Milky Way Panorama Astrophotography

There are couple of Milky Way panoramas which I did previously. There are Milky Way Rainbow from West and East of North America, Panorama in South America Chile and Milky Way Bow in Equator Galapagos. The photos of panoramas done during of couple of years. All places have best dark sky on Earth, photos were done during new moon. I used about the same technology – about 20-30 photos for one panorama. It took about 30 – 40 minutes (one photo was about 30 second, Canon 60Da with Canon Lens EF16-35mm, F/2.8). For post processing I used Photoshop to stitch all photos to one panorama. Challenge were that it was new places, when I never bean before, and very limited time.

Milky Way Panorama - Utah USA, Arches National Park Astrophotography

This is panorama of 40 images which were done during my trip to Arches National Park. I really like this trip, and I believe that   Arches National Park is one of the best place for landscape astrophotography. It is paradise for astrophotography – really dark sky (during new moon) and fantastic landscaping.

Milky Way Panorama - Maine USA, Acadia National Park Astrophotography

While Mount Desert Island is not heavily populated and is remote, but some light pollution exists. So, some places in Acadia National Park are just with good dark sky. But some places are having amazing sky! Sand Beach, while just a 290-yard-long beach inlet between granite mountains, has a spectacular view of the night sky. On the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale, this place has “Class 1” (out of 9) is absolutely, naturally dark — the darkest skies on Earth!

Milky Way Panorama - Galapagos Astrophotography

This sea is my sea, this land is my land, this sky is my sky, this Milky Way is my Milky way.

Not so much were changes on Galapagos Islands during last 3 millions years!

The marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus), also known as the sea iguana, saltwater iguana, or Galapagos marine iguana, is a species of iguana found only on the Galápagos Islands (Ecuador) that has the ability, unique among modern lizards, to forage in the sea, making it a marine reptile.

Panorama - Milky Way Shadow - Chile Astrophotography

Milky Way casting shadows – for all my live don’t see many times. Need very dark sky, no moon, no light pollution. Also, when doing the photo of Milky Way panorama, I usually add extra light to see landscape. This was exception. Very dark sky – Chile Atacama Desert has one of the best skies for observation. On the astronomical tour had one request – no light. Location is desert oasis with trees. Scorpius and Sagittarius and Jupiter are close to zenith. As result on the photo you can see diffuse shadows from trees casing by Milky Way. Really, there is the place where the Milky Way casts a shadow!

First Canon Ra Milky Way Rainbow - Catskill  NY

This is my first photo of Milky Way Rainbow with Canon EOS Ra. I am continue testing Canon Ra astrophotography camera. Canon Ra has High ISO performance with reasonable low noise levels (Topaz DeNoise AI allow minimize noise level). So even 5 sec photos with ISO 20,000 gives very nice result for night landscaping. Because of 5 sec shots – photo time is pretty fast. Special filter gives good contrast for Milky Way. Photoshop allows combine all 20 photos to one Milky Way rainbow panorama.

Milky Way and Zodiacal Light over Bolivia - Black and White Astrophotography

The photo captures a view of the night sky over the Bolivia. 2 hours after sunset (elevation: 4020 m / 13190 feet). Canon EOS 60Da, 25 sec., Canon Lens EF16-35mm, f/2.8, ISO 6400, panorama of 20 images. 

Because our eyes are less sensitive to color in low light conditions, a black and white photo more closely approximates what our eyes can see at night (compared to a color photo).

The black and white photography highlights the stark contrast between the dark night sky and the glowing band of the Milky Way. The Milky Way, a dense band of stars and interstellar dust, stretches across the sky in a white arc. 

If you look closely, you can also see a faint, diffuse glow stretching up from the horizon. This is the Zodiacal Light, a ghostly band of light caused by sunlight reflecting off interplanetary dust particles in our solar system. 

Taken together, the Milky Way and Zodiacal Light create a breathtaking scene that reminds us of the immense scale and beauty of the universe we inhabit. It is a testament to the power of nature and the wonders that can be discovered by simply looking up at the night sky.

The photo of the Milky Way and Zodiacal Light is an example of the beauty that can be found in the natural world. It is a reminder that there is always more to discover and explore, both here on Earth and beyond.

Milky Way Casting Shadows - Chile Astrophotography - San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations Star Tour

We know the Sun and Moon cast shadows. But if Milky Way is bright enough to throw shadows? This is panorama from San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations Star Tour. On the photo you can see shadows of trees cast by the Milky Way!

Based on Bortle scale of night sky's brightness this is one of the darkness sky on Earth - Scale 1 - Excellent dark-sky site - The Scorpius and Sagittarius region of the Milky Way casts obvious diffuse shadows on the ground. Not so often can see something like this!

Milky Way Casting Shadows - Chile Astrophotography  - San Pedro de Atacama Celestial Explorations Star Tour

Green and red airglow is noticeable close to the horizon. The brightest "star" in the center is actually Jupiter. 

Canon 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 25.0 sec;  f/2.8;  ISO 6400 - Panorama of 20 photos

This image, slightly different version, has been chosen as Today's Image of the Day 17/11/2019. 

Dark Sky Travels Magazine

Dark Sky Travels Magazine Image of the Day

Southern Hemisphere Astrophotography

If you saw Northern Hemisphere stars but you've never saw Southern Hemisphere night sky, you only know half the story. The southern night sky contains a greater range of interesting features.

Magellanic Clouds are visible to the unaided eye in the Southern Hemisphere.

Bolivia Night Sky with Magellanic Clouds (two irregular dwarf galaxies) and Red AirGlow near horison. Hotel Tayka del Desierto (Ojo de Perdiz). Altitude about 4600 m / 15000 feet.

Southern Hemisphere Astrophotography Magellanic Clouds  Bolivia

Two cloud-like patches of light are the neighbouring galaxies known as the Large Magellanic Cloud and the Small Magellanic Cloud. They are about 170,000 light years away and the Large Magellanic Cloud contains about 10,000 million stars. These are the closest galaxies to our own and are a stunning sight whether viewed with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope. They are considered to be satellite galaxies linked by gravity to the Milky Way.

Southern Hemisphere Astrophotography: Magellanic Cloud, Southern Cross, Alpha and Beta Centauri,  Milky Way - Chile

Part of the Milky Way Panorama

Southern Hemisphere Astrophotography - Colors of Night Sky

Southern Hemisphere Astrophotography - Chile Astrophotography

Southern Hemisphere Milky Way Panorama - Bolivia Astrophotography

Southern Hemisphere Milky Way Mountain Bolivia Astrophotography

Bolivia Astrophotography - Salar de Uyuni at Night

It's something unreal. Photos were done during a Uyuni stargazing tour. Salar de Uyuni Bolivia Milky Way, Southern hemisphere sky, Crux constellation, red and green Airglow, elevation 3,650 m or 12,000 ft. Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat. Hexagonal formations on the surface is visible on photos. Such formation is a result of salt crystallization from evaporating water.

Canon EOS 60Da, 30 sec., Canon Lens EF16-35mm, f/2.8, ISO 6400, panorama of night sky.

Bolivia Astrophotography - Salar de Uyuni at Night

With 10,582 km^2, more than 10 billion tons of salt and containing up to 70% of the world’s lithium reserves, Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat, a vast salt plain near the crest of the Andes in southwest Bolivia has amazing, fantastic night sky view!

Salar de Uyuni Milky Way Bolivia Astrophotography

Southern hemisphere night sky Milky  Way Bolivia Astrophotography

Acadia National Park, Maine USA - Astrophotography

Acadia National Park is one of the darkest place on the East Coast. It is amazing how good sky is here - amazing airglow and shadow from Milky Way. I not even expected something like this on the East Coast of US.

Acadia Astrophotography - Panorama of 4 Images Milky Way over Sand Beach

Canon 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 25.0 sec;  f/2.8;  ISO 6400 - Four photos, Panorama

Acadia Astrophptography  Milky Way Night Landscape

Canon 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 30.0 sec;  f/2.8;  ISO 12800 - One photo

Black and White Acadia Astrophotography

Canon 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 30.0 sec;  f/2.8;  ISO 12800 - One photo

Night Landscape Canon Astrophotography Panorama Milky Way Acadia National Park Maine USA

Canon 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 25.0 sec;  f/2.8;  ISO 6400 - 6 photos

Chasing the Milky Way - Acadia National Park

Rainbow Milky Way - Maine Astrophotography, Acadia National Park

Canon 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 25.0 sec;  f/2.8;  ISO 6400 - Panorama of 20 photos


I derived with my family and friends from New York to Acadia National Park about 10 hours. There was new moon and weather forecast for this night was good.  It was chance to get good dark sky.

While Mount Desert Island is not heavily populated and is remote, but some light pollution exists. So, some places in Acadia National Park are just with good dark sky. But some places are having amazing sky! Sand Beach, while just a 290-yard-long beach inlet between granite mountains, has a spectacular view of the night sky. On the Bortle Dark-Sky Scale, this place has “Class 1” (out of 9) is absolutely, naturally dark — the darkest skies on earth! Such darkness sky in the Sand Beach can be attributed to two factors: location and park lighting. Newport cove protects the beach from most of the sky glow from major population centers on the island. The beach faces out to the dark open ocean. The surrounding topography blocks the line of sight from Bar Harbor preventing residual sky glow. Park lighting were design to minimized light pollution.

The Sand Beach was good choice.  The Galactic center region of the Milky Way casts obvious diffuse shadows on the ground. Airglow is readily apparent. The presence of Jupiter in the sky seems to degrade dark adaptation. Its big contrast between New York sky and Acadia National Park.

Tupper Lake New York Adirondack Mountains Astrophotography

Adirondack Mountains, Tupper Lake, Canon 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 30.0 sec;  f/2.8;  ISO 6400

Tupper Lake New York Milky Way Astrophotography

Canon 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 30.0 sec;  f/2.8;  ISO 6400

Adirondack Mountains Tupper Lake Big Dipper New York Astrophotography

Canon 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 30.0 sec;  f/2.8;  ISO 6400

Pleiades over Tupper Lake - Adirondack Mountains Astrophotography

Canon 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 30.0 sec;  f/2.8;  ISO 6400

Reflection of Big Dipper - Tupper Lake Astrophotography

Adirondack Public Observatory

Adirondack Public Observatory (Tupper Lake, New York) -  is one of the best places in New York State (and East Cost) for sky observation.

Adirondack Public Observatory and Milky Way

Adirondack Public Observatory in the day time

Adirondack Public Observatory -Tupper Lake - New York

Milky Way over Galapagos Astrophotography

We can allow satellites, planets, suns, 

universe, nay whole systems of universes, 

to be governed by laws, but the smallest insect, 

we wish to be created at once by special act.

--Charles Darwin

Panorama of Milky Way - 40 photos (it takes about 1 hour). On this photo you can see Orion, Crux (Southern Cross), Canis Major, Carinae, Centaurus Constellations, and three brightest stars of the Earth sky: Sirius, Canopus and Rigel Kentaurus. The night sky airglow (red and green sheen) is visible on this panorama too.

Milky Way over Galapagos Astrophotography

 Canon EOS 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 16.0 sec; f/2.8; ISO 6400, Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island, Galapagos, Ecuador.

One more photo: "How to Train Your Dragon"

The marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus), also known as the sea iguana, saltwater iguana, or Galapagos marine iguana, is a species of iguana found only on the Galápagos Islands (Ecuador) that has the ability, unique among modern lizards, to forage in the sea, making it a marine reptile.

How to Train Your Dragon or Milky Way over Galapagos Astrophotography

Not so much were changes on Galapagos Islands during last 3 millions years!

The blue-footed booby (Sula nebouxii) is a marine bird. The blue-footed booby is distributed among the continental coasts of the eastern Pacific Ocean from California to the Galapagos Islands down into Peru. The blue color of the blue-footed booby's webbed feet comes from carotenoid pigments obtained from its diet of fresh fish.

The blue-footed booby and Milky Way Isabela Island Galapagos Ecuador

Frigatebirds (also listed as "frigate bird", "frigate-bird", "frigate", "frigate-petrel") are a family of seabirds called Fregatidae which are found across all tropical and subtropical oceans. Females have white underbellies and males have a distinctive red gular pouch, which they inflate during the breeding season to attract females.

Frigate-bird and Milky Way - Galapagos Islands

Darwin's finches (also known as the Galapagos finches) are a group of about 15 species of passerine birds. During the survey voyage of HMS Beagle, Darwin was unaware of the significance of the birds of the Galapagos. These birds were to play an important part in the inception of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.

Darwin's Galapagos finch and night cloudy sky Santa Cruz Island

Most of Galapagos Flamingo plumage is pink, giving rise to its earlier name of Rosy Flamingo and differentiating adults from the much paler European species. Flamingos can only eat with their head upside down. Their beaks have lamellae (thin, flat membranes) which are used to filter the mud.

Galapagos Flamingo and Milky Way Astrophotography

The Galapagos tortoise are the largest living species of tortoise. Modern Galapagos tortoises can weigh up to 417 kg (919 lb). Today, giant tortoises exist on only two remote archipelagos: the Galapagos Islands 1000 km due west of mainland Ecuador; and Aldabrachelys gigantea of Aldabra in the Indian Ocean, 700 km east of Tanzania.

Galapagos giant tortoise and Orion - night sky

Crux (Southern Cross), Milky Way and Palm Tree - Galapagos Night Sky Astrophotography

Galapagos night starry sky is fantastic! You can see Alpha Centauri - the closest star system to the Solar System, Crux - Southern Cross constellation, and the South Celestial Pole!

Crux  (Southern Cross), Milky Way  and Palm Tree - Galapagos Night Sky Astrophotography

Panorama of 3 photos, Canon EOS 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 16.0 sec; f/2.8; ISO 6400, Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island, Galapagos, Ecuador.

Using this photo you can find the South Celestial Pole.

The South Celestial Pole - Galapagos Equator Sky - Annotated

From this photo you can see that the south celestial pole is very close to the horizon. The equator passes through the Isabela island. This is true equator sky!

Large Magellanic Cloud - Galapagos Night Landscape Astrophotography

Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is one of the symbol of the Southern Sky (especially for me northern-biased star gazer).  First time I saw Large Magellanic Cloud in Peru, couple of years ago, but it was too close to horizon. Finally, I got it!   This small white cloud on the right is not regular cloud, it is companion of our Milky Way, just 1/100 mass of our Galaxy. The position of the LMC can be recognized using Southern Cross. On Galapagos fantastic starry night sky, the LMC view was amazing!

Large Magellanic Cloud - Galapagos Night Landscape Astrophotography

Large Magellanic Cloud, Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island, Galapagos, Ecuador. Canon EOS 60Da, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, 30.0 sec; f/4.0; ISO 6400.

Tennessee Astrophotography - Great American Eclipse - Total Solar Eclipse August 21, 2017

"The Sun was eclipsed; it was all gone. 

It was like ink and without light. 

The stars were visible in the daytime."

-- Hyaku Rensho. (Total solar eclipse of August AD 975)

There are photos from our families expedition to T-Lea Farm, Tellico Plains, Tennessee for Great American Total Eclipse August 21, 2017. In the Shadow of the Moon - 2 min 37 sec.

Solar Corona - Tellico Plains, Tennessee - Total Solar Eclipse 2017, New York City Expedition, photo by Igor Kuskovsky

Total Solar Eclipse 2017 August 21 Canon 60D  Tellico Plains, Tennessee, New York City Expedition, photo by Igor Kuskovsky

Diamond Ring Total Solar Eclipse 2017 Celestron Nexstar 4SE Astrophotography

Solar Corona Great USA Eclipse 2017 Celestron Nexstar 4SE Astrophotography

Solar Eclipse 2017 Aug 21 Dimond Ring and Solar Corona

Solar activity was pretty active (compare other days when no sunspots was visible). Three bright solar flares and couple of sunspot areas (Wolf Number about 66).

The Beginning of Total Solar Eclipse 2017, Aug 21 - Coronado SolarMax II 60 Telescope, Celestron Nexstar 4SE Tripod, Canon 60Da Camera, Tennessee Astrophotography

Total Solar Eclipse 2017 - Celestron Nexstar 4SE Telescope, Canon 60Da Camera, Solar Filter Spectrum Telescope ST525G, Tellico Plains, Tennessee Astrophotography

Telescope Nexstar 4SE Camera Canon 60Da Total Solar Eclipse 2017 Tennessee  Astrophotography

Temperature dropped about 10 degrees Fahrenheit (or 5 degrees Celsius) during the Totality. It was cold! Even small clouds disappeared around the sun, probably because of such temperature inside moon shadow.

Total Solar Eclipse 2017 Black and White T-Lea Farm Tellico Plains Tennessee Astrophotography

Tennessee Astrophotography - Great Total Solar Eclipse 2017, T-Lea Farm, Tellico Plains

Great American Eclipse August 21 2017 Celestron 4SE

Tennessee Astrophotography - At night before the Solar Eclipse - Milky Way - T-Lea Farm, Tellico Plains