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Sunday, April 23, 2023

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.

Thursday, April 20, 2023

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.


Sunday, March 5, 2023

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!

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

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


Thursday, October 20, 2022

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.

 

Monday, October 17, 2022

Joshua Tree National Park Astrophotography

 There are some photos from my trip to Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the fantastic places to stargaze in the US! The reason it’s so dark is because the park is located in the High Desert—3000-6000 feet above sea level—far from any major cities, which create light pollution. 

The east side of the park is best for stargazing. There is very little light pollution there, since the closest major city to the east—Phoenix, Arizona—is about 300 miles away. Unfortunately, the south/west areas of the park get light pollution from nearby Palm Springs. 

Joshua Tree National Park Astrophotography

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, f/2.8, ISO 25600, 3 sec, Panorama of 8 photos

There is entrance to the park at nigh:

Joshua Tree National Park Entrance at Night

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, f/2.8, ISO 25600, 7 sec

Other entrance during the day:

Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park


Stargazing Area of Joshua Tree National Park

Sunset Joshua Tree National Park


Joshua Tree National Park at Night

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, f/2.8, ISO 25600, 9 sec


Joshua Tree National Park Night Landscape

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens, f/2.8, ISO 25600, 25 sec


Saturday, October 15, 2022

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 2022

 There are night photos from Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 2022.

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival Observatory

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 1 

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 2

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 3

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 4

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 5

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 6

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 7

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 8

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 9

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 10

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 11

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 12

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 13

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 14

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 15

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 16

Joshua Tree National Park Night Sky Festival 17


Thursday, October 13, 2022

Sky's The Limit Observatory

 There some photos of Sky's The Limit Observatory from my trip to Joshua Tree National Park. The observatory located outside of the park between the north entrance and the town of Twenty Nine Palms.


Sky's The Limit Observatory and Nature Center


Sky's The Limit Observatory and Nature Center at Night


Sky's The Limit Observatory Dome


Night Sky - Sky's The Limit Observatory

Sky’s the Limit Observatory in 29 Palms

Sky's The Limit Observatory near Joshua Tree National Park

Sky's The Limit Observatory at night