Interview with astrophotographer Miao Da about deep-sky imaging, astronomy gear, field shooting challenges, and the passion behind exploring the night sky.
Astrophotography is often seen as a technical hobby, but for many enthusiasts, it is also a personal journey — a quiet dialogue between curiosity and the universe.
In this interview, we speak with Miao Da, an amateur astrophotographer who has spent more than a decade exploring the night sky. Through her videos on RedNote and Bilibili, she shares the real life of an astronomy enthusiast, from challenging field sessions to the joy of capturing distant galaxies.
Inspired by Interstellar, her passion grew into a long-term pursuit of patience, knowledge, and discovery — proving that the connection to the stars comes from dedication, not gender.
Below is the full interview.
Q1. Please briefly introduce yourself.
Miao Da:
I’m Miao Da. I’m an ordinary amateur astronomy enthusiast, and I’ve been involved in astronomy for more than ten years.
Since early 2025, I started using my spare time to document my astrophotography journey through social media.
Q2. What first inspired you to get into astrophotography?
Miao Da:
The real starting point was the year Interstellar was released.
After walking out of the cinema, I couldn’t calm down for a long time. The film turned abstract theoretical concepts in my mind into vivid cosmic images, and that experience hit me deeply.
At that time, astrophotography was not widely shared on social media yet. I slowly learned about it through scattered forums and websites, and realized that with the right equipment, people could actually capture nebulae and galaxies invisible to the naked eye.
The idea of extending human perception through technology fascinated me.
Later, I decided to see the real night sky for myself. I applied to become a volunteer at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station.
That was my first time standing under an almost perfect dark sky, and my first time observing deep-sky objects through a telescope. After that experience, I began to systematically learn astronomy and gradually started recording the universe through photography.
Q3. Do you remember your first truly “successful” astrophotography image? How did it feel?
Miao Da:
Yes, I remember it clearly.
It was many years ago, back in the cooled CCD era. I was using my first telescope, a Meade 115 APO, and had just finished building my first complete setup.
After multiple adjustments, testing back-focus, and several failed attempts, I finally completed a full imaging session during a winter field trip near a wind farm.
Strictly speaking, the result wasn’t perfect, but it was the first image where every photon was collected entirely by myself, from start to finish.
That made it very special.
First "successful" deep-sky image by Miao Da
Q4. Besides astrophotography, what other hobbies do you have? Do they influence your astrophotography?
Miao Da:
I also enjoy rock climbing, playing ukulele, and amateur radio.
I first got into rock climbing partly because I wanted to build upper-body strength — astrophotography field setups can be heavy. Regular exercise also helps me stay in good condition for long nights outdoors, so in a way, it supports my astrophotography physically.
Amateur radio has the most direct connection to astronomy.
Stories like the discovery of the cosmic microwave background radiation through radio experiments, and the film Contact, where a radio astronomer discovers signals from extraterrestrial life, made me curious about radio astronomy. Amateur radio became a way for me to explore that interest further.
Q5. Astrophotography is never easy. Which part is most challenging for you?
Miao Da:
For me, the most challenging parts are the preparation and shooting stages.
There are many uncontrollable factors — weather changes, equipment stability, incomplete preparation — and any of them can cause a failed session.
Each challenge requires learning new skills, gaining experience in unfamiliar fields, and developing patience and attention to detail.
Q6. What factors matter most when choosing astrophotography equipment?
Miao Da:
I think differently for portable field setups and remote observatory setups.
For field use, I value portability and design,
while for remote setups, stability and reliability are the most important.
Astrophotography often happens outdoors, at night, and in cold conditions.
The equipment must be trustworthy.
I also care about ergonomics and user interaction. When you spend hours adjusting equipment, small details can directly affect efficiency and mood.
After those requirements are met, I also pay attention to aesthetics — color matching, mechanical design, and material feel.
If possible, I like equipment that performs well and looks good.
Markarian Chain by Miao Da, using ATR2600C
IC434 by Miao Da, using ATR2600C
Q7. Which ToupTek Astro products have you used? How do you like them?
Miao Da:
Currently I’m using the ToupTek Astro 2600C.
It’s very easy to get started with, the connection process is simple, and so far the performance has been stable.
I was also attracted by the design.
ToupTek products look different from other brands, so I wanted to try a new combination in my setup.
Q8. Your videos have a very unique style. How would you describe your creative approach?
Miao Da:
I don’t think my knowledge and technical level are high enough yet to make tutorial-style content.
My videos are more about emotional value and personal experience.
I like documenting my daily life as an enthusiast in a diary-like way.
I try not to over-romanticize the concept of astronomy,
but at the same time, I pursue a cinematic visual style that feels direct and immersive.
Q9. Women are still relatively rare in astrophotography. How do you see this?
Miao da:
The technical barrier is real, but it’s the same for everyone.
Physical challenges also exist, but they are not decisive.
Anyone who participates in astrophotography already has patience, judgment, and the ability to stay committed over time.
These qualities have nothing to do with gender.
If anything, I think women often show strong stability in attention to detail and long-term focus.
I hope more women will join astronomy — whether in research, outreach, or as hobbyists — and help break stereotypes.
Q10. What is the connection between women and the night sky, in your opinion?
Miao Da:
When I think about this, I think of the book The Glass Universe.
It tells the story of the women astronomers at Harvard Observatory in the late 19th and early 20th century.
They were called “computers,” measuring starlight on glass plates every day, recording data, and classifying stars.
Their work was not dramatic, but it was extremely solid.
Through repetition, patience, and long-term dedication, they built the foundation of modern astronomy.
Astronomy is often not about a single discovery, but about decades of accumulation.
So for me, the connection between women and the stars is not romantic symbolism — it is a quiet and enduring strength.
Astrophotography itself is a hobby about long-term commitment.
Compared to other types of photography, it is repetitive and sometimes boring.
If you only like photography, it may be hard to continue.
But if your curiosity is about the universe, this hobby can last a lifetime.
The night sky, for me, is not romantic.
It is neutral.
It reminds me of scale, helps reduce anxiety, and expands my way of thinking.
Astrophotography is a window to understanding the universe —a mix of order and randomness and a discipline, and a way of learning.
Q11. What would you say to women who want to try astrophotography but hesitate?
Miao Da:
Don’t hesitate.
Break the stereotype that women are limited.
If you truly like something, what matters is not how others see you, but what you gain from it.
Astrophotography is a dialogue between yourself and the universe.
Apart from hardware limitations — which can always be lowered by starting small —
everything else just takes time.
Enjoy the process.