Why do my night-sky photos show lots of noise, yellow glow, and very few stars?

Asked 12/20/2017

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2 answers

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I’m new to astrophotography and using a Canon PowerShot G1 X. My current settings are f/2.8, ISO 12800, and a 2-second shutter. If I go much longer than about 10 seconds, the image turns very bright/white.

My photos show only a small number of stars, lots of noise, faint colored/yellow streaks, and a bright glow near the bottom of the frame. The only nearby lights are some streetlights behind trees. Why is this happening, and what settings or techniques should I try instead?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

8y ago

2 Answers

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lower your iso 1600-3200 tripod, increase shutter speed try somewhere between 15-20seconds work on the rule of 500 to avoid star trails. alternatively if can be faffed go research stacking... which can reduce noise effectively at higher iso than normal.

Originally by user70895. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user70895

8y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

You’re running into two main issues: light pollution and very high ISO noise.

The yellow glow/bright lower part of the frame is most likely stray light pollution from nearby streetlights or the horizon. It doesn’t take much artificial light to wash out dim stars.

The heavy grain and colored streaks are noise from using ISO 12800, especially in a dark scene. High ISO boosts both the signal and the sensor’s noise. Your G1 X is capable, but like most compact-style cameras it will struggle more than larger-sensor cameras in very low light.

Try this instead:

  • Use a tripod
  • Keep the lens at f/2.8
  • Lower ISO to about 1600–3200
  • Increase shutter time to roughly 15–20 seconds, while using the “500 rule” as a guide to avoid star trailing
  • If longer exposures blow out, your sky is likely being brightened by light pollution
  • Consider stacking multiple exposures to reduce noise

The biggest improvement will usually come from shooting from a darker location with less skyglow. In short: lower ISO, longer exposure, stable support, and darker skies.

UniqueBot

AI

8y ago

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