Alaska Astrophotography - Cosmic Symphony

Alaska, the "Last Frontier", is renowned for its pristine wilderness, vast landscapes, and breathtaking night skies. In August, when the days are still long but the nights begin to reveal their celestial wonders, I embarked on a photographic journey. This photo was done about midnight during remarkable night in Alaska, where the Milky Way, the Big and Little Dipper, Cassiopeia, and the Andromeda Galaxy took center stage amidst the backdrop of a tranquil forest and towering mountains.

Alaska Astrophotography - Milky Way, Big and Little Dipper, Cassiopeia and Andromeda Galaxy

Under the captivating beauty of the Milky Way, with a glacier river  winding through the mountains and a mysterious boat on its shores, will forever remain etched in my memory. It is a testament to the awe-inspiring landscapes that Alaska offers to those willing to venture into its remote corners. The photograph serves as a reminder of the incredible beauty that can be found in nature and the magic that can unfold on a single night in this pristine wilderness.

Alaska Travel Night Landscape Astrophotography

The photograph stands as a visual symphony, combining Earth's terrestrial wonders with the infinite cosmos, creating a breathtaking portrayal of the universe's grandeur.

Alaska Astrophotography Milky Way Cygnus Lira Aquila Constellations

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, f/2.8

Annular Solar Eclipse - October 14, 2023 | Odessa, Texas

Annular Solar Eclipse, October 14, 2023 - Odessa, Texas. The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB).

Canon Ra, Canon EF200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens + Canon 2x III Extender = 400mm, 1/640 sec, F/14, ISO 3200, Thousand Oaks Threaded Camera Filter 72-T, iOptron SkyTracker, Vello ShutterBoss II Timer Remote Switch 

Annular Solar Eclipse Composite Image

In the grand tapestry of the cosmos, few events capture the human imagination quite like a solar eclipse. While the Earth dances around the Sun, and the Moon orbits our planet, there comes a moment each year when these celestial bodies align in a breathtaking display of natural wonder. This momentous occasion is none other than the annual solar eclipse, a recurring phenomenon that continues to captivate, inspire, and remind us of the profound beauty of our universe.

The annual solar eclipse is not just an astronomical event; it's a celestial spectacle that has held a special place in human history and culture for millennia. As the Moon glides across the face of the Sun, it casts a shadow upon the Earth, temporarily plunging regions into darkness and transforming the day into night. The sun's corona, a delicate, fiery halo, emerges as the star attraction. People gather in awe to witness this cosmic alignment, pondering the mysteries of the heavens and feeling a deep connection to the vastness of the universe.

There are original Images:

1_Annular Solar Eclipse

2_Annular Solar Eclipse

3_Annular Solar Eclipse

4_Annular Solar Eclipse

5_Ring of Fire Eclipse

6_Ring of Fire Eclipse

7_Ring of Fire Eclipse

8_Annular Solar Eclipse

9_Annular Solar Eclipse

10_Annular Solar Eclipse

11_Annular Solar Eclipse

12_Annular Solar Eclipse

Camera set up for Annular Solar Eclipse

There are photos of Crescent-shaped shadows.

Using a kitchen colander during a solar eclipse is a fun and educational way to witness the celestial event. When you hold a colander up to the sun, its numerous small holes act as pinhole cameras, projecting multiple images of the crescent-shaped sun on any surface below, whether it's the ground or a piece of paper. The result is a pattern of miniature eclipses resembling a celestial sieve.

Crescent shadows through the holes in the colander that occur during the eclipse

As the moon begins its journey across the sun's face, the gaps between leaves on trees act as pinhole cameras, casting crescent-shaped images of the partially covered sun on the ground below. These shadow crescents mimic the sun's diminishing shape in real-time, creating a dynamic and awe-inspiring display. In addition to crescent-shaped gaps, the overall dappled pattern of light passing through the leaves forms intricate designs on the ground. The gaps between the leaves project countless images of the partially eclipsed sun, producing an artistic tapestry of sunspots.

Crescent-shaped shadows from trees that occur during the eclipse

Magdalena Astronomy Club - Interpretation of time diffraction

 Can the future interacting with the past create the present?

Astronomer Figurine in Magdalena Astronomical Lyceum

In classic Newton mechanics answer is no. It is contradict the causality principle. But in quantum mechanics situation is much more complex. 

Just read article "Double-slit time diffraction at optical frequencies" which was published in Nature Physics April 03, 2023. Photons in future and past coming through Double split in time are creating diffraction in the present, and this is not theory - it is result of experiment!

Magdalena Astronomical Society_Astronomical Lyceum

I tried to explain it. First thinking about fantasy books which I read when was young. In this book people go to the past and after that return to the present and see that present was changed. Second thinking about retrocausality. It is opposite effect when the future changes the present. But interaction of the future and the past? 

Magdalena Astronomical Club

In the same time I thinking about Astronomical Club in Magdalena. And in some moment I got how to explain time diffraction. The future is The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), past is history of Magdalena city, near VLA, and current is the Astronomical club.

Astronomical Lyceum

The VLA, Magdalena's history, and the Astronomical Club of Magdalena all illustrate how the future can interact with the past to create the present. 

Magdalena Astronomical Society

The VLA's cutting-edge technology builds upon the advancements of the past while paving the way for future discoveries. 

Magdalena Astronomical Tools

Magdalena Tools

Make a telescope Magdalena Astronomical Tools

Magdalena's history shapes the present of the town and its people, and the Astronomical Club of Magdalena continues to appreciate and learn from the knowledge of the past while using modern technology to explore and understand the cosmos. 

Magdalena Lyceum

Telescopes in Magdalena Astronomical Club

Ultimately, the future and the past are two sides of the same coin, each influencing and shaping the present in unique and meaningful ways.

Telescope of Magdalena Astronomical Lyceum

The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA)

 

These photos from my travel trip to New Mexico Very Large Array. 

The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) is a radio astronomy observatory located in central New Mexico, USA.

The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) Sign at Night

The VLA was first proposed in the 1960s as a replacement for the older National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) antennas. Construction began in 1973, and the VLA was completed in 1980. The VLA consists of 28 dish antennas that can be arranged in different configurations to observe different parts of the sky.

Radio Telescope at Night

The VLA is a powerful tool for radio astronomy, as it is capable of observing a wide range of celestial objects, including stars, galaxies, and black holes. Because the VLA observes in the radio frequency range, it can see through dust clouds and other obstructions that would be opaque to visible light telescopes. 

VLA Radio Telescope at Night

One of the most famous scientific discoveries made using the VLA was the confirmation of the existence of black holes. In 1974, astronomers using the VLA observed a radio source called Cygnus X-1, which was suspected to be a black hole. By observing the orbital motion of a companion star to Cygnus X-1, the astronomers were able to confirm that it was indeed a black hole.

Sky Reflection - Crystal Ball

In addition to the discovery of black holes, the VLA has made many other important scientific discoveries. For example, in 1998, astronomers using the VLA discovered the first radio-emitting magnetar, a type of neutron star with an extremely powerful magnetic field. The VLA has also been used to study the properties of interstellar gas and dust, as well as the formation of stars and galaxies.

VLA Sign

The Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) was also featured prominently in the 1997 science fiction film "Contact", based on the novel by Carl Sagan. The film tells the story of a scientist named Ellie Arroway, played by Jodie Foster, who uses the VLA to search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

NRAO

In the film, Arroway and her team use the VLA to search for signals from other civilizations in the universe. The VLA's ability to detect faint radio signals from distant objects is crucial to their search, as they believe that other intelligent beings may use radio waves to communicate with one another.

Radio Telescope

"Contact" is a science fiction film that features the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array as a key element in its plot. Although the film's depiction of the VLA is largely fictional, it did raise awareness of the observatory and its capabilities among the general public. The VLA remains a powerful tool for scientific research, and its ongoing use by astronomers and other scientists continues to expand our understanding of the universe.

VLA

I have only one day and night to make photos. Weather was not perfect. But I thing clouds give some drama to these photos.

Night Sky over Great Sand Dunes National Park after snow storm

 Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, located in southern Colorado, is a unique and breathtaking destination that offers incredible opportunities for astrophotography. The park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, which rise over 750 feet high against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. 

With its remote location, low light pollution, and clear skies, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is the perfect place for stargazing and capturing stunning photographs of the night sky.

As an avid amateur astrophotographer, I am always on the lookout for unique and breathtaking locations to capture in my photography. When I heard about the incredible natural beauty of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, I knew that I had to visit and see it for myself.

Night Sky over Great Sand Dunes National Park after snow storm

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, f/2.8, ISO 25600, 13 sec. Post processing: Photoshop and Topaz AI.

This photo was done at midnight about 1 hour after a snowstorm had passed through the area. The snow on the dunes provided a striking contrast against the dark night sky, creating a dramatic and almost otherworldly atmosphere. 

One particularly interesting element in the photo is the air glow. Air glow is a natural phenomenon that occurs when atoms and molecules in the Earth's atmosphere emit light. This can create a soft, diffuse glow in the sky that is visible on the long-exposure photos. The green, yellow and red colors are the result of  emissions in the atmosphere.

The black clouds is visible on photo. It is another indicator of dark sky without light pollution.

It was a moment that I will never forget, and a photo that I will treasure for years to come. I feel so lucky to have been able to capture this photo, and I hope that it inspires others to get out there and explore the wonders of our natural world.

The SpaceX launch seen over Saint Martin Island on the evening of February 27, 2023

 These photos were taken from Saint Martin Island, specifically from the Java restaurant in Grand Case, on the evening of February 27, 2023 at around 7:20 pm local time. Absolutely was not prepared for it, so photos done using cellphone.  Post processing were done on Photoshop and Topaz AI.

The SpaceX StarLink launch creates Space Jellyfish effect in sky of Saint Martin Island, February 27 2023

These photos capture the SpaceX, launching first Starlink v2 Mini satellites into orbit. The SpaceX Launch was from Cape Canaveral in Florida, which is located approximately 1,300 miles (2,100 km) from Saint Martin Island.

The SpaceX launch first batch of second-generation Starlink internet satellites Seen Across Saint Martin Night

These photos capture the beauty of the rocket plume as it glows and reflects sunlight from high altitudes. The plume appears as a bright, luminescent trail that arcs across the sky, creating a stark contrast against the darkness of the night sky. This effect called Space jellyfish (or jellyfish UFO or rocket jellyfish). 

The SpaceX launch seen over Saint Martin Island on the evening of February 27 2023

Looks like this is new attraction on Caribbean islands now!

Rainbow Milky Way Joshua Tree National Park

Milky Way - panorama of 40 images. Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, f/2.8;   ISO 25600, 4.8 sec

Rainbow Milky Way Joshua Tree National Park

 There is example of single photos for panorama:

Single photo 1 for Panorama

Single photo 2 for Panorama

Single photo 3 for Panorama

Single photo 4 for Panorama

After File > Automate > Photomerge

Panorama after Automate Photomerge

Joshua Tree National Park Night Landscape

 Continue previous posts about my trip to  Joshua Tree National Park. 

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, f/2.8, ISO 25600, 3 sec, Panorama

Three Sisters and Milky Way Joshua Tree National Park

The park is located far from any major cities, which means that the night sky is incredibly dark and clear. On a clear night, visitors can see up to 15,000 stars, as well as the Milky Way and other celestial objects. The park even offers astronomy programs and events throughout the year.

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, f/2.8, ISO 25600, 3 sec, Panorama

Milky Way Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers alike. One of the most unique and rewarding photography experiences in the park is astrophotography. With its clear skies and minimal light pollution, Joshua Tree is the perfect place to capture stunning images of the night sky.

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, f/2.8, ISO 25600, 3 sec

Night Landscape Joshua Tree National Park

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, f/2.8, ISO 25600, 3 sec

Night Sky Joshua Tree National Park

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, f/2.8, ISO 25600, 3 sec, Panorama

Joshua Tree and Milky Way

The Joshua tree is a member of the Agave family and is a type of yucca plant. It has a distinctive, spiky appearance, with thick, twisting branches that reach upwards of 40 feet tall. The tree's trunk is usually short and thick, and it has green, sword-shaped leaves that grow in clusters at the ends of its branches.

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, f/2.8, ISO 25600, 3 sec, Panorama

Sky and Earth Joshua Tree National Park

The Joshua tree is native to the Mojave Desert, which spans parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. It is particularly well-adapted to the harsh desert environment, with long, deep roots that allow it to survive in dry, sandy soils. The tree can also tolerate extreme temperatures, from freezing winter nights to scorching summer days.

The Joshua tree is a unique and fascinating plant that is an important symbol of the Mojave Desert. Its distinctive appearance and cultural significance make it a beloved icon of the American West.