Astronomie Photos ❘ lookphotos

The Sun setting into a pall of forest fire smoke over Alberta from fires in B.C. and elsewhere, on August 17, 2018. This shows the dimming and reddening of the Sun as it set, with it disappearing from view long before it reached the horizon.

13899163 - The Sun setting into a pall of forest fire smoke over Alberta from fires in B.C. and elsewhere, on August 17, 2018. This shows the dimming and reddening of the Sun as it set, with it disappearing from view long before it reached the horizon.

The region of the Milky Way in Puppis and Vela encompassing the vast Gum Nebula, a photographic object only. Sirius and Canis Major are at right; Canopus in Carina is at bottom. The False Cross and the open cluster NGC 2516 are at left.

13899148 - The region of the Milky Way in Puppis and Vela encompassing the vast Gum Nebula, a photographic object only. Sirius and Canis Major are at right; Canopus in Carina is at bottom. The False Cross and the open cluster NGC 2516 are at left.

Reflections of the Northern Lights in the calm and misty waters of Madeline Lake on the Ingraham Trail near Yellowknife, NWT on Sept 7, 2019. This is one of a series of “reflection” images. Altair is at left.

13899140 - Reflections of the Northern Lights in the calm and misty waters of Madeline Lake on the Ingraham Trail near Yellowknife, NWT on Sept 7, 2019. This is one of a series of “reflection” images. Altair is at left.

Mars (below) and Saturn in conjunction 1.3° apart in Sagittarus in the dawn sky on April 3, 2018. They were a little closer the previous morning but it was cloudy! The fuzzy spot to the right of Mars is the globular cluster M22.

13899132 - Mars (below) and Saturn in conjunction 1.3° apart in Sagittarus in the dawn sky on April 3, 2018. They were a little closer the previous morning but it was cloudy! The fuzzy spot to the right of Mars is the globular cluster M22.

A blend of images to show the stars of the southern sky moving from east to west (left to right) over the peaks of the Continental Divide at Herbert Lake near Lake Louise, in Banff, Alberta. The main peak at left is Mount Temple.

13899127 - A blend of images to show the stars of the southern sky moving from east to west (left to right) over the peaks of the Continental Divide at Herbert Lake near Lake Louise, in Banff, Alberta. The main peak at left is Mount Temple.

13899091 - Sunset colours over Deadhorse Lake in southern Alberta, on July 8, 2016. The waxing crescent Moon shines amid the colourful clouds.

Comet PANSTARRS C/2011 L4 and the thin waxing Moon, March 12, 2013, over the Chiricahua Mountains, in Arizona, but seen from New Mexico, from a site on Highway 80 north of the Painted Pony Resort. A 2s exposure at f/2.8 and ISO 640 with the Canon 60Da and 135mm telephoto + 1.4x Extender.

13899090 - Comet PANSTARRS C/2011 L4 and the thin waxing Moon, March 12, 2013, over the Chiricahua Mountains, in Arizona, but seen from New Mexico, from a site on Highway 80 north of the Painted Pony Resort. A 2s exposure at f/2.8 and ISO 640 with the Canon 60Da and 135mm telephoto + 1.4x Extender.

The Milky Way reflected in the unusually calm waters of Middle Waterton Lake from Driftwood Beach, in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada. The Park is an International Dark Sky Preserve, along with Glacier National Park in the U.S. The Park is also a U.N. World Heritage Site.

13899082 - The Milky Way reflected in the unusually calm waters of Middle Waterton Lake from Driftwood Beach, in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, Canada. The Park is an International Dark Sky Preserve, along with Glacier National Park in the U.S. The Park is also a U.N. World Heritage Site.

The Northern Lights shot at the old Larson Ranch site in the Frenchman Valley at Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan, August 27/28, 2014. The pioneer cabin was the home of the legendary western author and movie star Will James, born Ernest Dufault in Quebec. He lived in this cabin when he worked the ranches in the area. The aurora was excellent this night. This is a single 1-minute exposures at ISO 2500 with the 15mm full-frame fish-eye lens at f/3.2 and the Canon 6D.

13899081 - The Northern Lights shot at the old Larson Ranch site in the Frenchman Valley at Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan, August 27/28, 2014. The pioneer cabin was the home of the legendary western author and movie star Will James, born Ernest Dufault in Quebec. He lived in this cabin when he worked the ranches in the area. The aurora was excellent this night. This is a single 1-minute exposures at ISO 2500 with the 15mm full-frame fish-eye lens at f/3.2 and the Canon 6D.

A scene at the public "Parks 'n Stars" stargazing night, March 15, 2015, at the City of Rocks State Park, New Mexico, and at their Gene and Elizabeth Simons Observatory in the Orion group campground. Here observers are aiming their laser pointers at the position of Comet Lovejoy in Cassiopeia, just visible at top left. Observers are using the big binoculars to view the comet.

13899040 - A scene at the public "Parks 'n Stars" stargazing night, March 15, 2015, at the City of Rocks State Park, New Mexico, and at their Gene and Elizabeth Simons Observatory in the Orion group campground. Here observers are aiming their laser pointers at the position of Comet Lovejoy in Cassiopeia, just visible at top left. Observers are using the big binoculars to view the comet.

Orion and the Winter Triangle stars, Sirius, Procyon and Betelgeuse, taken from the Painted Pony Resort in New Mexico, March 13, 2013. A stack of 5 x 8 minute exposures at f/4 with the 35mm Canon lens and 5D MkII at ISO 800, plus a layer of 2 x 8 minutes with the Kenko Softon filter for the star glows. M50, M46, M47 and M41 clusters all visible at left.

13899031 - Orion and the Winter Triangle stars, Sirius, Procyon and Betelgeuse, taken from the Painted Pony Resort in New Mexico, March 13, 2013. A stack of 5 x 8 minute exposures at f/4 with the 35mm Canon lens and 5D MkII at ISO 800, plus a layer of 2 x 8 minutes with the Kenko Softon filter for the star glows. M50, M46, M47 and M41 clusters all visible at left.

The nearly Full Moon (0ne day before Full) rising at the end of Bow Lake, with purple flowers (Purple Saxifrage?) in the foreground. Taken August 9, 2014. This is an HDR High Dynamic Range stack of 5 exposures at 2/3rds stop intervals, with the Canon 16-35mm lens and Canon 6D at ISO 400.

13899024 - The nearly Full Moon (0ne day before Full) rising at the end of Bow Lake, with purple flowers (Purple Saxifrage?) in the foreground. Taken August 9, 2014. This is an HDR High Dynamic Range stack of 5 exposures at 2/3rds stop intervals, with the Canon 16-35mm lens and Canon 6D at ISO 400.

The area of the Rosette Nebula (bottom) and Christmas Tree Cluster (top) in Monoceros with the Fornax Lightrack tracker and 200mm lens + Canon 5D MkII. The nebulosity at top includes the Cone Nebula.

13898988 - The area of the Rosette Nebula (bottom) and Christmas Tree Cluster (top) in Monoceros with the Fornax Lightrack tracker and 200mm lens + Canon 5D MkII. The nebulosity at top includes the Cone Nebula.

Venus and Mars in close conjunction in the dawn sky on October 5, 2017. Venus is the brightest object; Mars is below it; while the star above Venus is 4th magnitude Sigma Leonis. The foreground is illuminated by light from the setting Full Moon in the west.

13898981 - Venus and Mars in close conjunction in the dawn sky on October 5, 2017. Venus is the brightest object; Mars is below it; while the star above Venus is 4th magnitude Sigma Leonis. The foreground is illuminated by light from the setting Full Moon in the west.

April 17/18, 2001 aurora, taken from home in Alberta. looking south. Part of a series taken looking same direction as substorm hit and subsided, from Image #2 to #15, on Roll #1. (Roll #2 was second camera shooting Provia 100F with 28mm lens and 18mm lens.) All images in this series (#1-02 thru 15) processed in Photoshop with nearly identical enhancements to contrast and colour. Brightness toned down for longer overexposed shots (early ones).

13898976 - April 17/18, 2001 aurora, taken from home in Alberta. looking south. Part of a series taken looking same direction as substorm hit and subsided, from Image #2 to #15, on Roll #1. (Roll #2 was second camera shooting Provia 100F with 28mm lens and 18mm lens.) All images in this series (#1-02 thru 15) processed in Photoshop with nearly identical enhancements to contrast and colour. Brightness toned down for longer overexposed shots (early ones).

A single image of bright noctilucent clouds in the dawn sky over a prairie pond near home in southern Alberta on July 7, 2020, with Venus bright as a “morning star” at right above Aldebaran. Comet NEOWISE was in the scene but hidden behind dark weather clouds here.

13898926 - A single image of bright noctilucent clouds in the dawn sky over a prairie pond near home in southern Alberta on July 7, 2020, with Venus bright as a “morning star” at right above Aldebaran. Comet NEOWISE was in the scene but hidden behind dark weather clouds here.

Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) over some of the eroded hoodoo formations at Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, July 14-15, 2020. A faint aurora is at right. The foreground is lit by starlight only; there was no light painting employed here.

13898898 - Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) over some of the eroded hoodoo formations at Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, July 14-15, 2020. A faint aurora is at right. The foreground is lit by starlight only; there was no light painting employed here.

The old Atlas Coal Mine near East Coulee, Alberta, now a museum and tourist attraction. This is a composite of 20 x 1 minute exposures with the Canon 5D MkII and 16-35mm lens at 16mm and f/2.8, and ISO 1250. Taken June 27, 2013. While the Moon was up it was in some cloud and most of the illumination of the foreground comes from a sodium vapour light just off camera at right. Images stacked with StarCircleAcademy's Advanced Stacker Actions, Comet Streaks option.

13898847 - The old Atlas Coal Mine near East Coulee, Alberta, now a museum and tourist attraction. This is a composite of 20 x 1 minute exposures with the Canon 5D MkII and 16-35mm lens at 16mm and f/2.8, and ISO 1250. Taken June 27, 2013. While the Moon was up it was in some cloud and most of the illumination of the foreground comes from a sodium vapour light just off camera at right. Images stacked with StarCircleAcademy's Advanced Stacker Actions, Comet Streaks option.

Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) over the still waters this night of Crawling Lake in southern Alberta. This was early in the evening with the sky still brightly coloured with twilight. The comet was in the southern part of Ursa Major between the pairs of stars called Tania and Talitha. The clouds that were present nicely framed the scene and reflected in the water as well. The comet was too high to be visible as a reflection at this time.

13898812 - Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) over the still waters this night of Crawling Lake in southern Alberta. This was early in the evening with the sky still brightly coloured with twilight. The comet was in the southern part of Ursa Major between the pairs of stars called Tania and Talitha. The clouds that were present nicely framed the scene and reflected in the water as well. The comet was too high to be visible as a reflection at this time.

Bright reddish Mars above the Hyades star cluster with yellow Aldebaran below Mars to serve as a "compare and contrast " to Mars. The blue Pleiades are at upper right. Two other NGC clusters in Taurus are in the frame: NGC 1647 to the left of the Hyades and NGC 1747 at the right edge of the frame. The small clusters NGC 1817 and 1807 are at lower left. The Taurus Dark Clouds are at upper left. Aldebaran is magnitude +1 while Mars was -0.2 this morning and getting brighter by the day as it approached its December opposition this year, 2022.

13898765 - Bright reddish Mars above the Hyades star cluster with yellow Aldebaran below Mars to serve as a "compare and contrast " to Mars. The blue Pleiades are at upper right. Two other NGC clusters in Taurus are in the frame: NGC 1647 to the left of the Hyades and NGC 1747 at the right edge of the frame. The small clusters NGC 1817 and 1807 are at lower left. The Taurus Dark Clouds are at upper left. Aldebaran is magnitude +1 while Mars was -0.2 this morning and getting brighter by the day as it approached its December opposition this year, 2022.

Guests in the Learning Vacations program at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre view the aurora on their first night of the program for 2019 on January 31. This is looking east, with the Big Dipper at left and Orion at right.

13898758 - Guests in the Learning Vacations program at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre view the aurora on their first night of the program for 2019 on January 31. This is looking east, with the Big Dipper at left and Orion at right.

A study in twilight colours at sunset looking east opposite the Sun, with the dark shadow of the Earth, pink Belt of Venus and bright cumulous clouds by contrast. The location is Ulrich Beach at Nambucca Heads, NSW, Australia.

13898670 - A study in twilight colours at sunset looking east opposite the Sun, with the dark shadow of the Earth, pink Belt of Venus and bright cumulous clouds by contrast. The location is Ulrich Beach at Nambucca Heads, NSW, Australia.

A panorama of noctilucent clouds to the northwest just before midnight on the evening of July 10-11, 2022, over a hill and red farm road in southern Alberta, Canada.

13898662 - A panorama of noctilucent clouds to the northwest just before midnight on the evening of July 10-11, 2022, over a hill and red farm road in southern Alberta, Canada.

13898641 - Comet Hale-Bopp

A composite of the Perseid meteor shower, on the peak night, Aug 11/12, 2016, looking northeast to the radiant point in Perseus left of centre, with the Pleiades and Hyades clusters in Taurus rising. There are 33 meteors here. Note the fairly consistent green to red tint of each meteor streak. A couple of streaks look more white and might be flaring satellites though their trajectory matches where a Perseid should be.

13898623 - A composite of the Perseid meteor shower, on the peak night, Aug 11/12, 2016, looking northeast to the radiant point in Perseus left of centre, with the Pleiades and Hyades clusters in Taurus rising. There are 33 meteors here. Note the fairly consistent green to red tint of each meteor streak. A couple of streaks look more white and might be flaring satellites though their trajectory matches where a Perseid should be.

A lone observer gazes skyward at the start of a wonderful aurora display on March 6, 2016, as the curtains begin to appear and dance in the deep blue twilight. This was at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, Churchill, Manitoba.

13898577 - A lone observer gazes skyward at the start of a wonderful aurora display on March 6, 2016, as the curtains begin to appear and dance in the deep blue twilight. This was at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, Churchill, Manitoba.

A panorama of an early-season appearance of noctilucent clouds on the night of June 1-2, 2022. This is from home in southern Alberta, Canada at latitude 51° N, and taken at midnight, MDT. This was my earliest sighting of NLCs, three weeks before solstice.

13898567 - A panorama of an early-season appearance of noctilucent clouds on the night of June 1-2, 2022. This is from home in southern Alberta, Canada at latitude 51° N, and taken at midnight, MDT. This was my earliest sighting of NLCs, three weeks before solstice.

A low primary rainbow, with supernumerary arcs inside the bow, appearing to the east as a thunderstorm receded. Taken from the site of the Blackfoot Crossing Historic Park. in southern Alberta, July 20, 2014.

13898553 - A low primary rainbow, with supernumerary arcs inside the bow, appearing to the east as a thunderstorm receded. Taken from the site of the Blackfoot Crossing Historic Park. in southern Alberta, July 20, 2014.

A colourful sunrise scene on August 12, 2022, taken from home on the Alberta prairie taken just as the Sun came up. This might be an image useful for sky replacement or a background image.

13898452 - A colourful sunrise scene on August 12, 2022, taken from home on the Alberta prairie taken just as the Sun came up. This might be an image useful for sky replacement or a background image.

13898376 - Watching the sunset in Norway from the ms Trollfjord on the southbound voyage, on March 2, 2019.

Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) in a telephoto lens close-up on July 19, 2020, showing the straight blue ion tail and the curving whitish-yellow dust tail. Even the ion tail was visible in binoculars and traceable out for 12° or so, or two binocular fields. A bit of cyan colour is visible around the head of the comet. The ninth magnitude galaxy NGC 2841 is visible to the right of the comet.

13898314 - Comet NEOWISE (C/2020 F3) in a telephoto lens close-up on July 19, 2020, showing the straight blue ion tail and the curving whitish-yellow dust tail. Even the ion tail was visible in binoculars and traceable out for 12° or so, or two binocular fields. A bit of cyan colour is visible around the head of the comet. The ninth magnitude galaxy NGC 2841 is visible to the right of the comet.

The stars of Ursa Major, the Great Bear, over the waters of Peyto Lake, Banff, in deep twilight. Arcturus in Böotes, the Bear Driver, is setting over the peak at left. Ursa Major contains the seven stars that make up the Big Dipper, aka the Plough or the Wagon. This was October 13, 2022 on a very clear night in the Rocky Mountains.

13898308 - The stars of Ursa Major, the Great Bear, over the waters of Peyto Lake, Banff, in deep twilight. Arcturus in Böotes, the Bear Driver, is setting over the peak at left. Ursa Major contains the seven stars that make up the Big Dipper, aka the Plough or the Wagon. This was October 13, 2022 on a very clear night in the Rocky Mountains.

Sunset at the Reesor Ranch, on the edge of the Cypress Hills, on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, July 4, 2014. This is a high dynamic range stack of 6 exposures at 2/3rds stop intervals, with the Canon 60Da and 10-22mm lens.

13898267 - Sunset at the Reesor Ranch, on the edge of the Cypress Hills, on the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, July 4, 2014. This is a high dynamic range stack of 6 exposures at 2/3rds stop intervals, with the Canon 60Da and 10-22mm lens.

This is Comet Wirtanen 46P in Taurus on December 14/15, 2018 accompanied by a meteor, caught by chance of course. The meteor has left a yellowish “smoke” cloud.

13898245 - This is Comet Wirtanen 46P in Taurus on December 14/15, 2018 accompanied by a meteor, caught by chance of course. The meteor has left a yellowish “smoke” cloud.

An all-sky aurora from Churchill, Manitoba, on Feb 17, 2015, in a frame from a 250-frame time-lapse movie. Taken from the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, using an 8mm Sigma fish-eye lens on the Canon 6D for a 360° view of the sky, though with the camera titled about 25° to create an image suitable for projection in a tilted-dome digital planetarium. This a 15-second exposure at ISO 3200 and f/3.5. The temperature was about -30° C.

13898238 - An all-sky aurora from Churchill, Manitoba, on Feb 17, 2015, in a frame from a 250-frame time-lapse movie. Taken from the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, using an 8mm Sigma fish-eye lens on the Canon 6D for a 360° view of the sky, though with the camera titled about 25° to create an image suitable for projection in a tilted-dome digital planetarium. This a 15-second exposure at ISO 3200 and f/3.5. The temperature was about -30° C.

The large star-forming region of IC 1396 in Cepheus, taken September 5, 2018 from home in southern Alberta. The wide field includes the bright orange star Mu Cephei, or Herschel’s Garnet Star, at top. The Elephant Trunk Nebula is at centre. North is at top.

13898160 - The large star-forming region of IC 1396 in Cepheus, taken September 5, 2018 from home in southern Alberta. The wide field includes the bright orange star Mu Cephei, or Herschel’s Garnet Star, at top. The Elephant Trunk Nebula is at centre. North is at top.

Comet Leonard (C/2021 A1) on the morning of December 10, 2021, with a 135mm telephoto lens for a field of view of 10° x 15°. The tail appears to be about 4° long here. Taken about 5:45 am MST. The distinctive cyan tint of a comet's coma is prominent. The comet was in Serpens at the time.

13898154 - Comet Leonard (C/2021 A1) on the morning of December 10, 2021, with a 135mm telephoto lens for a field of view of 10° x 15°. The tail appears to be about 4° long here. Taken about 5:45 am MST. The distinctive cyan tint of a comet's coma is prominent. The comet was in Serpens at the time.

The late-night spring Milky Way from my rural backyard in Alberta (latitude 51° N) on a fine May night in 2020, with the waxing Moon just setting and lighting the landscape and sky. Jupiter (brightest) and Saturn to the east (left) are just rising together at left, east of the Milky Way. West of the galactic centre at right is red Antares in Scorpius. The Small Sagittarius and Scutum starclouds are prominent at centre, with their various Messier nebulas and star clusters visible.

13898150 - The late-night spring Milky Way from my rural backyard in Alberta (latitude 51° N) on a fine May night in 2020, with the waxing Moon just setting and lighting the landscape and sky. Jupiter (brightest) and Saturn to the east (left) are just rising together at left, east of the Milky Way. West of the galactic centre at right is red Antares in Scorpius. The Small Sagittarius and Scutum starclouds are prominent at centre, with their various Messier nebulas and star clusters visible.

This is a blend of exposures showing all the satellites (and a few aircraft) recorded by the camera on a late spring night (June 1-2, 2022) from latitude 51° North, from where and when satellites are illuminated all night long and can be seen all through the short night. This is looking almost due south.

13898130 - This is a blend of exposures showing all the satellites (and a few aircraft) recorded by the camera on a late spring night (June 1-2, 2022) from latitude 51° North, from where and when satellites are illuminated all night long and can be seen all through the short night. This is looking almost due south.

Our group of Learning Vacations tourists enjoy the start of a fine display of Northern Lights at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, March 6, 2016. As curtains appear to the east, another array of curtains shines to the west behind them with a strong purple tint lighting the sky and ground. The Andromeda Galaxy sits amid the curtains.

13898127 - Our group of Learning Vacations tourists enjoy the start of a fine display of Northern Lights at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, March 6, 2016. As curtains appear to the east, another array of curtains shines to the west behind them with a strong purple tint lighting the sky and ground. The Andromeda Galaxy sits amid the curtains.

A 360° fish-eye panorama of the evening sky, January 16, 2015, showing the Zodiacal Light rising out of the western sky and last vestiges of twilight, and the Milky Way across the sky in the east. Comet Lovejoy (C/2-14 Q2) near the Pleiades just left of centre at the top of the pyramid of light from the Zodiacal Light. A meteor appears below centre. This is a stitch of 8 segments, each taken with the 15mm lens and Canon 6D in portrait orientation, for 1 minute at ISO 3200 and f/2.8. Stitched with PTGui.

13898092 - A 360° fish-eye panorama of the evening sky, January 16, 2015, showing the Zodiacal Light rising out of the western sky and last vestiges of twilight, and the Milky Way across the sky in the east. Comet Lovejoy (C/2-14 Q2) near the Pleiades just left of centre at the top of the pyramid of light from the Zodiacal Light. A meteor appears below centre. This is a stitch of 8 segments, each taken with the 15mm lens and Canon 6D in portrait orientation, for 1 minute at ISO 3200 and f/2.8. Stitched with PTGui.

The Milky Way from northern Sagittarius to southern Cygnus, above the mountains of Waterton Lakes National Park; Alberta, Aug 31, 2013. This is a stack of 4 x 3 minute exposures at f/2.8 with the 24mm lens and Canon 5D MkII at ISO 1600.

13898058 - The Milky Way from northern Sagittarius to southern Cygnus, above the mountains of Waterton Lakes National Park; Alberta, Aug 31, 2013. This is a stack of 4 x 3 minute exposures at f/2.8 with the 24mm lens and Canon 5D MkII at ISO 1600.

An isolated auroral arc to the southeast on September 2, 2016, shot from home during a fine display with active curtains to the north. This one displays the classic picket fence apperarance, with fingers of green aurora that moved along the band during a time-lapse of the scene.

13898002 - An isolated auroral arc to the southeast on September 2, 2016, shot from home during a fine display with active curtains to the north. This one displays the classic picket fence apperarance, with fingers of green aurora that moved along the band during a time-lapse of the scene.

Galaxy and glacier! This is a vertical panorama of the Milky Way Galaxy over Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier in Banff National Park, Alberta. The Summer Triangle stars of Vega, Deneb and Altair are at centre. The Scutum Starcloud is just above and setting over Victoria Glacier. The dark lanes of interstellar dust — stardust! — weave among the bright star clouds of the Milky Way.

13897971 - Galaxy and glacier! This is a vertical panorama of the Milky Way Galaxy over Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier in Banff National Park, Alberta. The Summer Triangle stars of Vega, Deneb and Altair are at centre. The Scutum Starcloud is just above and setting over Victoria Glacier. The dark lanes of interstellar dust — stardust! — weave among the bright star clouds of the Milky Way.

A 360° panorama of the landscape and skyscape at Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan, Canada, taken August 25, 2014. The Milky Way arches overhead from south to north at right, and the last vestiges of twilight light the western sky at left, providing a natural backdrop for the silhouette of the photographer gazing wistfully into the distance! Some green bands of airglow also light the sky, but only a few farm lights from outside the boundaries of the Park mar the landscape in this darkest of Dark Sky Preserves in Canada. I shot this from the Eagle Butte Loop Trail at the end of the 70 Mile

13897968 - A 360° panorama of the landscape and skyscape at Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan, Canada, taken August 25, 2014. The Milky Way arches overhead from south to north at right, and the last vestiges of twilight light the western sky at left, providing a natural backdrop for the silhouette of the photographer gazing wistfully into the distance! Some green bands of airglow also light the sky, but only a few farm lights from outside the boundaries of the Park mar the landscape in this darkest of Dark Sky Preserves in Canada. I shot this from the Eagle Butte Loop Trail at the end of the 70 Mile

The 4-day-old waxing crescent Moon on April 8, 2019 in a blend of short and long exposures to bring out the faint Earthshine on the dark side of the Moon and deep blue twilight sky while retaining details in the bright sunlit crescent.

13897963 - The 4-day-old waxing crescent Moon on April 8, 2019 in a blend of short and long exposures to bring out the faint Earthshine on the dark side of the Moon and deep blue twilight sky while retaining details in the bright sunlit crescent.

Gibbous Moon over Banff townsite, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Taken July 29, 2012 with Canon 7D and 10-22mm lens at ISO 100, f/6.3 and metered. Taken in twilight. Peak is left is Mt. Rundle. Taken from Mt. Norquay viewpoint overlooking town looking south.

13897956 - Gibbous Moon over Banff townsite, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Taken July 29, 2012 with Canon 7D and 10-22mm lens at ISO 100, f/6.3 and metered. Taken in twilight. Peak is left is Mt. Rundle. Taken from Mt. Norquay viewpoint overlooking town looking south.

The rising nearly Full Moon of December 19, 2021, above a snowy prairie scene with a lone tree, and the cold blue twilight lighting the snow, contrasting with the pink of the Belt of Venus above. The Moon is partly in a narrow band of cloud and is exhibiting a slight green flash phenomenon on its distorted upper edge, and red limb on its lower edge from atmospheric dispersion.

13897949 - The rising nearly Full Moon of December 19, 2021, above a snowy prairie scene with a lone tree, and the cold blue twilight lighting the snow, contrasting with the pink of the Belt of Venus above. The Moon is partly in a narrow band of cloud and is exhibiting a slight green flash phenomenon on its distorted upper edge, and red limb on its lower edge from atmospheric dispersion.

The California Nebula, NGC 1499, at top left, with the bright star Zeta Persei. at bottom A faint region of reflection nebulosity, IC 348, surrounds the star Atik, or Omicron Persei, at bottom right. The star just below NGC 1499 is Menkib, or Xi Persei. The field is similar to that of binoculars.

13897946 - The California Nebula, NGC 1499, at top left, with the bright star Zeta Persei. at bottom A faint region of reflection nebulosity, IC 348, surrounds the star Atik, or Omicron Persei, at bottom right. The star just below NGC 1499 is Menkib, or Xi Persei. The field is similar to that of binoculars.

A selfie of me shooting time-lapses and tracked Milky Way images at the 76 Ranch Corral site at Grasslands National Park, August 27, 2019. Taken for use as a book cover. High cloud and a dark aircraft contrail drifting through added the star glows and the dark streak. Jupiter, at right, and Saturn, at left, flank the Milky Way. Altair is the bright star at top.

13897937 - A selfie of me shooting time-lapses and tracked Milky Way images at the 76 Ranch Corral site at Grasslands National Park, August 27, 2019. Taken for use as a book cover. High cloud and a dark aircraft contrail drifting through added the star glows and the dark streak. Jupiter, at right, and Saturn, at left, flank the Milky Way. Altair is the bright star at top.

The aurora of February 3-4, 2014 seen from Churchill, Manitoba at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, looking west to Orion and Taurus, with tour group members taking in the sight. This is a 2-second exposure at f/2 with the 24mm lens and ISO 2000 wth the Canon 5D MkII.

13897879 - The aurora of February 3-4, 2014 seen from Churchill, Manitoba at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre, looking west to Orion and Taurus, with tour group members taking in the sight. This is a 2-second exposure at f/2 with the 24mm lens and ISO 2000 wth the Canon 5D MkII.

The core of the Milky Way in Sagittarius low in the south over the Frenchman River valley at Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan. This is from the 76 Ranch Corral site. Grasslands is a Dark Sky Preserve.

13897860 - The core of the Milky Way in Sagittarius low in the south over the Frenchman River valley at Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan. This is from the 76 Ranch Corral site. Grasslands is a Dark Sky Preserve.

This is the totally eclipsed Moon of November 8, 2022 set in the stars of Aries, with the planet Uranus nearby, visible as the greenish star about three Moon diameters away from the Moon at the 10 o'clock position. Uranus was at oppostion the next night, November 9, at magnitude 5.6.

13897852 - This is the totally eclipsed Moon of November 8, 2022 set in the stars of Aries, with the planet Uranus nearby, visible as the greenish star about three Moon diameters away from the Moon at the 10 o'clock position. Uranus was at oppostion the next night, November 9, at magnitude 5.6.

A composite stack of 12 images taken June 11/12, 2017 of the waning gibbous Moon tracking low across the southern sky on a June nght, from moonrise at left at 11:30 pm to when it began to leave the frame at right at 4 a.m. and when the sky was brightening with dawn. Images are at 25-minute intervals. The sky is blue here from the moonlight.

13897834 - A composite stack of 12 images taken June 11/12, 2017 of the waning gibbous Moon tracking low across the southern sky on a June nght, from moonrise at left at 11:30 pm to when it began to leave the frame at right at 4 a.m. and when the sky was brightening with dawn. Images are at 25-minute intervals. The sky is blue here from the moonlight.

The area of the head of Orion with the large Lambda Orionis nebulosity surrounding the star Meissa at top, with Betelgeuse (left) and Bellatrix (right) at bottom, with the Fornax Lightrack tracker and 200mm lens + Canon 5D MkII. The open cluster around Meissa is Collinder 69.

13897818 - The area of the head of Orion with the large Lambda Orionis nebulosity surrounding the star Meissa at top, with Betelgeuse (left) and Bellatrix (right) at bottom, with the Fornax Lightrack tracker and 200mm lens + Canon 5D MkII. The open cluster around Meissa is Collinder 69.

The Northern Lights in the moonlight arcing over the Rafsundet Strait near the entrance to the Trollfjord in Norway. This was from the deck of the ms Trollfjord, October 15, 2019 on the northbound cruise.

13897805 - The Northern Lights in the moonlight arcing over the Rafsundet Strait near the entrance to the Trollfjord in Norway. This was from the deck of the ms Trollfjord, October 15, 2019 on the northbound cruise.

This is a portrait of the main nebulosity in Orion around the Belt and Sword, including: the Orion Nebula itself (at bottom), aka Messiers 42 and 43; the Running Man Nebula above (aka NGC 1973-5-7); the dark Horsehead Nebula (B33) silhouetted in front of the bright nebula IC 434; the Flame Nebula (NGC 2024) above Alnitak; and at top left the reflection nebulas Messier 78 and NGC 2071.

13897802 - This is a portrait of the main nebulosity in Orion around the Belt and Sword, including: the Orion Nebula itself (at bottom), aka Messiers 42 and 43; the Running Man Nebula above (aka NGC 1973-5-7); the dark Horsehead Nebula (B33) silhouetted in front of the bright nebula IC 434; the Flame Nebula (NGC 2024) above Alnitak; and at top left the reflection nebulas Messier 78 and NGC 2071.

The rising of the almost Full Moon (1 day before full) on September 12, 2019, taken from home in a quick shot, looking over the old rake I often use for a foreground prop. The dark blue in the sky near the horizon is the shadow of the Earth rising.

13897786 - The rising of the almost Full Moon (1 day before full) on September 12, 2019, taken from home in a quick shot, looking over the old rake I often use for a foreground prop. The dark blue in the sky near the horizon is the shadow of the Earth rising.

The large star-forming region of IC 1396 in Cepheus, taken September 4, 2018 from home in southern Alberta. The wide field includes the bright orange star Mu Cephei, or Herschel’s Garnet Star, at upper left. The Elephant Trunk Nebula is just right of centre. North is at top.

13897783 - The large star-forming region of IC 1396 in Cepheus, taken September 4, 2018 from home in southern Alberta. The wide field includes the bright orange star Mu Cephei, or Herschel’s Garnet Star, at upper left. The Elephant Trunk Nebula is just right of centre. North is at top.

The galactic centre area of the Milky Way in Sagittarius behind the grand old barn near home in southern Alberta, on June 30, 2019. Illumination of the barn is from twilight to the north, but also from light pollution skyglow from the west off frame at right. The sky is blue from the perpetual summer twilight at this time of year.

13897676 - The galactic centre area of the Milky Way in Sagittarius behind the grand old barn near home in southern Alberta, on June 30, 2019. Illumination of the barn is from twilight to the north, but also from light pollution skyglow from the west off frame at right. The sky is blue from the perpetual summer twilight at this time of year.

The large emission nebula IC 1805 in Cassiopeia, aka the Heart Nebula. The round nebula at top right is NGC 896. The large loose star cluster at centre is Mel 15; the star cluster at left is NGC 1027. The small cluster below NGC 896 is Tombaugh 4.

13897628 - The large emission nebula IC 1805 in Cassiopeia, aka the Heart Nebula. The round nebula at top right is NGC 896. The large loose star cluster at centre is Mel 15; the star cluster at left is NGC 1027. The small cluster below NGC 896 is Tombaugh 4.

Aurora reflected in the calm waters of Frame Lake this evening and arching over the Prince of Wales Museum in Yellowknife, NWT, on Sept 5, 2019. The Museum exterior is lit by rippling coloured LED lights that mimic the aurora. The Big Dipper and Ursa Major are above the aurora. The arc of the Lights was brighter earlier on this evening but had faded by the time I got set, but came back somewhat, as I shot here. I shot this from Somba K’e Park.

13897627 - Aurora reflected in the calm waters of Frame Lake this evening and arching over the Prince of Wales Museum in Yellowknife, NWT, on Sept 5, 2019. The Museum exterior is lit by rippling coloured LED lights that mimic the aurora. The Big Dipper and Ursa Major are above the aurora. The arc of the Lights was brighter earlier on this evening but had faded by the time I got set, but came back somewhat, as I shot here. I shot this from Somba K’e Park.

A demo image with the Orion 80mm CF Apo and Celestron AVX mount, with 3 x 8 minute and 3 x 6 minutes, at ISO 1600 with Canon 6D MkII plus shorter 3 x 2 minute and 3 x 1 minute exposures blended in with luminosity masks. Guided with the Orion Starshoot and Orion finderscope, using PHD2, with a lot of wild excursions in the guiding.

13897608 - A demo image with the Orion 80mm CF Apo and Celestron AVX mount, with 3 x 8 minute and 3 x 6 minutes, at ISO 1600 with Canon 6D MkII plus shorter 3 x 2 minute and 3 x 1 minute exposures blended in with luminosity masks. Guided with the Orion Starshoot and Orion finderscope, using PHD2, with a lot of wild excursions in the guiding.

13897602 - A collection of bright star clusters and colourful nebulas in central Auriga.

The constellation of Canis Major, including the bright star Sirius, and below it, the open cluster M41. At bottom is the loose cluster/asterism CR 140. This is a stack of 6 x 4 minute exposures at f/2.8 with the Sigma 50mm lens and Canon 60Da at ISO 800. I shot this from Coonabarabran, Australia with the constellation straight overhead. I used the iOptron Sky Tracker. High cloud added the natural glows around stars - no filter was employed here.

13897592 - The constellation of Canis Major, including the bright star Sirius, and below it, the open cluster M41. At bottom is the loose cluster/asterism CR 140. This is a stack of 6 x 4 minute exposures at f/2.8 with the Sigma 50mm lens and Canon 60Da at ISO 800. I shot this from Coonabarabran, Australia with the constellation straight overhead. I used the iOptron Sky Tracker. High cloud added the natural glows around stars - no filter was employed here.

$The first diamond ring during the total eclipse of the Sun, November 14, 2012, from a site near Lakeland Downs, Queensland, Australia. Shot through the Astro-Physics 105mm Traveler f/5.8 refractor scope, tracked on the AP 400 mount, and with the Canon 60Da. 1/1000th sec at ISO 100.$

13897588 - The first diamond ring during the total eclipse of the Sun, November 14, 2012, from a site near Lakeland Downs, Queensland, Australia. Shot through the Astro-Physics 105mm Traveler f/5.8 refractor scope, tracked on the AP 400 mount, and with the Canon 60Da. 1/1000th sec at ISO 100.

The waning gibbous Moon approaches the star Aldebaran at an occultation on the morning of September 12, 2017. This is a multiple exposure composite of the ingress phase that occurred before sunrise, with the Moon from the final exposure and the star from exposures taken at 4-minute intervals prior to that last exposure. For the actual ingress I switched to HD movie to shoot a video of the event.

13897573 - The waning gibbous Moon approaches the star Aldebaran at an occultation on the morning of September 12, 2017. This is a multiple exposure composite of the ingress phase that occurred before sunrise, with the Moon from the final exposure and the star from exposures taken at 4-minute intervals prior to that last exposure. For the actual ingress I switched to HD movie to shoot a video of the event.

A selfie with me observing with the Celestron SE6 scope and using the iPad and WiFi connection to control the scope. Version 1 looking up at the sky. Taken August 18, 2019 in the light of the rising waning gibbous Moon.

13897571 - A selfie with me observing with the Celestron SE6 scope and using the iPad and WiFi connection to control the scope. Version 1 looking up at the sky. Taken August 18, 2019 in the light of the rising waning gibbous Moon.

Orion rising in the moonlight over an old fence and farm implement at my house in southern Alberta, on a very cold and frosty -20° C night on January 3, 2017. Illumination is from the waxing crescent Moon.

13897546 - Orion rising in the moonlight over an old fence and farm implement at my house in southern Alberta, on a very cold and frosty -20° C night on January 3, 2017. Illumination is from the waxing crescent Moon.

The last rays of the setting Sun catch the peaks around the Columbia Icefields in Jasper National Park, Alberta, on July 27, 2020. The waxing quarter Moon shines over Mount Andromeda and sunlight illuminates the glacier on Mount Athabasca at left. The famous Athabasca Glacier itself is at centre. Snow Dome Glacier is at right. The meltwater lake in the middle distance is Sunwapta Lake.

13897516 - The last rays of the setting Sun catch the peaks around the Columbia Icefields in Jasper National Park, Alberta, on July 27, 2020. The waxing quarter Moon shines over Mount Andromeda and sunlight illuminates the glacier on Mount Athabasca at left. The famous Athabasca Glacier itself is at centre. Snow Dome Glacier is at right. The meltwater lake in the middle distance is Sunwapta Lake.

This is a telephoto lens panorama of a low and late-season display of noctilucent clouds in the north on August 7, 2022. This was the latest I had seen NLCs from my latitude of 51° N. This was taken from home in southern Alberta on a night which also featured a Kp5-level aurora show that included STEVE.

13897481 - This is a telephoto lens panorama of a low and late-season display of noctilucent clouds in the north on August 7, 2022. This was the latest I had seen NLCs from my latitude of 51° N. This was taken from home in southern Alberta on a night which also featured a Kp5-level aurora show that included STEVE.

13897407 - The Full Moon and a perigean Full Moon at that, rising near home over a prairie farm in the distance, on December 3, 2017.

$The partial eclipse of the Sun, October 23, 2014, as seen from Jasper, Alberta, shot under clear skies through a mylar filter, on the front of a 66mm f/6 apo refractor using the Canon 60Da for 1/8000 (!) sec exposure at ISO 100. The colours are natural, with the mylar filter providing a neutral “white light” image. The big sunspot on the Sun that day is just disappearing behind the Moon’s limb. The mylar filter gave a white Sun, its natural colour, but I have tinted the Sun’s disk yellow for a more pleasing view that is not just white Sun/black sky.$

13897388 - The partial eclipse of the Sun, October 23, 2014, as seen from Jasper, Alberta, shot under clear skies through a mylar filter, on the front of a 66mm f/6 apo refractor using the Canon 60Da for 1/8000 (!) sec exposure at ISO 100. The colours are natural, with the mylar filter providing a neutral “white light” image. The big sunspot on the Sun that day is just disappearing behind the Moon’s limb. The mylar filter gave a white Sun, its natural colour, but I have tinted the Sun’s disk yellow for a more pleasing view that is not just white Sun/black sky.

Twilight at Red Rock Canyon area in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, July 17, 2014. Mt. Blakiston is to the right, named for the first scientific explorer, Thomas Blakiston, to travel and map this area as part of the Palliser Expedition, 1858-59. The foreground has wild roses, the emblem of Alberta. This is a single frame from a time-lapse movie, taken with the Canon 5D MkII and 14mm Rokinon lens.

13897380 - Twilight at Red Rock Canyon area in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, July 17, 2014. Mt. Blakiston is to the right, named for the first scientific explorer, Thomas Blakiston, to travel and map this area as part of the Palliser Expedition, 1858-59. The foreground has wild roses, the emblem of Alberta. This is a single frame from a time-lapse movie, taken with the Canon 5D MkII and 14mm Rokinon lens.

13848704 - Traditional dinner on the sunset in The Observatory Of Pic Du Midi De Bigorre, Hautes Pyrenees, Midi Pyrenees, France

13848471 - La Mongie lake of Oncet and a cable car rising to The Observatory Of Pic Du Midi De Bigorre, Hautes Pyrenees, Midi Pyrenees, France

13846750 - La Mongie lake of Oncet and a cable car rising to The Observatory Of Pic Du Midi De Bigorre, Hautes Pyrenees, Midi Pyrenees, France

13846583 - The Observatory Of Pic Du Midi De Bigorre, Hautes Pyrenees, Midi Pyrenees, France

View point of The Observatory Of Pic Du Midi De Bigorre, Hautes Pyrenees, Midi Pyrenees, France. The 12m Ponton dans le ciel, a glass walkway high above the Pyrenees at Pic du Midi de Bigorre, a 2877m mountain in the French Pyrenees, home to an astronomical observatory and visitors centre. The observatory is acccessible from the village of La Mongie by cablecar. Tourists often visit in time for the spectacular sunset across the mountains.

13846103 - View point of The Observatory Of Pic Du Midi De Bigorre, Hautes Pyrenees, Midi Pyrenees, France. The 12m Ponton dans le ciel, a glass walkway high above the Pyrenees at Pic du Midi de Bigorre, a 2877m mountain in the French Pyrenees, home to an astronomical observatory and visitors centre. The observatory is acccessible from the village of La Mongie by cablecar. Tourists often visit in time for the spectacular sunset across the mountains.

13845081 - La Mongie lake of Oncet and a cable car rising to The Observatory Of Pic Du Midi De Bigorre, Hautes Pyrenees, Midi Pyrenees, France

Sunset Mountain views in front of The Observatory Of Pic Du Midi De Bigorre, Hautes Pyrenees, Midi Pyrenees, France. The Col du Tourmalet is the highest paved mountain pass in the French Pyrenees second only to the Col de Portet. So in contrast to frequent claims.

13844923 - Sunset Mountain views in front of The Observatory Of Pic Du Midi De Bigorre, Hautes Pyrenees, Midi Pyrenees, France. The Col du Tourmalet is the highest paved mountain pass in the French Pyrenees second only to the Col de Portet. So in contrast to frequent claims.

13836921 - Northern lights display over a house. Laukvik, Nordland, Norway.

13836920 - Northern lights display over a cabin. Laukvik, Nordland, Norway.

13836868 - An aurora borealis and the Big Dipper constellation above a mountain peak. Andenes, Vesteralen Islands, Nordland, Norway.

13835486 - The Milky Way over the Khwai river. Khwai Concession, Okavango Delta, Botswana

13828388 - Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) at night reflected on the water in a starry night

13828370 - Wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) on window with moon in background, Spain

13828333 - Portrait of a Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) at night with the moon behind

13828285 - Barn owl (Tyto alba) with red moon in background, Spain

13828237 - Common genet (Genetta genetta) jumping at night, Spain

13828218 - Conehead mantis (Empusa pennata) with moon in background, Spain

13824547 - Jantar Mantar, Delhi, India

71431652 - Observatory in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

71431650 - Observatory in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

71431649 - Observatory in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

71429962 - Waxing moon, almost full moon, seen from Bavaria, Germany

This frames the bright Scutum Starcloud at centre and surrounding region of the Milky Way,with the bright starfields contrasting with the dark lanes and obscuring dust in this region of the Milky Way. The bright star cluster Messier 11,or the Wild Duck Cluster,is left of centre embedded in the Starcloud. The smaller star cluster M26 is below it. At bottom right,the star cluster set in a dark lane and above the blue star is NGC 6649. That blue star has a small reflection nebula around it,IC 1287.

13999719 - This frames the bright Scutum Starcloud at centre and surrounding region of the Milky Way,with the bright starfields contrasting with the dark lanes and obscuring dust in this region of the Milky Way. The bright star cluster Messier 11,or the Wild Duck Cluster,is left of centre embedded in the Starcloud. The smaller star cluster M26 is below it. At bottom right,the star cluster set in a dark lane and above the blue star is NGC 6649. That blue star has a small reflection nebula around it,IC 1287.

The Blakiston Valley in Waterton Lakes National Park,in Alberta,Canada,in a panorama captured by moonlight,May 29,2023. Illumination is from the waxing gibbous Moon just off frame at top.

13999714 - The Blakiston Valley in Waterton Lakes National Park,in Alberta,Canada,in a panorama captured by moonlight,May 29,2023. Illumination is from the waxing gibbous Moon just off frame at top.

The passage of the SpaceX G2-9 Starlink group at about 3:30 am on May 15,2023,with the satellite chain still bright five days after its May 10 launch from Vandenburgh Air Force Base in California. This is most of the group,though a bright leader satellite did pass by a minute prior following the same path. The satellites were predicted to be magntiude 3.0 but appear as bright as first magnitude stars. This is looking northwest toward the Big Dipper at top. The glow of morning twilight brightening the sky. The satellite train is traveling from left to right here,from southwest to north. This is

13999617 - The passage of the SpaceX G2-9 Starlink group at about 3:30 am on May 15,2023,with the satellite chain still bright five days after its May 10 launch from Vandenburgh Air Force Base in California. This is most of the group,though a bright leader satellite did pass by a minute prior following the same path. The satellites were predicted to be magntiude 3.0 but appear as bright as first magnitude stars. This is looking northwest toward the Big Dipper at top. The glow of morning twilight brightening the sky. The satellite train is traveling from left to right here,from southwest to north. This is