Have you always wanted to try astrophotography, but were discouraged by the light pollution on campus? Or have you always wanted to try connecting your DSLR to a 24-inch telescope with a 9300mm focal length?  Well, this is your opportunity!  Wallace Observatory will be hosting our very first dedicated astrophotography session for our MIT community.  After the event, we hope that all participants will edit their photos and share them with the group so that we can learn from each other.  The final product will be a gallery featuring our best astrophotos, hosted on the Wallace website.

Who can attend?  Anyone from our MIT community, with a preference for undergrads and grad students.  We recommend you have at least a basic amount of experience with using a DSLR in the field.  If you're not sure, please contact us!

To attend, you will bring your own camera or use one of our Canon DSLR's.  You will have the option to simply use a tripod and lens or connect your camera to a telescope that tracks the sky.  To attach to the telescopes, you will need a special adapter to connect to a T-mount.  We have several of these for Canon EOS EF mountings and a few for other camera brands (Sony, Nikon etc.).  If you sign up, please email us ahead of time to state which type you will need so that we can coordinate in time.

It will be COLD, so please dress accordingly.  We will have hot refreshments inside (tea and hot cocoa etc.).  

Rain date and Weather: Staff will be monitoring weather as event approaches.  This event will be one (1) night, but we will schedule the event on the best weather of the three listed.  You will need to keep an eye on your email for last minute communication. If the entire week is bad, we will find another night in the following weeks before the end of IAP2023.

Driving: You will need to have a ride to get here since this is off-campus.  We hope that the group can rideshare and will do our best to help you organize the trip.  More details once you sign up!

Additional Info: Please note, this tour is at a remote site off-campus. We do have a bathroom on site.  The site is not entirely accessible - if you require any accommodations, please contact wao@mit.edu ahead of time to discuss your needs.  To access the telescope domes you must be able to climb narrow winding staircases.  To access any telescope, you must be able to climb a step ladder/stairs.  All entrances require one to use a step.  Young children will find it difficult to reach eyepieces - we recommend 8yo and above, but please feel free to inquire further if you have questions.

Waitlist:  There will be a waitlist after the first 6 or so that sign up.   You must sign up with Eventbrite to attend.