Star Trail Photography
Unfortunately, most astrophotography methods are very complicated and require much experience and patience on the part of the photographer. However, there is one form of astrophotography which is easy for any amateur astronomer to learn. To the right of this paragraph is a picture which looks like several concentric circles have been drawn across the night sky. These trails are actually the path that stars appear to take as the Earth rotates beneath them. In this case, a camera was set to long exposure and left to just watch the skies over a few hours or so. You can make similar images by obtaining a 35mm film single-lens-reflex (SLR) camera equipped with a wide-angle (under 50mm) lens, a cable release, and a tripod. Make sure the camera has a ''Bulb'' or B setting for long exposure. Some digital SLR cameras are capable of this function, but they are generally more difficult to use. Just load the camera with film, focus on the area of the sky you wish to photograph, and open the shutter for an hour or so. Since it worked the first time I tried it, I guarantee it will work for you too!
Image Credit: Mauna Kea Observatory