Are you ready to capture the cosmos but don’t know where to start? Astrophotography might seem like a distant galaxy of complexity, but the Nanaimo Astronomy Society (NAS) is here to guide you through the stars. Published at 5:00 pm on Sunday, January 25, 2026, this announcement marks the beginning of an exciting journey for both beginners and seasoned stargazers alike.
Kicking off the new year with a bang, NAS’s first meeting of 2026 is dedicated to demystifying astrophotography and the rise of smart telescopes. Held on Thursday, January 29, at 7 p.m. in rooms 2 and 3 of the Beban Park Social Centre, this event promises to be a stellar experience. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure a punctual start, and remember, it’s free for members and first-time visitors—though you’ll likely want to join after this!
But here’s where it gets exciting: the evening features two in-person presentations that blend expertise with passion. First up are Chris Boar, NAS vice-president and former president, and Tony Puerzer, former vice-president. Both are retired professional photographers with a lifelong love for astrophotography and deep ties to NAS. Puerzer’s impressive background includes five years as a lecturer at the H.R. MacMillan Planetarium in Vancouver and numerous articles for Skynews and Sky & Telescope magazine. Together, they’ll walk you through the basics—starting with a simple camera on a tripod—and reveal how far this hobby can take you.
And this is the part most people miss: Boar emphasizes that astrophotography doesn’t have to break the bank. “You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve with just a camera on a tripod,” he says. “Star trails, comets, constellations—it’s all within reach. But beware, it’s a slippery slope to upgrading to bigger telescopes and dedicated rigs.” For those bitten by the bug, advanced equipment like star-tracking mounts can elevate your images, but Boar also highlights the accessibility of cell phone cameras, which can produce surprisingly stunning results under the right conditions.
Controversial take alert: Boar jokingly refers to the obsession with gear as “GAS” (gear acquisition syndrome), but he also acknowledges that the real joy lies in mastering the technical skills. “Seeing those incredible astrophotos inspired me to learn the craft,” he shares. “It’s like building my own Harley Davidson—every step, from capturing to editing and printing, is deeply satisfying.” Boar and Puerzer will even showcase their rigs and demonstrate how to transform raw files into breathtaking final images.
The second presentation shifts focus to “smart telescopes,” led by NAS member Rick Ulrich. A retired forensic scientist turned astronomy enthusiast, Ulrich will explore how devices like the Seestar S50 are revolutionizing amateur astrophotography. Designed to simplify setup and deliver reliable results, these tools are making deep-sky imaging more accessible than ever. But here’s the question: Will technology ever fully replace the artistry of traditional astrophotography? Let’s debate that in the comments!
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, this meeting is your chance to explore the universe through a lens. Don’t miss it—the stars are waiting!
