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Night and Astrophotography Prep Checklist

Preparation checklist for night sky and astrophotography sessions.

What this tool does

Preparation checklist for night sky and astrophotography sessions.

How to use

  1. Work down the list and tick each item as you finish it.
  2. Ticks are saved on this device, in your browser, so they are still there when you come back.

What this checklist covers

The list has 1 group and 15 items.

  • Astrophotography Prep (15 items): Check moon phase and rise and set times; Scout the location during daylight hours; Check the weather forecast (cloud cover, humidity); Charge all camera batteries and bring spares; Format memory cards and confirm capacity; Check the camera sensor for dust and clean the lens glass; Pack a sturdy tripod with a ball head; Bring an intervalometer or remote shutter; Pack a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture; Download a star map or sky tracking app; Set the camera to manual mode and RAW format; Bring a headlamp with a red light mode; Pack extra warm layers (it gets cold at night); Prepare a dew heater or lens hood for condensation; Test focus on a distant light before dark

Tip: Check the moon phase when you pick the date, and arrive before sunset to scout compositions while you can still see. Ticks are saved on this device.

Limitations

  • This is a general kit and planning list. It does not know your camera, location or conditions.
  • It does not cover safety in remote or dark locations. Plan that for your own site and tell someone where you are going.
  • Ticks are saved only in this browser on this device.

FAQs

Q: Does the checklist give camera settings?
A: No. It reminds you to set manual mode and RAW, but it does not suggest exposure values. Those depend on your camera, lens and sky.
Q: Does it know when the moon rises or what the weather will be?
A: No. It reminds you to check. It has no astronomy or weather data.
Q: Are my ticks saved?
A: Yes. Ticks are saved in your browser on this device. They do not follow you to another device or browser.

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