When they enter the Earth’s atmosphere at this speed, they rub against the other particles in the air, and the heat generated by this friction causes them to vaporize (burn), and this is what we see shooting across the sky as bright streaks. Larger particles can create huge fireballs, and some meteors that do not burn up completely can fall to Earth. Watching meteors dart across the sky is one of the most impressive sights we can experience at night. To successfully photograph meteors and meteor showers with your camera, you need some prior knowledge of your subject, patience, and a small amount of luck. Not so long ago, you would have had to spend a small fortune on film rolls and developing costs to get that elusive meteor image, and even then there was no guarantee of a good shot. Thanks to modern technology, it’s never been easier to spend a night under the stars and go home with a set of stunning meteor images.
Steps to photograph meteor shower
Narrow or wide-angle
Use the lens with the shortest f/number, such as an 18-35mm for a non-full-frame DSLR or a 28-50mm for a full-frame one. Wide-angle lenses will capture more sky than those with a smaller field of view, but the trails will appear less striking.
Tilt and pan or equatorial
The simplest mounting option for your camera is a basic tilt and pan tripod, while a powered equatorial mount will keep it pointed at the same area of the sky. As an alternative, wedge the camera so that it faces upward.
Find your focus
1,600 or 3,200 is a good ISO setting. When working with meteors, the lens should be completely opened (lowest f/number) and pre-focused at infinity with autofocus off. Use the live view focusing feature if your camera has one.
Set shooting mode and exposure
Set the continuous shooting mode and the exposure length to 30 seconds (marked by the arrow above). To take a series of photos, use a locked remote shutter release. The camera will keep shooting until you open the release.
Monitor battery and memory levels
Keep an eye on the battery’s condition, the amount of space remaining on your memory card, and whether any dew has misted the lens. Keep extra memory cards, fully charged batteries, and a 12V hair dryer for camping nearby; use the latter to clear away any dew accumulation.
Check for meteors
To check for trails, download the photos and open them in an image viewer like the freeware Fast Stone. It may not be a meteor if you see a trail that lasts for two or more shots; a satellite is more likely to be the cause.
Final Words
We hope like our article on how to photograph meteor shower. Dust and other debris are left in their wake by comets and asteroids as they travel. These are known as meteoroids and can range in size from microscopic dust particles to tiny pebbles. When the Earth encounters a path of these lingering particles, which are rotating at a far slower rate than the Earth, meteor showers happen.
