Exploring the Wonders of Astrophotography

Join our astrophotography group to capture breath taking images of deep space objects, galaxies, and celestial phenomena within our solar system, including the moon, planets, and the sun.

Exploring the Wonders of Astrophotography

Join our astrophotography group to capture breathtaking images of deep space objects, galaxies, and celestial phenomena within our solar system, including the moon, planets, and the sun.

"We are made of star-stuff." — Carl Sagan

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Our Next Talk

John Hayes is an engineer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and experienced pilot who is a highly recognized astrophotographer, known for his technical expertise in optics. He studied astronomy and physics as an undergraduate before earning a graduate degree from the Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona. John co-founded 4D Technology in 2001, a company that develops high-speed interferometers for the aerospace industry. He has built testing equipment for JWST, holds 14 patents and has authored numerous technical publications. John utilises his engineering background to advance the state of the art of astronomical imaging. He is an expert in precision focusing and long focal length imaging, often sharing his technical knowledge and methods. He operates remote astronomical imaging telescopes in New Mexico and Chile to ensure access to dark skies and clear nights, and his images have received numerous "Image of the Day" awards on Astrobin.com and a NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day designation.

Galaxy imaging is challenging. In this talk we’ll review the basics of getting the most out of your telescope including sensor choices, optical alignment, guiding, and focusing. Then we’ll turn to processing to look at how to gauge colour fidelity, deconvolve your data, set the black point, clean up noise and layer Ha data. Then we’ll look at some tips and tricks to make your images “pop”. The processing tools that we’ll use will be PixInsight and Photoshop. Join us and take your galaxy images to the next level.

NGC 1512 Galaxy in the Horologium Constellation 38Mly

John Hayes – Galaxy Studio

Wednesday, 25th February 2026 at 8:00pm

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HAGAS meetings are for club members. Join our Club for just £10 a year

Meeting Location

Our meetings are held at the

Room 1A161 (Upstairs)
University of Hertfordshire
Lindop Building
College Lane
Hatfield
AL10 9AB

(What 3 words: stars.stones.energetic) and simultaneously on Zoom.

There is plenty of parking space around the venue which is free after 19:00

25th February - John Hayes - US based Astrophotographer (Zoom) - Topic TBA

Upcoming Meetings

Future meetings and discussions will play a significant role in shaping the trajectory of our projects. We will gather insights, address concerns, and collaboratively pave the way for success in our upcoming ventures.