Take planet images with your phone

Being prepared and following a methodical approach is key to imaging the Solar System

You’ll need: Smartphone Phone ✔ ✔ bracket A tracking ✔ mount Telescope ✔

1 Decide on a planet to image

Find and centre the planet you wish to image through your telescope eyepiece. Venus and Mars are good targets for capturing detail.

2 Make the most of your telescope’s motor

Ensure that your telescope mount’s drive system is on and operating. Motors are useful for tracking the planets through the course of the night.

3 Make sure you have a good view

Check that you have a decent image of the planet on your phone’s screen. Try to get it in focus as much as you can using your telescope’s focuser.

4 Ensure your chosen planet is centred

If your target is in the centre of the field of view, it’s likely to align in your camera’s view.