There’s an undeniable thrill in capturing the Milky Way. It’s like a cosmic high-five, a way of saying, “Look, Universe, I see you!” But here’s the real question: can you do it with just a smartphone? I know, I know – it sounds ambitious. Yet, with smartphone cameras packing more tech punch than ever, it’s not totally out of reach.
So, grab your phone, a comfy chair, because we’re going to dig deep into whether you can actually snap the Milky Way with just your trusty pocket companion.
Why Even Try
Let’s get one thing straight: photographing the Milky Way with a smartphone is like deciding to make risotto from scratch on a first date – possible, but tricky, and there’s a good chance you’ll make a mess of it. But there’s also something delightfully rebellious about pushing your phone to capture something it wasn’t really designed for. Plus, it’s the ultimate bragging right to say you captured the actual centre of our galaxy on your phone.
Setting Expectations – Or “Are We Seeing Stars?”
First, let’s level with ourselves. If you’re expecting the kind of shot that rivals a DSLR with a $2,000 lens, take a seat. Smartphone sensors are tiny compared to those on dedicated cameras, and that means less light-gathering power. Less light? Fewer stars. Fewer stars? Less “wow.” But can it still look good enough to earn a few social media likes and impress the uninitiated? Absolutely.
Smartphone cameras are made for daytime selfies, not long-exposure shots of faint celestial objects. But thanks to some of the latest advances in “night mode” and image processing, you’ll get closer than you might think. Just remember, the more realistic your expectations, the more satisfied you’ll be. A little like dating.
The Key Ingredients for Milky Way Magic
1. Location, Location, Location
First up, light pollution. If you’re standing under a streetlight, don’t even try. City lights and the Milky Way go together about as well as pineapple on pizza. To stand any chance, you need to get as far away from artificial light as possible. Think dark-sky reserves, national parks, or some secret bush spot where no one’s going to stumble across you in the dark and give you a heart attack.
A Bortle Scale reading of 1–3 is ideal for Milky Way visibility. Not sure what that means? Think of it as a cosmic rating system for light pollution: a score of 1 is pitch-black skies; a score of 9 means you’re basically standing on Oxford Street at midnight with sunglasses on.
2. A Clear Night and a Clear Mind
A cloudy sky won’t just ruin your shot – it’ll ruin your night. Apps like Clear Outside or Weather Underground are perfect for checking the forecast before you head out. And while you’re at it, avoid full moons. Not to get all “astrology vibes” on you, but a full moon is basically the universe’s flashlight, outshining every other source of light in the sky. Aim for a moonless or crescent moon night if you can.
3. A Sturdy Tripod – Yes, Even for Phones
When shooting stars, even the tiniest movement can turn your Milky Way into a smudgy mess. A tripod is non-negotiable. And if you’re thinking of propping your phone up on a rock, stop right there. You’ll save yourself the heartbreak (and possibly your phone screen) by investing in a sturdy, lightweight tripod with a smartphone mount.
4. Camera App with Manual Controls
Not all smartphone cameras are created equal, so if yours doesn’t offer full control over exposure and ISO, download a camera app that does. Look for apps like ProCam (iOS) or Manual Camera (Android) that let you adjust these settings manually. You’ll need the flexibility to dial in a long exposure time and boost the ISO.
5. Remote Shutter Release – the Ultimate Long-Distance Relationship
Remember how I said even the tiniest movement can mess up your shot? That includes you pressing the shutter button. So, grab a Bluetooth remote or use your phone’s self-timer. This is the astrophotography equivalent of “look, Ma, no hands!” and it’s essential for keeping your shot sharp.
The Settings You Need to Nail
Right, with your setup in place, let’s talk settings. The key to capturing any night sky photo – smartphone or not – is the holy trinity of ISO, shutter speed, and focus. And like any holy trinity, get them wrong and you’ll be left praying for better results.
1. ISO – Your Light Sensitivity Buddy
Start at an ISO of 800 and work your way up. If your phone allows it, push it to 1600 or even 3200, but beware of noise – that speckly nonsense that makes your photo look like it’s got chickenpox. Higher ISOs will pull more detail out of the darkness, but they also introduce a fair bit of noise.
2. Shutter Speed – The “Wait For It” Factor
Here’s where things get interesting. Set your shutter speed to at least 10–15 seconds. Some newer smartphones can handle even longer exposures (20-30 seconds), but if you go too long, stars will start to streak due to the Earth’s rotation. And while streaking can be fun, it’s not quite what we’re after here.
3. Focus – Sharp As a Tack
Don’t rely on your smartphone’s autofocus – it wasn’t designed to figure out where the stars are. Manually set the focus to infinity (if your app allows it) or as far as it will go.
4. Exposure Compensation – For That Extra Control
Some apps allow you to adjust exposure compensation, which can help brighten the scene. Tweak it to find that sweet spot where you’re bringing in stars without blowing out the rest.
How to (Possibly) Edit Your Way to Milky Way Glory
If you’re lucky enough to capture something recognisable, you’ll likely still need to do some editing. The Milky Way is a picky diva and never looks her best straight out of the camera. Pop your photo into a good editing app like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile and start with a few basics:
1. Contrast – Pop those stars out against the dark background.
2. Dehaze – This tool can be a game-changer for clearing up murky skies and enhancing star visibility.
3. Sharpness and Clarity – Add a touch for crispness, but don’t overdo it, or you’ll end up with an image that looks more like a starry cartoon.
4. Noise Reduction – Essential for smoothing out any graininess, especially if you pushed the ISO high.
Editing might be the difference between a grainy mess and a galactic masterpiece, so take your time – just don’t get carried away and end up with something that looks like an acid trip.
So… Can You Really Do It?
The million-star question: can you, or can’t you, see the Milky Way with a smartphone? The answer is: yes, but it depends on what you mean by “see.” If you’re after a quick snap to throw on Instagram, and you don’t mind a bit of noise and less-than-stellar quality, then yes – you can absolutely capture the Milky Way with a smartphone. But if you’re looking to rival Hubble or make the cover of Astrophotography Monthly, then you might want to reconsider.
With the right conditions, settings, and a bit of patience, you can capture a version of the Milky Way. It won’t be as jaw-dropping as something shot on a high-end DSLR, but it’ll still give you a sense of connection to the cosmos. And in the end, isn’t that what we’re all after? A little slice of the Universe to call our own?
A Few Smartphone Models That (Almost) Cheat
Some phones make this whole process easier. If you’re rocking something like the iPhone 13 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, or Google Pixel 7, you’ll get slightly better results thanks to their advanced night modes. These models use computational magic to stack multiple images and brighten up the dark spots, which can really help when you’re working with faint starlight. But even with these gadgets, don’t expect miracles. A smartphone is still a smartphone – even if it’s got a “pro” slapped on the end.
In the End, It’s About the Journey
Whether you end up with a blurry mess or a halfway-decent shot, remember this: the true joy of astrophotography lies in the journey. You’re standing under the stars, smartphone in hand, tapping into a part of humanity that’s been around since the dawn of time. And if that doesn’t make you feel like a tiny, inspired speck in the grand scheme of things, I don’t know what will.
So, yes, you can see the Milky Way with a smartphone. And if you squint just right, maybe – just maybe – you’ll capture something magical. Or at least something that’ll look great with a filter and a #MilkyWay hashtag.
Comments