Unlock magic of supermoon

As a supermoon illuminates the night sky on August 19, offering a spectacular celestial display, it's the perfect opportunity for budding astrophotographers to capture the beauty of the cosmos.

A spectacular supermoon will light up the sky on August 19 night, offering a stunning display as the full moon reaches its closest point to Earth, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

Known for their bright and breathtaking appearance, supermoons are a perfect opportunity for night sky photography.

If you're eager to capture this celestial event, Welsh astrophotographer Dafydd Wynn Morgans, who has years of experience photographing the cosmos, shares his expertise. Based in the Cambrian Mountains, an area renowned for its pristine dark skies and astrotourism, Dafydd knows how to make the most of these clear, star-filled nights.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to have the chance to photograph the night sky," Dafydd told Sky News from his picturesque campsite near Llanddewi Brefi. Despite the long hours and chilly nights, he remains enthusiastic about his work: "Sometimes it’s quite emotional to reflect on how lucky I am to witness such beauty."

For those new to night sky photography, here are some essential tips from Dafydd:

Find a Dark Spot: Seek out locations with minimal light pollution. As Dafydd notes, "Only in the darkness can you see the stars." Avoid areas with bright lights that could obscure your view of celestial objects.

Plan Your Location: Ensure the spot you choose is safe and legal for nighttime visits. It's also wise to inform someone of your plans.

Prepare for Comfort: Bring essentials like a flask of coffee to stay alert throughout the night.

By following these tips, you can make the most of the upcoming supermoon and enjoy the wonders of the night sky.

"You need to plan," says Dafydd Wynn Morgans, emphasizing that photographing the night sky requires more preparation than a quick trip to the shop. If you're heading to a remote location where your presence might be unexpected, it's crucial to inform local residents in advance. Dafydd recalls an early mistake where a group of photographers with red head torches—used to preserve night vision—caused a local to mistake their lights for a rave, prompting a police visit.

Before diving into astrophotography, Dafydd recommends starting with stargazing. Understanding what you can see in the night sky, including celestial movements and events, will help you better plan your photography. Stargazing apps can be useful, but remember to dim your screen to maintain night vision.

For a comfortable stargazing experience, Dafydd suggests bringing warm clothing and a blanket to lie on instead of straining your neck. "If you're lying down, you've got a cinematic seat under the cosmos."

If you're new to astrophotography, you don't need a high-end camera to start. Many smartphones today are equipped with camera technology capable of capturing stunning images of stars, the Milky Way, and other celestial phenomena. Dafydd advises using a tripod to keep your camera steady and experimenting with exposure and ISO settings in your phone’s pro mode to capture more light and detail.

As your interest grows, you might consider investing in a dedicated camera, lens, tripod, remote control, and head torch. "Then you've opened yourself up to a new galaxy of experiences," he says. Just make sure to double-check that you have all your equipment before heading out. Dafydd shares a cautionary tale of a time he forgot to pack memory cards, despite having traveled three hours to his shooting location.