This blog takes a more personal profile turn, spotlighting an exceptional mind whose passion for discovery bridges the gap between science and the stars. It’s not just about stargazing but about someone who's turned that passion into something quietly impressive. Shoutout to Anton Meijer for sharing his insights—not just about gear and techniques but about why we even bother looking up in the first place.

Anton’s day job? He’s a neuroradiologist. When I asked him how that connects to astrophotography, he put it simply: "It’s not a coincidence I'm drawn to the human mind, imaging, and the night sky. They’re all about seeing beyond the obvious." That hit home. Whether you’re studying neurons or nebulae, you’re chasing clarity in the middle of complexity.

The connection between these two fields runs deeper than it might first appear. In neuroradiology, Anton works with imaging technologies like MRI and CT scans to visualize the hidden structures of the brain. These scans often rely on contrast, layering, and interpretation of faint signals—not unlike the process of capturing deep-sky images. Both disciplines involve turning raw data into something meaningful, whether it's a diagnosis or a glimpse of a distant nebula.

Anton explained further: "In both neuroradiology and astrophotography, you start with noise and gradually build clarity. When I look at a brain scan, I'm searching for subtle patterns that tell a story about health or disease. When I'm stacking astrophotography frames, it's the same process—isolating the signal from the background, revealing structures that were otherwise invisible."

This perspective reframes astrophotography as more than a hobby. It becomes a form of exploration—analyzing light from the past, much like a neuroradiologist interprets echoes of biological processes. Both pursuits require patience, precision, and an ability to look beyond surface appearances.

Stripped-Back Stargazing: The Gear Behind the Shots

Let’s talk about Anton’s setup—because it’s refreshingly simple. No fancy GoTo systems, no guiding, no computer running the show. He calls it "trial and error," but the results say otherwise. Here’s how he breaks it down:

• Skywatcher Evostar 72ED scope on an EQ5 mount

• Manual polar alignment—no tracking, no filters

• Nikon D5500 DSLR, ISO 3200

• Short 10-second exposures, stacked for around 40 minutes total

• Location? A city backyard, Bortle 8 sky.

That’s right—city lights, basic gear, and yet he’s capturing deep-sky objects like the Rosette Nebula, Orion Nebula, and the iconic Horsehead Nebula. If you’ve ever hesitated because your rig isn’t "advanced enough," Anton’s work should be all the motivation you need.

Why It’s Not Just About the Picture

While the tech specs are impressive, it’s Anton’s mindset that really stood out. "Broadening your horizons stirs the imagination," he said, summarizing why he spends countless cold nights under the stars. It’s not just about stacking perfect frames—it’s about perspective.

He even threw in an interesting phrase: "Fascinated by astronomy and (artificial) intelligence. Chasing the big picture." That little hesitation around AI—framing it in brackets—caught my attention. In academic circles, it’s easy to sidestep AI as just another buzzword. But here, it’s more honest: technology can sharpen human curiosity, but it doesn’t replace the spark behind it.

And that’s why I’m writing this article. My own work—whether it’s sculpting space-inspired forms or exploring the "what ifs" of life beyond Earth—comes from that same itch to look deeper. Anton’s stripped-back approach reminded me that creativity often thrives within limitations.

So, how far is far enough? Maybe it’s not about distance at all. Maybe it’s about how you choose to see—whether through a 72mm refractor or just your own eyes on a clear night.

Clear skies, everyone.

Peter Von Hauerland

Astrophotography photos : Anton Meijer, Nijmegen, Netherlands, X handle: @MeijerNijmegen

Featured Images:

• Rosette Nebula

• Orion Nebula

• Horsehead Nebula

Anton’s Gear:

1. Skywatcher Evostar 72ED scope on an EQ5 mount

2. Skywatcher 200/1000 PDS Newtonian reflector

Peter Von Hauerland / Anton Meijer