Astrophotography from Brooklyn, New York City. I capture the Moon, planets, Sun, Milky Way, and night sky from NYC and during travel. Passionate about astronomy, nightscape, and starscape photography. Using Celestron NexStar 4SE, Coronado SolarMax II 60, Canon EOS Ra, 60Da, 40D, NexImage, and Canon EF lenses to reveal the beauty of the universe.
Israel offers a variety of locations for astrophotography and stargazing,
from the dark skies of the Negev Desert to northern landscapes near
the Galilee. Despite the country’s relatively small size, different
regions provide interesting opportunities to photograph the night sky.
This post shows several examples of astrophotography from Israel,
including images captured in the Negev Desert near Mitzpe Ramon,
around the Weizmann Institute, and in northern Israel near
Kfar Szold Kibbutz. Objects visible in these images include the
Orion constellation, Sirius in Canis Major, and the
beautiful Pleiades (Seven Sisters) star cluster.
Astrophotography Israel - Night Sky of Mitzpe Ramon in Negev Desert
I made this photo during amazing star tour of the night sky from Mitzpe Ramon (see Ira Machefsky website)
Orion Constellation - Israel astrophotography from Negev Desert
Israel Astrophotography - Astronomy star tour in Negev Desert
Sunrise - Negev Desert - Mitzpe Ramon
Weizmann institute - night sky
Pleiades - Seven Sisters - Israel Astrophotograph
Sirius Canis Major Constellation Orion Israel astrophotography from Kfar Szold Kibbutz
From the desert skies of the Negev to the northern landscapes of
Galilee, Israel provides many opportunities for astrophotography.
Even within a small geographic area, different locations reveal unique views of
the night sky, from bright constellations like Orion to stars like
Sirius and beautiful clusters such as the Pleiades.
This astrophotography collage shows a small collection of images representing different types of astronomical photography:
solar and lunar eclipses, planetary imaging, deep sky objects, the Milky Way, aurora borealis, and astrophotography equipment.
The collage also illustrates some of the equipment used for capturing these images, including a
Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope, Canon EOS DSLR cameras,
astronomy webcams, and large astronomical binoculars.
Different astronomical targets require different techniques — from long-exposure DSLR photography
for wide-field night landscapes to high-frame-rate webcam imaging for planets like
Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars.
Over the years I have experimented with multiple astrophotography methods:
planetary imaging using RegiStax stacking, solar imaging with a Coronado SolarMax telescope,
wide-field Milky Way photography, and eclipse photography.
This collage represents some of those early experiments and observations.
Astrophotography Equipment DSLR Webcam Collage – Planetary, Solar and Night Sky Astrophotography
Most of these images were captured from New York City or nearby locations,
demonstrating that interesting astrophotography is possible even under light-polluted skies.
Other images were taken from darker locations such as national parks and remote observing sites.
This collage shows how different branches of astrophotography —
planetary, solar, deep-sky, night landscape, and atmospheric phenomena —
can all be captured with relatively modest amateur equipment.
From photographing the rings of Saturn and the cloud belts of Jupiter
to capturing the Milky Way over dark landscapes, astrophotography allows us to
explore the universe from our own planet.
These photographs demonstrate the challenges and possibilities of urban astrophotography under extreme light pollution in New York City. All images were taken from Brooklyn, where night skies are heavily affected by artificial lighting and fall into the Bortle Scale Class 9 (inner-city sky).
In the first image, photographed from my backyard at night, you can see a simple foreground of polls and a wire silhouetted against the sky. Above them are the Orion constellation and the Pleiades star cluster. The bright, washed-out background clearly shows the impact of severe light pollution, which reduces contrast and limits the number of visible stars.
The second image shows the Lyra constellation. Here, the urban foreground was minimized, allowing the stars themselves to stand out more clearly. I added constellation annotations in Photoshop to help identify the star pattern — a useful technique when imaging from bright city environments.
Urban Astrophotography NYC - Lyra Constellation
In the third image, the Cassiopeia constellation is visible, again with annotations added for clarity. Even under heavy light pollution, some prominent constellations can still be captured from Brooklyn, though only the brightest stars are detectable.
The final image is a panoramic night view of Manhattan photographed from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Both the Brooklyn Bridge (closer) and the Manhattan Bridge are visible, along with the illuminated Financial District and its reflections on the water.
Although a few bright points appear in the sky in this last image, they are not stars. Under Bortle Class 9 conditions, no recognizable constellations are visible above Manhattan. Most of these bright points are likely airplanes moving through the night sky rather than astronomical objects.
Brooklyn astronomy - Manhattan panorama at night
This post illustrates how urban astrophotography requires adjusted expectations — focusing on bright constellations, wide-field compositions, and creative framing — while also highlighting the dramatic contrast between natural night skies and the artificial glow of a major city.
Urban vs. Dark Sky: In heavily light-polluted cities like New York (Bortle Class 9), only first-magnitude stars are visible to the naked eye, while deep-sky objects are largely washed out by skyglow. In contrast, truly dark locations (Bortle Class 1–2), such as remote deserts or dark-sky parks, reveal a celestial masterpiece: thousands of stars, the full structure of the Milky Way, and faint nebulae and galaxies that are completely invisible from urban environments. The difference highlights how dramatically artificial lighting alters our human connection to the cosmos.
Many of my astrophotography projects take place around the world. Traveling to dark sky locations often requires long flights across continents and oceans. During these flights I frequently photograph the sky, clouds, and sunrise or sunset from the airplane window.
These moments are interesting for an astrophotographer because they reveal the atmosphere from above: layers of clouds, the horizon of Earth, and intense twilight colors created by sunlight scattering in the upper atmosphere. In a sense, the journey to a dark sky location begins long before the telescope is set up — sometimes already at 35,000 feet above the Earth.
Sky and Clouds from Airplane
Sunset from airplane over New York – atmospheric sky photography
Sunset - East Coast of the United States from airplane, Astrophotography
Photos from Airplane - Europe sunrise
Clouds from airplane
View from airplane – Earth sunrise above the horizon
Many of the destinations for these flights later became locations for my night sky photography. After landing and reaching dark sky areas, the same Sun that creates these colorful sunsets eventually disappears below the horizon, revealing the stars, constellations, and the Milky Way that are the main subjects of astrophotography.
Photography from an airplane offers a unique perspective on Earth's atmosphere and the interaction between sunlight, clouds, and the horizon. For an astrophotographer, these flights are not only part of the journey, but also part of the sky experience itself.
These flights have taken me to some of the best dark sky locations on Earth including the Atacama Desert in Chile, the Galápagos Islands, Yellowstone National Park, Cherry Springs State Park, and Tanzania in East Africa.
Many of my astrophotography projects take place in different parts of the world.
Flights like the ones shown above are often the beginning of a journey to dark sky locations where the Milky Way, constellations, and other night sky phenomena can be photographed.
The Zhumell 20x80mm SuperGiant Astronomy Binoculars are impressive mainly because of their sheer size.
An 80mm objective lens is enormous for binoculars and collects a surprising amount of light for wide-field astronomical observing.
In the photos below, the Zhumell 20x80mm binoculars are shown in two different setups.
In some images, they are placed side-by-side with a Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope for direct size comparison.
In others, the binoculars are mounted on a tripod, which is the typical configuration for stable wide-field observing.
Together, these setups give a clear sense of both scale and practical use.
Zhumell 20x80mm SuperGiant Astronomy Binoculars and Celestron 4SE
Zhumell 20x80mm and Celestron 4SE
Unlike telescopes, large astronomy binoculars offer a wide field of view and natural, two-eye observing.
With 20× magnification and large 80mm objectives, the Zhumell SuperGiants are especially effective for:
Star fields and Milky Way scanning
Large open clusters
Bright nebulae under dark skies
Casual lunar observing
SuperGiant Astronomy Binoculars
20x80mm SuperGiant Astronomy Binocular
ET Astrophotography - Astronomical Binocular and Super Moon
In the first photo, the binoculars are mounted piggyback on the Celestron NexStar 4SE,
a setup I jokingly called the “Mickey Mouse setup.”
The NexStar 4SE’s automated tracking allows the binoculars to follow the sky smoothly,
making it possible to observe wide fields without manually moving a heavy binocular mount.
It’s simple, unconventional, and surprisingly effective.
Brooklyn, New York City — a place where artificial light dominates the night,
yet the sky never completely disappears. These winter images were captured in
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, during the famous Christmas light season.
Photographed with a Canon EOS 40D and
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, this session blends
urban nightscape photography with a touch of astronomy — demonstrating that even under
Bortle Class 9 skies, the stars still fight through the glow.
New York City is one of the brightest metropolitan areas in the world.
Light pollution washes out most deep-sky objects, yet bright constellations
like Orion remain visible during clear winter nights.
Brooklyn in the night lights, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
Brooklyn at night, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
Orion Constellation over Brooklyn — urban astronomy under Bortle Class 9 skies
Brooklyn at Night, NYC night sky
Brooklyn Moonrise
NYC Astronomy - Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory and Night Sky
These photographs were not planned as an astrophotography session.
They were taken during a winter evening walk through Dyker Heights
while photographing the famous Brooklyn Christmas lights.
The same camera and ultra-wide lens I often use for night sky work
— the Canon EOS 40D with the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM —
simply happened to be in my hands.
And as often happens with wide, fast lenses pointed upward,
a few stars quietly entered the frame.
Even in one of the brightest areas of New York City,
the winter sky still makes an appearance.
Orion rises above the rooftops, the Moon climbs over Brooklyn,
and city lights blend with faint celestial light.
The final image of the Brooklyn Bridge follows the same idea —
a night scene first, with the sky included naturally.
Not a dedicated astronomy setup, just observing what the night offers.
Sometimes urban night photography and astronomy meet by accident —
and that quiet intersection is part of the charm.
In March 2013, I went out to Brooklyn hoping to photograph Comet PANSTARRS (C/2011 L4).
Urban skies and timing were not on my side, and the comet never became visible from my location.
Instead, the evening delivered something else — a dramatic sunset over New York City.
These images capture the transition from daylight to night as seen from Brooklyn, New York City, with the
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge silhouetted against vivid clouds and fading twilight.
Even when astrophotography plans fail, the sky often offers a different reward.
Brooklyn Sunset, Astronomy and Astrophotography, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
NYC Sunset (as seen in Brooklyn), Verrazano Bridge, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, Astronomy and Astrophotography
Sunset as seen in Brooklyn (NYC), Verrazano Bridge, Astronomy and Astrophotography, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
Gear: Canon EOS DSLR + Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USM Location: Brooklyn, New York City Date: March 2013
Location: New York City (JFK Airport area) Date: November 3, 2013
While waiting for the highly anticipated appearance of Comet ISON in late 2013, I took the opportunity to document a partial solar eclipse visible from New York City. Capturing a solar eclipse from an urban environment like NYC is always challenging due to weather, haze, and city infrastructure—but even a partial eclipse at sunrise offers a unique and atmospheric view.
These images were taken during sunrise near JFK Airport, where the low Sun and eclipse geometry created dramatic silhouettes and warm tones. In one of the related photo sets, flocks of birds (mostly seagulls) are visible flying across the partially eclipsed Sun—an unexpected and fascinating detail that adds life and scale to the scene.
NYC Solar Eclipse November 3 2013
NYC Solar Eclipse JFK Airport Sunrise November 3 2013
NYC Solar Eclipse
In these additional images, numerous birds—mostly seagulls—can be seen crossing the Sun during the partial eclipse. This rare combination of urban wildlife and celestial mechanics makes the NYC solar eclipse especially memorable.
Solar eclipses are relatively rare events for New York City, and even more unusual
when they occur at sunrise.
On the morning of November 3, 2013, a partial solar eclipse was visible just as the Sun
rose above the horizon, creating a unique blend of astronomy, atmosphere, and city life.
These photographs were taken near JFK Airport and the Cross Bay Bridge
in Ramblersville, Queens.
The low altitude of the Sun softened the light and allowed the eclipse to be observed naturally
through atmospheric haze, without extreme contrast.
Sunrise eclipses are especially interesting because they combine celestial geometry with
Earth’s atmosphere — clouds, haze, birds, and aircraft all become part of the scene.
This event unfolded quietly over the city as the day began.
Solar Eclipse in New York City and Seagull, Astrophotography
Camera & Settings:
Canon EOS 40D · 135mm · ƒ/8 · 1/250 sec · ISO 100
The phrase “I was born to fly to solar eclipses” came to mind while reviewing this image —
a seagull crossing directly toward the partially eclipsed Sun.
The moment felt symbolic, as if the bird were instinctively drawn toward the rare alignment
unfolding in the morning sky.
Below is a video of the partial solar eclipse as seen from New York City.
Despite the changing light, daily life continued uninterrupted — airplanes departed and landed,
and seagulls remained active throughout the eclipse.
During the eclipse, seagull activity appeared noticeably higher than during a typical sunrise.
Birds continued flying through the scene, occasionally crossing the eclipsed Sun,
adding an unexpected dynamic element to the photographs.
While some studies suggest that certain animals may respond to changes in light or environmental
conditions during eclipses, this observation remains anecdotal.
Whether the increased activity was related to the eclipse itself or simply part of normal
sunrise behavior is difficult to determine.
When this image was first shared online, one viewer jokingly suggested that the seagull
had been intentionally “invited” into the frame — a reminder that even carefully planned
astronomical photography can include moments of pure chance.
Solar Eclipse Seagull New York City
At the beginning of the eclipse, striking wave clouds —
often associated with Kelvin–Helmholtz instability —
appeared in the sky.
These cloud formations resemble ocean waves and are caused by wind shear between atmospheric layers.
Their presence felt like a natural salute to the eclipse as it began over New York City,
with the bridge visible beneath the clouds.
Beginning of the sunrise Solar eclipse in NYC on November 3 2013
Canon EOS 40D, ƒ/5.6, 56.0 mm, 1/60 sec, ISO 160
The images below show the very beginning of the sunrise during the eclipse,
including wide-field views and the moments just before first contact.
These frames capture how gradually the event unfolded as daylight increased.
Beginning NYC Solar Eclipse November 3 2013 - Wide Field
Sunrise JFK Airport - couple minutes before Solar Eclipse 11/3/2013
Canon EOS 40D, 135.0 mm, 1/20 sec; f/5.6; ISO 800
Solar eclipses in New York City are infrequent, and sunrise events like this one are especially rare.
This November 3, 2013 eclipse remains a memorable example of how astronomy can quietly intersect
with everyday urban life.
Related Astrophotography & Solar Eclipse Galleries
If you’re interested in solar eclipse photography, you may also enjoy these related galleries,
documenting eclipse events observed from New York City and across the United States over the years.
This morning I photographed the solar eclipse from New York City near JFK Airport during sunrise.
Here are some of my first photos from this session.
Solar eclipse - New York City near JFK Airport - November 3, 2013
Canon 40D Brooklyn astronomy and astrophotography
Cross Bay, Sunrise
NYC Solar Eclipse
Solar eclipse New York November 3, 2013, Astrophotography
The conditions were challenging, with clouds partially covering the Sun, but they also created unusual and beautiful effects that made the eclipse even more interesting to observe and photograph.
Solar eclipse 11/3/2013 New York, Astrophotography
The sunrise added a strong red color to the sky and clouds, making the eclipse scene even more dramatic.
Solar Eclipse Nov.3 2013 and Seagull, NYC Astrophotography
In the first three images you can see a seagull flying across the eclipse.
It is the same seagull, captured in different moments as it moved from right to left through the frame.
New York Solar eclipse 11/3/2013
Airplane, clouds and Solar eclipse, New York Solar Eclipse
One of the most interesting images from this session shows a small airplane near the eclipsed Sun.
The airplane is tiny, but still visible, and because these photos were taken near JFK Airport, it adds a very distinctive New York feeling to the scene.
The clouds created another unusual effect.
With the upper part of the Sun hidden by clouds, you can still see two bright spots below the cloud layer.
These bright areas are produced by the partially eclipsed Sun shining through and around the clouds.
Partial Solar Eclipse New York City Astrophotography
In this photos you can see a group of about 20 seagulls flying through the area, adding even more movement to the morning sky during the eclipse.
Hybrid Solar Eclipse above North Channel Bridge from Cross Bay, New York City
In this photo the hybrid solar eclipse appears above the North Channel Bridge, seen from Cross Bay in New York City.
The bridge near the horizon gives the scene a strong local landmark and helps show the eclipse in its real urban setting.
Morning Seagull is flying to the Solar Eclipse, New York November 3 2013, Astrophotography
I have many more photos from this morning solar eclipse session and will publish them later.
The solar eclipse in New York City was an amazing event to watch and photograph.
