Universe Unveiled – The Intersection of Art and Scientific Inquiry
Universe Unveiled: The Intersection of Art and Scientific Inquiry
From Stargazer to Astrophotographer
Look up at the night sky. You are a stargazer. Point your smartphone at it and snap a picture. Congratulations — you are now an astrophotographer! In a sense, that simple act connects you to a long tradition of human curiosity, discovery, and creativity in capturing the cosmos.
Since the first astrophoto was made in 1840 (of the Moon), people have used telescopes, cameras, photochemical glass plates, and film to record the universe. Today, we use digital cameras, computers running sophisticated image-processing software, and — perhaps most importantly — artistic choices to enhance our understanding of celestial objects and phenomena. All of these tools are part of the astrophotographer’s toolbox. But the spark behind every image is nothing more—or nothing less—than your curiosity and powers of observation.
Exploring the Universe Unveiled Exhibit
That is the spirit behind our Universe Unveiled Exhibit, located on the Observation Deck at Chabot. Here you’ll see a curated selection of astrophotos created by members of the Bay Area amateur astrophotography community. Each image highlights celestial objects you can glimpse through Chabot’s telescopes at different times of the year — planets, nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and more. These are not distant, unreachable vistas; they are the same targets you might try to photograph yourself.
Astrophotography sits at the intersection of art and scientific inquiry. Some images in our exhibit even bring new discoveries into focus. In this way, the community of amateur astrophotographers contributes to astronomy itself. And with the advent of smartphone cameras and powerful digital tools, astrophotography has become more accessible than ever, inviting more people to try capturing the sky’s hidden wonders.
A Hilltop Between Earth and Space
When you visit the Observation Deck, we invite you to pause. Stand on the hilltop between Earth and space, between moments. Look around, look up, and look down. Be present. Notice the sky, the horizon, the telescopes, the people around you. What you observe — with your senses, your mind, and your camera — is how we learn about the cosmos.
On that deck you’ll also find Chabot’s historic telescopes (Leah, Rachel, Nellie) and instrument platforms that anchor our tradition of public access to the night sky. (Chabot’s observatory lineage dates back to 1883 in Oakland, and has since migrated to its third and current home on Skyline Boulevard—the place we’ve called home for 25 years.)
Photo Credit: Judy Schmidt
Learn the Art of Astrophotography
We extend a special invitation to all our fellow sky‐watchers: join us on November 18, 6:00–10:30 PM for our brand-new Astrophotography Workshop: Unveiling Our Place in the Universe. Whether you’re curious about astronomy, wondering which telescope to buy (or how to use yours), or fascinated by how images from Hubble or Webb are made, this workshop is for you. We’ll cover fundamentals of amateur astronomy and astrophotography, guide you in locating night-sky targets, and get hands-on with different telescope setups. Ask Chabot staff your burning questions and meet others who share your wonder for the night sky.
In this immersive evening workshop, you’ll:
- Learn the fundamentals of amateur astronomy and astrophotography
- Explore what can be seen in the night sky and how to locate it
- Get hands-on training using different types of telescopes
- Discover how to get started capturing your own night-sky photos
- Ask questions and connect with other astronomy enthusiasts
Whether you’re new to astronomy, curious about equipment, or fascinated by the stunning images from Hubble and Webb, this workshop is your gateway to the stars.
Keep Looking Up: Free Telescope Viewings
Don’t forget: every Friday and Saturday night from 7:30 to 10:30 PM, we offer free telescope viewings, open to all. This long-standing tradition goes back to Chabot’s earliest days—142 years ago—and remains a vital part of our nonprofit mission to engage learners of all ages with the Universe and Planet Earth.
Visit and Explore
Whether you bring your camera, your curiosity, or simply your eyes and imagination, the Observation Deck and Universe Unveiled invite you to explore, reflect, and connect with the cosmos. We hope to see you under the stars — and behind a lens — soon.
