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Dark Skies, No Matter Where You Live!
The tools needed to create stunning astrophotos have never been more accessible than they are today, with a wide variety of advanced gear and accessories that make great images possible. One crucial piece of the astrophotography picture remains out of reach for many however, and it is only becoming rarer: truly dark and clear skies. While modern filters and imaging techniques are excellent at reclaiming some of the contrast and detail lost to light pollution, there simply is no substitute for the inky black window into space that a remote location offers. That is why we’ve partnered with Starfront Observatories to make dark site imaging possible wherever you are!
Located under Bortle 1 skies in the heart of Texas, Starfront Observatories is perfectly situated for ample access to clear weather and seriously dark skies. By subscribing to their pier rental service, you can reserve a spot for your gear under these ideal conditions in remote observing facilities staffed 24/7 by technicians and protected from the elements with hurricane proof and climate controlled buildings. Their expert team handles installing your equipment and basic support for just a one time installation fee, with additional paid troubleshooting sessions available for advanced issues. While Starfront is not the first or only way to access a remote observing experience, they pride themselves on providing a “world class remote telescope hosting experience” at an “unmatched value”. It is this dedication to making quality remote observation more accessible than ever that makes Starfront Observatories our hands down pick for those looking to experience what is possible under truly dark skies!
To that end, we’ve worked with them to offer the following imaging packages to maximize your astrophotography potential at their state-of-the-art facility! Whether you’re looking for Micro 4/3, APS-C, or Full Frame, these options have you covered!
Choose Your Imaging Package
Choose an OTA Based On Your Desired Pier Size
Want Us to Ship Your Gear Directly to Starfront Observatories?
Whether you choose the bundle or à la carte items, you have the option of having us ship your gear directly to Starfront Observatories! If you want us to ship it directly to their team, please enter the following shipping address at check out. Please ensure you enter your first and last name when filling out the shipping information. See example below. We will ship the equipment in factory sealed boxes.
Please Note: Starfront deliveries are not eligible to be split and shipped. If an item(s) is(are) not in stock, the order will be held until the entire order can ship together. Any “Arrives By” dates in order updates do not apply.
[Your Name]
Starfront Observatories
1724 County Road 244
Rockwood, TX 76873
If you would like to ship the equipment yourself, then enter your personal shipping address, and then you can ship it to them at your leisure. Starfront Observatories highly suggests shipping your equipment using UPS or FedEx and recommend you utilize shipping insurance options in case of a rare scenario where the equipment gets damaged in transit. Please see Starfront Observatories' website for more information on their shipping policies.
Choose Your Desired Imaging Package
Micro 4/3 Imaging Packages
For those looking for a cost-effective package that works well with just about any telescope, check out these Micro 4/3 imaging systems! The cameras included within these packages feature a sensor size that fits nicely within the majority of imaging circles on the market today. Also, everything you need—from power cables to a reliable equatorial mount–is included within this package, just pick your telescope and you’re ready to soak up the Bortle 1 skies.
APS-C Imaging Packages
APS-C sized sensors are wonderful for capturing heaps of data in a single frame, and when introduced to the pristine Bortle 1 skies of the Starfront Observatories, the results are sure to amaze! A wide variety of optical assemblies support these medium-format sensors, giving you plenty of options in your choice of telescope. In addition to the camera, these bundles come fitted with all of the necessary imaging equipment, such as a tried-and-true mount, an autoguiding setup, USB cables, and plenty more. Click below to discover which APS-C imaging package is right for you!
Full Frame Imaging Packages
Perfect for astroimagers yearning to take their astrophotography to the ultimate level, these full frame packages are the way to go! The cameras in these bundles house large format sensors that help you capture bright, high resolution images of your favorite celestial objects. Pair this with the included high precision mount, WiFi camera control device, electronic auto-focuser, and plenty more, and you’re well equipped to take full advantage of the pristine Bortle 1 skies of the Starfront Observatories!
Choose Your OTA
Mini Pier OTAs
With a max swing diameter of 32”, the Mini Pier reservation is ideal for those looking to capture large portions of the night sky, making the telescopes within this category a perfect fit! Capitalize on these outstanding Bortle 1 skies with any of these small, compact refractors. Important note: As the smallest pier reservation available, motorized flat panels cannot be used with this pier selection. Also, it’s vital to ensure your selected telescope includes enough finder bases to house the included accessories within the imaging packages. We recommend the Apertura Premium Finder Scope Shoe if you’re in need.
Want More Mini Pier OTA Options?
Lite Pier OTAs
The Lite Pier reservation offered by Starfront Observatories features a max swing diameter of 48", making it a perfect choice for those wishing to image with larger optical tube assemblies. Enjoy taking a deeper look into the night sky with any of these powerful Newtonians, advanced RCTs, or high performance refractors! Important note: It's vital to ensure your selected telescope includes enough finder bases to house the included accessories within the imaging packages. We recommend the Apertura Premium Finder Scope Shoe if you're in need.
Want More Lite Pier OTA Options?
Standard Pier OTAs
Have aperture fever? The Standard Pier reservation from Starfront Observatories is the way to go! Featuring a max swing diameter of 58", this pier selection supports these large, light-gathering powerhouses included within this category. Important note: It's vital to ensure your selected telescope includes enough finder bases to house the included accessories within the imaging packages. We recommend the Apertura Premium Finder Scope Shoe if you're in need.
Want More Standard Pier OTA Options?
Want Us to Choose Your OTA? Check Out Our Full Starfront Observatory Packages Below!
Under Bortle 1 skies even a mini setup can provide mighty results! This bundle offers an excellent bang for your buck setup for Starfront Observatory’s value-minded Mini Pier reservation tier. With a telescope, mount, WiFi camera controller, camera, and supporting accessories field-tested and proven to be high performing and reliable options, the Mini Pier build below is a perfect compact remote powerhouse!
Learn More About Your Remote Setup
While Starfront Observatories handles set up and monitors your equipment, there are still several things you should know about participating in remote astrophotography. Starfront Observatories has put together a handy Remote Imaging 101 Guide on their website.
So, what are the basics of remote imaging? Stick with us while we give you a run down of what Starfront Observatories covers on their website.
The Anatomy of Your Remote Imaging Setup
Each of the imaging rigs at Starfront Observatories will use their supplied piers as a foundation. The size of this pier will depend on which rental tier you choose for your compatible gear. While this type of setup is very similar to one you would put together at home, there is an important distinction: this system is fully automated. Everything is done robotically, therefore there are no parts that require or should need manual manipulation. From the mount to the autoguider to the filter wheel, everything must be computerized in order to set you up for success.
What Type of Imaging Equipment Will You Need?
If you are able to use your automated telescope set up in your backyard, then there should be no reason you cannot operate it when it's set up at Starfront Observatories. The most common setups include short refractors paired with ZWO autofocusers, cameras, and the AM3 or AM5 Harmonic mount. Ultimately, you will want to choose the equipment that will be the most beneficial for your goals when operating underneath central Texas’ Bortle 1 skies.
Note: It's particularly useful if you use a mount with a physical home capability. While not a necessity, it is helpful so that when you power down, the mount can return to a known location without the need for encoders.
The Key to Remote Imaging: What Else Will You Need?
You will need a control computer, such as a PC or ASIAIR, and remotely cyclable power outlets so you can turn your equipment on and off. When you remotely access your control unit, you then have the ability to control the entire imaging train from anywhere in the world!
Controlling Your Gear via PC
Starfront Observatories suggests that, when utilizing a PC to control your setup, you use a mini PC as it is the most versatile when it comes to power and software compatibility. NINA compatibility, in particular, is a huge plus, as it can automate your flats without needing a flat panel. All you need is a single click.
To control your PC remotely, you can utilize the following software suggestions: Chrome Remote Desktop, Rustdeck, Anydesk, Splashtop, or Teamviewer, with Chrome Remote Desktop ranking as the most reliable. All you need is a Gmail account, and Starfront Observatories will offer you temporary Anydesk credentials so you can log into your account securely.
Controlling Your Gear via ZWO ASIAIR
Controlling your imaging rig with an ASIAIR will require additional steps to get going, but Starfront Observatories will be there to help you through the process. You will need a VPN or VLAN so you can connect to the same network as the ASIAIR, which will be hardwired via ethernet. Starfront Observatories will provide the necessary configuration files to help set up your VPN. From there, you can just log into the ASIAIR app and begin your remote control!
Once you connect to the ASIAIR WiFi Control Unit via the app, you will be able to connect to the storage. You will need to add a network drive to your laptop or desktop using the ASIAIR IP address. Then, you can login as "Guest" and transfer your files locally to start the editing process.
Note to Apple Users: For some Apple devices, such as laptops, you will need to add the ASIAIR IP address as a DNS server.
Here at High Point Scientific, we've partnered with Starfront Observatories to make imaging more accessible. Every astrophotographer deserves a chance to image under Bortle 1 skies, no matter where they live. This is your chance to start the remote imaging journey. We have all the basics covered to help you on your journey, whether it is offering the special packages curated by Starfront Observatories themselves to fit their available piers to shipping your equipment directly to the remote observatory location. We hope through this partnership, we can help you reach your astrophotography goals.