Astrophotography image captured by Brittney Miller

Astronomical & Planetary Science Student

Brittney Miller

I study Astronomical & Planetary Science with an Astrophysics concentration at Arizona State University. After six years of amateur astronomy and astrophotography, I am applying observational and technical skills toward undergraduate research in planetary science and astrophysics.

Research Interests

I am interested in observational planetary science and using imaging, instrumentation, and data analysis to better understand objects within our Solar System.

My current interests include planetary surfaces, lunar geology, solar observations, small-body science, and astronomical instrumentation.

As an undergraduate at Arizona State University, I am seeking opportunities to contribute to research while continuing to develop experience in observation, imaging, and scientific computing.

  • Lunar geology
  • Planetary surfaces
  • Solar observations
  • Small-body science
  • Astronomical instrumentation
  • Amateur-professional collaboration

Education & Experience

Education

Arizona State University

BS Astronomical & Planetary Science
Astrophysics Concentration

Information Technology

Previous BS degree providing a foundation in software development and computing.

Professional

Astronomical League

Appointed Assistant Webmaster for the Astronomical League, supporting web infrastructure and digital communications for the organization.

Software Development

Building websites, tools, and technical solutions supporting astronomy and science communication.

Astronomy Experience

Observational Astronomy

Six years of amateur astronomy including deep sky imaging, planetary imaging, solar observation, and observing programs.

Science Communication

60+ hours of astronomy outreach through public presentations and community events.

Projects & Research Preparation

Astronomy Journal

My Astronomical League observation logs, imaging notes, and progress toward Master Observer, maintained on a dedicated journal site.

Visit Journal →

Astrophotography Projects

Ongoing deep sky, planetary, and solar imaging, along with the acquisition and processing work behind it.

Assistant Webmaster, Astronomical League

Responsible for Astronomical League website maintenance under the Web Master. Currently updating email communication standards.

Presentations & Outreach

Public outreach has become one of my favorite parts of astronomy. Whether explaining eclipse safety, demonstrating solar imaging, or sharing observing experiences, I enjoy helping others engage with astronomy.

Solar Imaging and Observation Techniques

Charlie Elliott Astronomy Club

A walkthrough of solar imaging methods, equipment selection, and safe observation techniques for beginning and experienced observers.

February 21, 2026

HST 30th Anniversary: A Year of Hubble Night Sky Challenge

Charlie Elliott Astronomy Club

A look back at completing the Hubble Night Sky Challenge and the lessons learned through a year of deep-sky imaging and processing.

December 13, 2025

Observing Lunar Eclipses

Response Media Tuesday Talk

A practical guide to observing and photographing lunar eclipses, including equipment preparation and imaging considerations.

March 4, 2025

Observing Solar Eclipses

Response Media Tuesday Talk

A practical introduction to solar eclipse observation, imaging techniques, and safety considerations.

May 7, 2024

Publications & Posters

No publications or research posters yet.

Future undergraduate research contributions, conference posters, and academic work will be listed here.

Tools & Methods

Programming

  • Python
  • JavaScript
  • PHP
  • HTML & CSS
  • Git

Coursework

  • AST 111
  • AST 112
  • PHY 121/122
  • PHY 131/132
  • PHY 241
  • PHY 202

Astronomical Imaging

  • PixInsight
  • FireCapture
  • Planetary System Stacker
  • Planet Stacker X
  • LuckyStackWorker
  • ASI Studio

Instrumentation

  • Sky-Watcher 400P
  • Celestron C8
  • Coronado PST
  • Coronado SolarMax 60
  • APO Refractors
  • ZWO Cameras

Selected Astrophotography

Six years of amateur astrophotography have focused on deep sky objects, planetary imaging, and solar observation. Most early imaging was completed from Bortle 8 skies near Atlanta, Georgia, requiring careful acquisition and processing techniques to maximize limited observing conditions.

Barnard 33 Horsehead Nebula

Barnard 33 — Horsehead Nebula

Deep Sky Imaging
6 hour integration · Seestar S50
Bortle 8 skies · Atlanta, Georgia

Captured from suburban skies and processed to extract faint hydrogen-alpha structures from a challenging light-polluted environment.

Messier 32 galaxy

Messier 32 — Le Gentil's Galaxy

Deep Sky Imaging
21 hour integration · Celestron C8 + Seestar S50
Bortle 8 skies · Atlanta, Georgia

A long-integration imaging project combining multiple acquisition methods to improve signal and processing flexibility.

Messier 77 galaxy

Messier 77 — Squid Galaxy

Deep Sky Imaging
5 hour integration · Celestron C8
Bortle 8 skies · Atlanta, Georgia

Processed using astronomical imaging workflows focused on balancing faint structure, noise reduction, and color calibration.

Annular solar eclipse

Annular Solar Eclipse

Solar Imaging
October 14, 2023
PST · ASI174MM Mini

Captured during the 2023 annular eclipse using dedicated solar imaging equipment.

Saturn infrared image

Saturn in Infrared

Planetary Imaging
August 26, 2023
Celestron C8 · ASI120MM-S

Planetary imaging project using infrared capture techniques to enhance atmospheric detail.

Mineral Moon

HDR Mineral Moon

Lunar Imaging
February 6, 2023
Celestron C8 · Canon T7i

A high dynamic range lunar image combining multiple exposures to reveal surface color variations.

Connect

I am interested in connecting with researchers, students, and astronomy organizations working in planetary science, astrophysics, observational astronomy, and science communication.

Download CV