Beyond the Stars: Sam Skirchak’s Journey into Astrophotography

Astrophotography is more than just capturing images of the night sky—it’s a journey of discovery, patience, and creativity. For this passionate astrophotographer, what started as a chance encounter with a telescope has transformed into a deeply fulfilling exploration of the cosmos. In this exclusive interview, Sam Skirchak shares his story, from the beginnings of aligning a telescope to capturing breathtaking celestial wonders with gears like ZWO cameras and accessories. Join us as we dive into his experiences, challenges, and inspirations in this awe-inspiring field.

What first inspired you to pursue astrophotography, and how has your passion for the night sky evolved over the years?

I stumbled into this hobby almost by accident. About 11 years ago, my son received a 6-inch Dobsonian Orion telescope for Christmas. At the time, I knew nothing about astrophotography or even astronomy, but one night, I decided to give it a try. I followed a YouTube video to align the telescope, pointed it at Jupiter, and was absolutely blown away by the sight. Seeing the cloud bands on the planet in crisp detail and then turning to Saturn to see its rings was nothing short of mind-blowing. That moment sparked my passion. Over the years, this interest grew. After getting my first telescope, a Celestron 130 SLT, I started attending star parties and outreach events. I quickly expanded my equipment collection, adding more telescopes and binoculars while enjoying learning constellations and simply observing the night sky. Although I’ve only been practicing astrophotography for about five years, it’s been a transformative journey. I didn’t even know astrophotography existed until I saw someone using a camera on their telescope at a star party. That’s when everything changed. 

Can you share your experiences with ZWO products? What features stand out for you?

 When I first tried astrophotography, I had no idea what I was doing. I started with a Canon DSLR and a laptop, but the process was frustrating. After watching YouTube videos, particularly from AstroBackyard, I came across ZWO products and decided to try the ASI183MC Pro camera and the ASIAIR. These products were game-changers for me. What stands out the most is the performance of the ASI183MC Pro—it’s still an amazing camera. Using the ASIAIR simplified everything; it’s incredibly user-friendly, especially for beginners. The convenience of not needing a laptop and the reduction in cable clutter made astrophotography much more enjoyable and portable. Even though I’ve since learned how to use software like N.I.N.A. and Astrophotography Tool with a laptop, I still prefer the ASIAIR Mini and the ASIAIR Plus for their simplicity. I also added a ZWO EAF, which has been a game-changer for achieving better focus. The overall experience with ZWO has been outstanding.

How do you select targets for imaging during different seasons, and what are some of your favorite celestial objects to capture?

My target selection often depends on my location. From my backyard, I’m limited to objects setting in the west due to obstructed views of the eastern sky. This means I have to carefully plan around the trees in my neighbors’ yards. However, when I visit a nearby state park with a 360-degree view of the night sky, the options are limitless. Some of my favorite targets include M42, the Orion Nebula; IC434, the Horsehead Nebula; and Barnard objects like Barnard 150, the Seahorse Nebula. Like many astrophotographers, I eagerly wait for the Milky Way season to capture its stunning array of targets.

What role does PixInsight play in your processing workflow, and do you have any tips for beginners using this software?

PixInsight plays a critical role in processing my images. When I first started, I used free software like GIMP and edited live-stacked images from the ASIAIR on my iPad. But once I tried PixInsight during its free trial, I realized its power despite the initial learning curve. It was frustrating at first, but I persevered by watching YouTube tutorials from channels like VisibleDark, AstroBackyard, and Entering Into Space. For beginners, I recommend not giving up. PixInsight can feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most powerful tools available for astrophotography. I’ve even created YouTube tutorials on my channel, Intergalactic Astro, to help others navigate PixInsight’s features.

Community outreach seems important to you. What have been some memorable moments at star parties or public events?

Outreach has been a significant part of my journey. If I hadn’t attended a star party, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today. My first star party was unforgettable—the sheer variety of telescopes and the wealth of knowledge shared by the attendees was inspiring. Seeing cameras mounted on telescopes intrigued me and ultimately led me to astrophotography. These events are also great for families. Looking through a telescope for the first time and seeing planets, nebulae, or star clusters with your own eyes is an unforgettable experience. Personally, I sometimes miss the simplicity of visual observation—there’s something magical about it.

Light pollution is a significant challenge. How do you address it in your astrophotography, and what solutions do you recommend for others?/

Light pollution is a constant challenge, as my backyard is in a Bortle 6/7 zone. To combat this, I use filters like the Optolong L-eNhance and Optolong L-Ultimate, both of which are highly effective. When the moon isn’t out, I sometimes forego filters, depending on the target, and rely on PixInsight’s Dynamic Background Extraction (DBE) tool to handle light pollution during processing. Whenever possible, I travel to darker sites during new moon phases. I’m fortunate to be within four hours of several Bortle 2 and 3 locations, where filters aren’t necessary.

How has your involvement in the local astronomy community shaped your approach to astrophotography?

Engaging with the local astronomy community has greatly influenced my approach. At star parties, I often find myself surrounded by curious onlookers, and it’s rewarding to share my process and knowledge. After setting up, I enjoy walking around, chatting with other attendees, and learning new techniques or approaches. Every event offers an opportunity to expand your skills and understanding. Recently, I’ve been focusing on creating YouTube content to help others, much like how the community has helped me.

What advice would you give to beginners who are just starting their astrophotography journey?

For beginners, my advice is to start simple. Use a sturdy tripod, switch your camera to manual mode, and find a dark location with minimal light pollution. Learn to manually focus and practice identifying constellations with a wide-angle lens. As you gain experience, you can move on to more advanced techniques, like using a star tracker or specialized filters.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being an astrophotographer, and how do you stay motivated during challenges like poor weather or equipment issues?

The most rewarding part of astrophotography is seeing that first subframe come in and then stacking it to reveal the final image. When weather conditions aren’t favorable, I spend time reprocessing older images in PixInsight or watching YouTube videos from the astrophotography community to stay inspired. Thankfully, I’ve rarely encountered major equipment issues; most problems have been as simple as reconnecting a cable. ZWO products, in particular, have been incredibly reliable.

What are your future goals or projects in astrophotography, and how do you see your relationship with ZWO evolving?

My primary goal is to continue improving my imaging and expanding my YouTube channel. I want to create review videos for ZWO and other astrophotography products, as well as behind-the-scenes footage of my imaging sessions under the stars. I’m excited about ZWO’s ongoing innovations and look forward to growing my relationship with the company as they continue to release amazing products for astrophotographers at all levels.

Here are some of the other breathtaking masterpieces captured by this talented astrophotographer. Each image is a testament to their skill, patience, and unwavering passion for unveiling the hidden wonders of the cosmos:

Each of these images invites viewers to embark on a journey through the cosmos, capturing the essence of what it means to explore and document the universe’s wonders. Sam Skirchak‘s portfolio is nothing short of a stellar gallery.
In the vast expanse of the universe, there is beauty that often escapes the naked eye. Through the lens of this gifted astrophotographer, we are invited to witness the extraordinary wonders of the cosmos in all their splendor. As we gaze upon these celestial masterpieces, we’re reminded that above our busy, everyday lives lies an infinite canvas of stars, nebulae, and galaxies waiting to be admired.