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Wednesday, November 11, 2020

A Tree and the Milky Way

Earth has 3 trillion trees and our Milky Way has approximately 400 billion stars. There are more trees on Earth than stars in the Milky Way galaxy!


A Tree and the Milky Way

Canon Ra, 10 Sec, ISO 16000, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, f/2.8. The Summer Triangle (Vega, Deneb and Altair stars) is visible on this photo.

Thursday, November 5, 2020

Corona Constellation during Coronavirus pandemic

 Corona Borealis is a constellation in the northern sky. Its name means “the northern crown” in Latin. Corona Borealis is the 73rd constellation in size, occupying an area of 179 square degrees. It lies in the third quadrant of the northern hemisphere and can be seen at latitudes between +90 and -50 degrees. 

Corona Constellation during Coronavirus pandemic

Canon EOS Ra, ISO 40,000, 3 sec, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, f/2.8.

Saturday, October 10, 2020

Austin Dam Ruins - Cherry Springs State Park Pennsylvania Astrophotography


Austin Dam was a dam in the Austin, Pennsylvania area that served the Bayless Pulp and Paper Mill. A failure of the dam on September 30, 1911 caused significant destruction and loss of life in the valley below. The dam was rebuilt, but the new dam failed in 1942. The dam was not replaced after the second failure. In 1994 the Austin Dam Memorial Park Association was formed and they since have worked diligently to preserve the dam remains.

 

Austin Dam Ruins - Cherry Springs State Park Pennsylvania Astrophotography

Canon EOS Ra, ISO 16,000, 15 sec, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, f/2.8.


Green airglow is visible on this photo. 

Green Sky and Red Milky Way - Cherry Spring State Park Pennsylvania Astrophotography

Canon EOS Ra, ISO 10,000, 25 sec, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, f/2.8.


Austin Dam Ruins map


Monday, October 5, 2020

Watching the sky, Observing meteors, Making wishes - Cherry Spring State Park Pennsylvania

 Couple of meteors we observed in Cherry Spring State Park. Sky is dark, so even not so bright meteors are visible. One is on the zoom photo:


Meteor over Cherry Spring State Park Pennsylvania

Looks like this is random, sporadic meteor.

This is full photo:

Watching the sky, Observing meteors, Making wishes - Cherry Spring State Park Pennsylvania

Canon EOS Ra, ISO 10,000, 15 sec, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, f/2.8.

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Cherry Springs State Park Pennsylvania Astrophotography

Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania has one of dark sky on east coast. This is photo of astronomical camping in the park. 2,300 feet (701 m) above sea level. Two dome are visible on the photo, also you can see smart sign: "Galaxy - Slow down - No dust".  This is one of favorite place for astrophotographers on the East Coast of US. It is about 5-hour drive from New York city.

Cherry Springs State Park Pennsylvania Astrophotography - Galaxy - Slow down - No dust
Cherry Springs State Park Pennsylvania Astrophotography - Galaxy - Slow down - No dust

Canon EOS Ra, ISO 20,000, 15 sec, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, f/2.8. Post Processing: Photoshop, Topaz DeNoise AI, Topaz Sharpen AI


Domes - Cherry Springs State Park Pennsylvania

Sign - Cherry Springs State Park

Dark Sky Fund

Stargazer's Delight

Through an Astronomer's Eyes

Highway to the Stars

Astro Haven Dome

Astronomers overnight area

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Milky Way Rainbow Panorama Canon EOS Ra over Bethel Catskill NY

Capture our galaxy arch. 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 Rainbow Panorama Canon EOS Ra over  Bethel Catskill  NY Astrophotography
Milky Way Rainbow Panorama Canon EOS Ra over  Bethel Catskill  NY - Astrophotography

Canon Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, f/2.8, 5 sec, ISO 20000, Panorama of 20 shots.

The Catskill Mountains lie in southeastern New York State. The area is known for the Catskill Forest Preserve.

Monday, September 14, 2020

Topaz DeNoise AI Canon Ra Milky Way Astrophotography


Noise is one of a problem for astrophotography. Even Canon Ra give less noise (compare 60Da) but still for big zoom it is visible. Before I used Adobe Camera Raw, Noise Ninja, Photoshop denoise filters to fix it. But Topaz DeNoise AI is absolutely amazing - Artificial Intelligence looks like do it much better and in more simple way. Now it is easy amateur photography does as professional one – with minimum noise. Topaz DeNoise AI integrated as filter to Photoshop. 

Topaz DeNoise AI Astrophotography

 
Canon EOS Ra, 5 sec., ISO 20000, f/2.8 16mm + Topaz DeNoise AI

Topaz DeNoise AI Canon Ra Milky Way Astrophotography



Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Canon Ra Panorama Milky Way Toronto Reservoir Bethel, NY


Previous photos of Canon Ra were photos of one short. There is classic panorama photo of 10 shots. Toronto Reservoir Bethel, NY. Toronto Reservoir is a reservoir located just 7.7 miles from Monticello, in Sullivan County, Bethel, in the state of New York, United States, near Black Lake, NY.

Canon Ra Panorama Milky Way Toronto Reservoir Bethel, NY

Canon EOS Ra, F2.8, ISO 6400, Combination of 10 images - 8 sec each, Lens EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM.

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

The comet NEOWISE reflecting in Wesserlauf Pond, Bethel, New York

Comets are like cats: they have tails, 
and they do precisely what they want. 
David H. Levy

Both the comet and reflection were visible with naked eye. The comet Neowise has two tails on the photo. Blue color of fist tail was not visible but got it on the photo. To minimize noise I used DeNoise AI software.


The comet NEOWISE reflecting in Wesserlauf Pond, Bethel, New York


Wesserlauf Pond, Bethel, New York. Canon Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, f/2.8, 12.5 sec, ISO 16000

Sunday, July 19, 2020

Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) Canon Ra Bethel, New York

We are hit by tons of material every day, but it is all dust. 
We are all walking around with comet dust in our hair.
- Don Yeomans


Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE). It was bright enough to be visible to the naked eye 7/17/2020. The comet is one of the brightest comets in the northern hemisphere since Comet Hale–Bopp in 1997.

Comet C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE) Canon Ra Bethel, New York

Canon EOS Ra, EF200mm f/2.8L II USM, f/2.8, ISO 40000, 2.5 sec.

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Green Fireflies Night Landscape Bethel New York Canon Ra


It is Fireflies season. There is something so magical at this time. Starry night and a light show of lightning bugs is amazing combination. A time-lapse composite image of fireflies taken in  Bethel, New York.

Green Fireflies Night Landscape Bethel New York Canon Ra
Canon EOS Ra, F2.8, ISO 12800, Combination of 30 images - 3 sec each, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM.

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Canon Ra Reflection Night Landscape Bethel, Sullivan County, New York Astrophotography

I am continue testing new Canon Ra astrophotography camera. There's nothing quite like starry night sky. Milky Way is moving majestically through the night, and you can see reflection of stars in a small pond. This area was brought to the world's attention in 1969, when nearly 500,000 people gathered at Max Yasgur's Farm for "Three Days of Peace and Music" on Woodstock Festival.


Canon Ra Reflection Night Landscape Bethel,  Sullivan County, New York Astrophotography 
Canon EOS Ra, 25 sec, ISO 20000, F2.8, Lens EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Milky Forest - Testing new camera Canon Ra

I have owned the 60Da and now Canon Ra. Very happy. The camera has exceeded my expectations so far. This is one of the first test. Photo was done near Bethel Woods, NY. Lite pollution is less than in NYC, but still is visible. The camera has IR cut filter and center structure of Milky Way is pretty much visible and has good details even for such light pollution.  It is better compare to 60Da.


Milky Forest - Testing new camera Canon Ra
Milky Forest - Canon Ra, f/2.8; ISO 20000, 6 sec., Lens EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM with Zoom.  High ISO and not so long exposure (usually for Canon 60Da need 10-15 seconds).  Minimum post process in Photoshop, mostly image as is. Canon EOS Ra performs superbly for astrophotography.


Monday, June 15, 2020

Canon EOS Ra Mirrorless Astrophotography Camera - First Look

New revolution is happening in photography and astrophotography - mirrorless camera. Goodbye my old and famous Canon 60Da, vivat new Canon Ra!

Canon EOS Ra Mirrorless Astrophotography Camera First Look

Canon Ra release date: November 2019. Based on: Canon EOS R. Major pluses: electronic viewfinder for easy sky navigation (compare to DSLR), 30x magnification for precise focusing, and roughly 4x more transmission sensitivity to the hydrogen-alpha (Hα) wavelength compare to  EOS R, bigger ISO (maximum 102400, compare with 12800 for 60Da) and with much low levels of noise, high image resolution 6720 x 4480 (compare 60Da 5184 x 3456),  Wi-Fi and remote camera control and of cause it has a vast range of compatible Canon lenses.

Canon RA what's in box.

EOS Ra Camera Body
Battery Pack LP-E6N
Battery Charger LC-E6
Wide Strap
Cable Protector
Interface Cable IFC-100U
Canon EOS Ra inside box
Canon EOS Ra Box
Canon EOS Ra Box and Accessories
Canon Ra Unboxing


Add caption

Battery Pack LP-E6N Front
Battery Pack LP-E6N Back Side
Battery Charger LC-E6
Battery Charger LC-E6 and Pack LP-E6N
Canon Wide Strap
Canon Cable Protector
Interface Cable IFC-100U

Sunday, November 24, 2019

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
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.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

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 Image of the Day


Saturday, October 12, 2019

Chile Astrophotography - Galactic center - San Pedro de Atacama City - Backyard Photo

Photo was done in the center on the San Pedro de Atacama city. It was first night of trip. Long day. Just simply put tripod on the backyard and made a photo. It is Chile Atacama desert. Even in the city the sky is amazing at night.


Chile Astrophotography - Galactic center - San Pedro de Atacama City - Backyard Photo

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Astrophotography Adventure in Chile Atacama Desert


Chile is one of the best places in the world to do astronomy, astrophotography and stargazing. The Atacama Desert in Chile stands out for its combination of minimal light pollution, clear skies, high altitude, and unique landscapes.

The "Sitial del Fuego" astronomical tour - starring nights,  talk about the culture, the myth and the legends of the Andeans and the desert of Atacama,  testing Chilean wine and food inspired from the ingredients of the surrounding area. The photo was done during this tour. Fire shadows and stars in the sky.

Astrophotography Adventure in Chile - Sitial del Fuego astronomical tour

Sunday, October 6, 2019

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