Star trails long exposure

Star trails are records of the apparent motion of stars around the celestial pole, captured through long-exposure night photography.

About this subject

Star trails are a photographic phenomenon that reveals the apparent motion of stars across the night sky, caused by Earth's rotation. To capture them, photographers use cameras on tripods with continuous exposures lasting from minutes to hours, producing concentric curved lines whose center depends on the hemisphere: in the Southern Hemisphere, the south celestial pole is marked by the Octans constellation, while in the Northern Hemisphere, Polaris serves as the reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to photograph star trails in Brazil?

The best times are during winter (June to August), when nights are longer and air is drier, reducing cloud cover. Avoid full moon periods so as not to wash out the stars.

Do I need special equipment for star trails?

Yes, you need a camera with manual mode (DSLR or mirrorless), a wide-angle lens, a sturdy tripod, and a remote shutter release to avoid vibrations. An intervalometer is useful for stacking but not essential.

How do I calculate exposure time for star trails?

There is no fixed rule: exposures from 30 minutes to several hours are common. To avoid broken trails, use stacking of 30-second photos (intervalometer method). The total number of frames determines the final trail length.