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 p.14 #10 · Nightscapes using AstroTrac Tracking Mount | |
That reminds me. I wrote a little piece a while back that might be appropriate here. Although there are no photos, it's specifically about that very topic. Hope it's OK to post this here 
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Look Up
by Eric Chesak
Ever look up? As an astrophotographer, most folks would certainly think so. Recently, I have found myself looking more at a computer monitor than the sky. With more and more automated & robotic scopes, I believe that I am not alone.
Working for a small Government contractor, I regularly travel to very remote sites. Here we offer our wares by day, but have little to do at night. There is nothing for miles. No TV, no internet; not much of anything!
2008 was my first year on this project. After darkness fell, I looked-up and was astonished. The view caught me a bit off-guard. I found myself hunting for the familiar constellations, but the background starfield was so bright, this task was more difficult that I imagined. During the duration of this project (~2 weeks) we experienced perfect weather. With no distractions, my spare time clicked-off under the stars.
So taken by this, I spent the next year assembling a portable imaging system, that would allow me to capture some of the incredible views that I experienced. As the project approached, I was excited at the prospect of having extended lengths of time to image the wide-field swath. In hindsight, it became evident that I must have violated one of Murphy’s laws of astronomy. During the duration of the 2009 project, we experienced weather of apocalyptic proportions; No stars, no sky, just gale-force winds and 100% coverage of salt spray from the Sea below.
2010 rolls around, with the memory of the 2009 event. I was forbidden to bring anything remotely associated with astronomy. Disappointed, I planned to just stargaze… What I experienced during the 2010 project was nothing short of magnificent. I spent countless hours just staring at the galactic depth. I naked-eye star-hopped to M31, which was clearly visible. I was also amazed to easily see M15. As an added bonus, dozens of Taurid and other meteors displayed their brilliance. After I tired of sitting, I climbed into my tent, into bed and spent many more hours with my head hanging out the door. In the morning, I typically arose several hours prior to the rest of the team. As a reward, I witnessed a week’s worth of Zodical Light. Never having previously seen this phenomenon, I was astonished at the intensity & clarity.
At times, I wished I had some gear to photograph these sights. But knowing I didn’t, allowed me to just enjoy the sheer splendor. I’ve previously been to dark skies, but never with such extended, uninterrupted viewing time. I witnessed 10 year’s-worth of normal dark sky observing. But most important of all, I was looking up…
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I'm certainly no writer, but hopefully you enjoyed reading it. These days of Techno-everything, sometimes we loose sight of the simple pleasures.
Eric
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