Stitched 360 degree panorama (7 images, 20 sec each) using Hugin, panotools, enblend, and Photoshop. First time ever doing a "globe" image from a rectilinear pano.
I cannot darken the skies... this is an actual representation of how bright city and suburban lights have made the skies in my neighborhood. The light pollution is so bad I can barely see the milky way, when directly overhead (through the least amount of atmosphere). Even then, I can only see the milky way on the best of nights (clear, un-hazy skies).
Think about how bright this sky is, when I only took a 20 sec ISO 1600 exposure. Those porch lights, street lights, shopping malls, auto dealers, freeways and commercial buildings all add up.. and take away the night sky from everyone.
I encourage you all to read www.darksky.org
I first made this picture by doing a 360 spherical panorama. I stitched it (using the software mentioned in the OP) to make an equirectilinear image. In photoshop, I used the "rectangular to polar" option of the Distort->Polar filter.
After reading the suggestions, I did darken the skies a little bit to be more "nighttime" like. The horizons are hopelessly bright however due to the light pollution I hope no one minds my stepping on the soapbox.. I guess we all have our causes, right?
Stunning. Makes me think of Le Petit Prince. A very original take on the WA. Great job!
Tom
PS: As an amateur astronomer, I'm with you on the light pollution. Houston sucks in this regard (don't what city you are fighting with). Fortunately, I live on the western fringe but that means that I can only see stars to the west - not the east. TH
Wow. This takes the cat's pyjamas. Stunning. The man, standing on his little globe of a planet, which is completely covered with manmade housing, a few landscaped trees for pale comfort, and he is staring wistfully into the untarnished void. Awesome.
I hope no one minds my stepping on the soapbox.. I guess we all have our causes, right?
Like it.