensitivity and noise.
6. Use a wide-angle lens to capture more sky.
7. Aim the camera roughly toward the Perseus constellation but include a broad sky area or interesting foreground to capture more meteor paths and create compelling compositions.

Additional Tips

• Use remote shutter release, intervalometer, or camera control software to take continuous exposures without camera shake or fatigue.
• Avoid moonlight too close to your target to reduce sky brightness. However, since it’s moonlit nights, try to work with moonrise and moonset timings or shield your camera from direct moonlight.
• Use astronomy apps in night mode to locate Perseus and track the meteor radiant while preserving night vision.

With these tips, you'll be well-equipped to maximize capture quality and chances of snapping Perseids meteors even during the challenge of a bright moonlit night.

Note: A full moon occurred on August 9, and a waning gibbous moon will be present on Tuesday night. The constellation Perseus, from which meteors seem to come, is better seen in the second half of the night.

Happy meteor photography!

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