https://www.bltastro.com/blogs daily 1.0 2023-05-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589035534908-WBVBFRNU0K0KYAR5EK8Y/Grand+Traverse+2-14.jpg Blogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617379050000-1H8ZP1TY5SPTCV4HGD81/2021+M45.jpg Blogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1676825275679-SQ0S6M80BNQ7AP5DO8HI/BLT+graphics+Observatory.jpg Blogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551361002366-104KK6O7GB28GJVVF5NQ/einsteintower.JPG Blogs Einstein Tower, 1921. One of my favourite building sections https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551360720196-5WSX2H6QVD07OCBQEYKW/Kielder.jpg Blogs Kielder Observatory - click to follow link https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550825181149-ECRD0L585WEX80WV7TBD/IMG_E0042.jpg Blogs click here to open up a set of design sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550775684989-ZT21Y0FVRDBH1M05LVLB/IMG_6227.jpg Blogs Levelled base and pier foundation dug https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550775855802-DHRPB2K2ZV7SD5UXKRGU/IMG_6715.jpg Blogs Floor joists, concrete base and pier test https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550775972881-STCO86AOSJ03XX859MJU/IMG_6721.jpg Blogs Wall panels, un-clad as high as the surrounding obstructions. The nearest frame became the door https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550776080967-WCJDFJSG6PYXOLD7857E/IMG_6586.jpg Blogs The ring (or track), later mounted onto the wall frames for the wheels to run inside in a perfect(ish) circle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550776251798-MT2OL3P54E3I29ETY8Y3/IMG_6734.jpg Blogs 4 casters running in the track and rolling middle lid portion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550776419851-D64E6NZ3347FTA65G3VO/IMG_7006.jpg Blogs With felt, low parapet edge and gutters (no downpipes) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550776586350-79HCKF0OTY4Z2WHYYRX5/IMG_7019.jpg Blogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550776625649-DCS5J9ULCXR4WO5U9SCC/IMG_7192.jpg Blogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550776723939-7A9NZCWSN129ZYEG82G6/IMG_8667.jpg Blogs New roof form, wing pitches and full front-to-back slot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550776974309-A0873CP76K1X2WS75C7O/IMG_8892.jpg Blogs In-situ with curved section top sections https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550777115362-BLHL6D9TAECJFQDL60WB/IMG_9029.jpg Blogs New roof fully waterproofed with 610gsm PVC sheet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550777335621-W9ESOG1CF65S9Q8NMTA5/DGZFE6346.jpg Blogs Inside the BLT! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551793051054-THJB6L40RZSNVSIKFCII/IMG_9101.jpg Blogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/905f3a39-a8e3-4242-aac5-aa262c52f598/BLT+banner.jpg Blogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588497888851-7HJCMXW3ARAO3ESBUVFY/Tramping+Banner.jpg Blogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588498071953-DZHG0GR9LBVDPQMFQ15R/P1080428.jpg Blogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588875511585-G6CAB4G3YN6A0UW2M3YS/Cover+image-1.jpg Blogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588940042549-CNQTX8KALRAN7BXHXFXQ/IMG_3846.jpeg Blogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589023875276-Q9ZEAW5RFSHA3BDE0H45/Adjustments.jpeg Blogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593874418606-XZUDN8GJQG9E3BEUY260/Hollyford+%2870+of+89%29.jpg Blogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589048337302-IUBTD0XHG54SMBGGGYQ2/Milford2-1.jpg Blogs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589048692980-J3ZJQECPGN2PG00KW5E0/Milford-27.jpg Blogs https://www.bltastro.com/sketches daily 0.75 2019-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550825500555-KHDAWYWOZKQR5TEOLK4P/moonplane_2.jpg Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824357187-V51ZK107121O5OQJ5G9O/IMG_E0031.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824342040-7EO2VQ7XE3WDJS41YXTW/IMG_E0032.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824381055-6KCIPGNDC3U4PGNAL97E/IMG_E0033.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824394864-X28IDLIA5SVOBPQPZ7TG/IMG_E0034.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824429537-UUDU1ZHVZU63OZ51NMZR/IMG_E0035.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824450255-Q7NHI4Z6MGPK0YIBA4OP/IMG_E0036.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824477935-HY96LQXZ5Q7692ZLXNPR/IMG_E0037.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824487316-8B8ATJNQAJVV0WYNZEVW/IMG_E0038.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824510719-HNMLMV204G4D0UPWR316/IMG_E0039.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824514543-99AXEVZCDOKMK7CV9JVM/IMG_E0040.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824572156-ZM1DPNGU03RYVIKHV0U5/IMG_E0041.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824563478-ROHKOCKHU0D1UETWRCKG/IMG_E0042+-+Copy.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824616226-6AA1EV7TTG8H2FEZGVZS/IMG_E0043.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824664900-PZ2P66HXT2LUP8BJEEMD/IMG_E0044.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824655448-Z7B0EJW9MF0GNXZVUB8H/IMG_E0045.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824692355-RW9W5C05B1WUNPI87E5Y/IMG_E0046.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824696919-I5BBDUDC8H90FD6ZLTLY/IMG_E0047.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824757816-H55OA6CTNDPQSI93UM1F/IMG_E0048.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824747450-TKOCDSH9XLY5ZYOOHO44/IMG_E0051.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824799409-3XH8PGEZHBVF242LJ5WO/IMG_E0052.JPG Design Sketches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1550824792503-GPEYLOXBUP15HG3BAY9M/IMG_E0053.JPG Design Sketches https://www.bltastro.com/nightscapes daily 0.75 2024-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1683229865445-HTHYRHUUX3T5LQIMV2QI/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - Bath planetary panorama: Moon / Jupiter / Venus Canon 50mm f/1.4 and Canon 6D panorama. This image was used by Bath Preservation Trust for their Dark Skies awareness campaign. Bathwick Meadows, 23rd Feb 2023. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1683229865445-HTHYRHUUX3T5LQIMV2QI/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - Bath planetary panorama: Moon / Jupiter / Venus Canon 50mm f/1.4 and Canon 6D panorama. This image was used by Bath Preservation Trust for their Dark Skies awareness campaign. Bathwick Meadows, 23rd Feb 2023. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1683229313128-UX17FKZ0VHWB3WOG1I9A/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - Bath planetary Panorama: Jupiter / Moon / Venus / Saturn Sigma Art 20mm f/1.4 and Canon 6D panorama. Bathwick Meadows 24th Jan 2023. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1705851635365-OZZY701DFSF4VRDWO6L9/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - The Moon & Jupiter conjunction over Bath Featured in Sky at Night Magazine’s Gallery, April 2024. Canon 6D with Sigma 20mm Art lens shooting at f/2.8 1600 and various exposures to create a three-pane vertical mosaic. Bathwick, 18th Jan 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1688918258857-6OL5D77LUCA67DWRCBP5/SummTri_230707_LExtr_5000+300pdi+copy.jpg Nightscapes - The Summer Triangle July 2023 CMOS single shot camera with L-eXtreme filter and 20mm Sigma Art lens at f/2.8. 30x 60sec exposures processed in APP and PS. Home, 7th July 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1688919913297-3XBGESD24SD2DF4Q9XJJ/Conjunction+230621.jpg Nightscapes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1659456532175-DAIBLU8YUVHMN8LFQQD6/IMG_0252.jpeg Nightscapes - The Milky Way core, Vounaki Beach Resort Canon 6D with 20mm Sigma Art lens on MSM star tracker. Tracked star images and static foreground. 23rd May, Greece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1682454090625-UBT5CS5AK6RF2KO2BHW0/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - The Northern Lights from Astrocamp Handheld iPhone exposure 23rd April 2023 from Cwmdu, Wales https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1645871128640-0PYJZTUOHKKYFJRENWGE/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - Orion & Barnard's Loop Sigma 20mm Art lens at f/2.8 on ASI294MC Pro with dual narrowband filter. 30x 60sec tracked on MSM rotator. Bathampton, 25th Feb 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1645871025739-TSFKGQHU069482BA35AX/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - Widefield Auriga Sigma 20mm Art lens at f/2.8 on ASI294MC Pro with dual narrowband filter. 10x 60sec tracked on MSM rotator. Bathampton, 25th Feb 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1643393130651-1EW1FFEWUGKMT3NYLCAQ/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - Orion Jan 2022 Two-pane vertical panorama, combining stacks of the foreground and stars. Stars were tracked on the MSM rotator. Canon 6D with Sigma 20mm Art lens shooting f/2.8 ISO1600 20sec exposures. Processed in LR, Sequator and PS. Edge of Bath, 27th Jan 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1633549210237-LFCXZKYU21R6I5YKTSOZ/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - Autumn Milky Way Two pane (unplanned!) mosaic from Cassiopeia, through Cepheus to Cygnus. Cooled OSC with Dual Narrowband filter on Sigma 20mm Art Lens at f2.5, 45x 60sec exposures per pane, stacked in APP with Dark & Bias calibration frames. Tracked on MSM SiFo rotator. Home, 5th Oct 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1651407799152-5C8LD0U5IPEZRVOD7IRS/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - The Galactic Core The heart of the Milky Way, planned in PhotoPills and taken a short walk from home. Cooled CMOS camera with Sigma 20mm Art lens, tracked on MSM rotator. 20x 30sec exposures processed in APP and PS. Near home, 5th June 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1651407860497-IVLN2F3C1H6ZISK3D4LN/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - Milky Way Mosaic Not a deliberately planned mosaic, but I managed to capture the Milky Way from Cepheus and Cygnus on the left to the horizon. Sigma 20mm f1.4 Art Lens on CMOS cooled colour camera, tracked on the MSM rotator. Near home, 5th June 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628883326074-X71SVE237P9MWLMCVX0X/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - GoPro Perseid Meteors GoPro Hero 5, Night Lapse, 30secs Home 12-13th Aug 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1623607608373-W3CY9CUUH10LDRXR372R/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - The Moon & Venus over Bath 10 frames captured on Panasonic GX7 with telephoto lens, stacked on Sequator, processed on PS. Home 12th June 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1615970274710-00JPUHV0NQ5JSK2SWB18/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - Widefield Orion First test of a new imaging set up comprising my CMOS single shot colour camera with a DSLR wide angle lens (no telescope). The connecting adapter includes a filter drawer into which I placed a dual narrowband filter and ran a series of 15 or 30sec tracked exposures and calibration frames. Processed in APP and PS. Home 16th March 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1621763556734-D9F9R63RB3MTG7P1K6LE/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - ISS Pass Taken with GoPro Hero5 using Night Lapse. Combined 8x 30secs. Home 22nd May 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617022368525-WI76VB0X0LA58JMQKHKS/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - Full Moon over Brown's Folly Panasonic GX7 with 200mm telephoto lens. 1/200 sec at ISO 200. 8 Mar 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1590609091302-N5ECSD1JMYVAJOLKSUKG/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - Early Summer Star Trails 90mins of GoPro Hero5 ‘Night Lapse’ Home 25th May 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1587646508145-65UENIXDPENDLH4XA44Y/200422+Star+trails.jpeg Nightscapes - Star Trails 22 April 2020 I set up my GoPro to try and capture the peak of the Lyrid Meteor Shower. As you can see, there wasn’t much meteor action, but this nice star trail resulted. c.3 hours of 30sec Night Lapse exposures stacked in PS Home, 22nd April 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586953647792-4DPCOCVBGQVL9PTWI4HV/StarTrails+200413.jpeg Nightscapes - Star Trails with All Sky Camera This is a stack of 230x 30sec exposures showing the earth’s rotation around Polaris, the North Star. It was taken on 13th April 2020 during the global Coronavirus pandemic, resulting in far fewer planes going overhead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1615413194140-WX23Z7O29F96TEFWYK1Y/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - Snow Moon rising February’s Full Moon rising behind local landmark Brown’s Folly. Panasonic GX7 with telephoto lens 200mm. Home 27th Feb 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1581183383163-7DURMKNX6GAJOCRVSX1C/NZ2019_Astro-2_SCross.jpeg Nightscapes - NZ 2019 - The Southern Cross at dusk The Southern Cross and the Coal Sack within the emerging dark lanes of the Milky Way - taken just as the sky was getting dark. Single frame with M4/3 camera & 20mm pancake lens at f/1.7, 4 sec exposure at ISO1600. Lightweight travel tripod with SiFo MSM rotator. Processed in Lightroom. 23rd Dec 2019, near Lake Mckellar, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585593814399-MIRR1ZVOXSUI7KDIVAZT/image-asset.jpeg Nightscapes - NZ 2019 - The Southern Cross & Eta Carinae Nebula The Pointers (Hadar & Rigil Kentaurus) above the central silhouetted tree pick out the Crux - The Southern Cross and the Coal Sack. The Eta Carinae Nebula is the pinky cloud top left. NGC 3114 sits above it and NGC3532 below. Single frame with M4/3 camera & 20mm pancake lens at f/1.7, 5 sec exposure at ISO3200. Lightweight travel tripod with SiFo MSM rotator. Processed in Lightroom. 23rd Dec 2019, near Lake Mckellar, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1581183355438-HWVQM4PNDPAVUF6IOGJG/NZ2019_Astro-8_LMC.jpeg Nightscapes - NZ 2019 - The Large Magellanic Cloud LMC with bright stars Canopus (left), Avior (bottom) with cluster NGC2516 just above. Single frame with M4/3 camera & 20mm pancake lens at f/1.7, 9 sec exposure at ISO1600. Lightweight travel tripod with SiFo MSM rotator. Processed in Lightroom. 23rd Dec 2019, near Lake Mckellar, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1581183360719-CDIUWKSUBGTXQ9O5GHJC/NZ2019_Astro-1_Orion.jpeg Nightscapes - NZ 2019 - Orion & Sirius rising at dusk Single frame with M4/3 camera & 20mm pancake lens at f/1.7, 6 sec exposure at ISO800. Lightweight travel tripod with SiFo MSM rotator. Processed in Lightroom. 23rd Dec 2019, near Lake Mckellar, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1581183372475-DJTMN5DHUVVKF3FN5UQ6/NZ2019_Astro-4_Orion.jpeg Nightscapes - NZ 2019 - Orion Single frame with M4/3 camera & 20mm pancake lens at f/1.7, 11 sec exposure at ISO1600. Lightweight travel tripod with SiFo MSM rotator. Processed in Lightroom. 23rd Dec 2019, near Lake Mckellar, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1581183386521-XLHORY3B159L3S6PE9PZ/NZ2019_Astro-9_Pleiades.jpeg Nightscapes - NZ 2019 - The Pleiades & Hyades Single frame with M4/3 camera & 20mm pancake lens at f/1.7, 9 sec exposure at ISO1600. Lightweight travel tripod with SiFo MSM rotator. Processed in Lightroom. 23rd Dec 2019, near Lake Mckellar, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1581183377365-YMAU2T0V43ZJ5KTLIPO2/NZ2019_Astro-10_Orion.jpeg Nightscapes - NZ 2019 - The Pleiades, Hyades & Orion Single frame with M4/3 camera & 20mm pancake lens at f/1.7, 9 sec exposure at ISO1600. Lightweight travel tripod with SiFo MSM rotator. Processed in Lightroom. 23rd Dec 2019, near Lake Mckellar, New Zealand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1569174835106-EDRHIPZFZJ8JC3BDSLHJ/190921_GoPro_Flare+01.jpg Nightscapes - 'While we were watching Netflix' GoPro Hero5 single 30sec exposure, ISO 800 Tracked on MSM SiFo Rotator. Edited in Photoshop Home Sep 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1569174428289-T59K12KHAPRG8N1SDZR7/190920_GoPro_SummerTri+01.jpg Nightscapes - City Milky Way GoPro Hero5 single 30 sec exposure, tracked on MSM SiFo Rotator. Edited in Photoshop Home Sep 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551083024243-IMT6HPOPSM8KNVP7A8AR/Jurassic+Tree+2.jpg Nightscapes - Stargazy Hut Fixed position DSLR, c. 1hr stacked. Jurassic Coast, March 2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551180709661-GC5KT783O3CVPEU62FYY/IMG_4182.jpg Nightscapes - Stargazy Hut Tree Couple of seconds DSLR exposure, flashed with a red torch. Jurassic Coast, March 2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551180646293-DVYZWC3YA9F1NKRMB3WW/IMG_4174.jpg Nightscapes - Moon rise Constellation of Leo above the Moon Jurassic Coast, March 2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551180842570-H15Y452Q6CZXUS7X21HX/chimney+milky+way+P.jpg Nightscapes - Milky Way / Summer Triangle One DSLR exposure of a few seconds. Trees and house flashed with a red torch. Home August 2016 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551190060167-BOOHZ2ZKIPIMY1M0NISC/portrait+chimney+red+low.jpg Nightscapes - Summer Triangle Star Trails Same position, this time a stack of images, DSLR fixed tripod, c.100 x 30sec exposures Home August 2016 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551185714785-DN3S3MKLHASLOGGGMES5/NZ+Routeburn+2007.jpg Nightscapes - Southern Cross over the Southern Alps 30sec f/2.8 ISO100 exposure Sony DSC-P120 compact camera Routeburn Falls Hut, NZ 2007 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551185783473-VT5DIJQC8U5M4GAK5W18/QTown01.jpg Nightscapes - Southern Cross over Queenstown & The Remarkables GoPro single exposure, cropped and stretched NZ, March 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551185794747-337DC0ZK97UCO2C2DVT3/QTown03.jpg Nightscapes - The Remarkables The Milky Way rising over The Remarkables & Lake Wakatipu. Single GoPro exposure, cropped and stretched Queenstown, NZ March 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551180926431-W399F3TITC42ZFZC3TR4/star+trails+apples+2016.jpg Nightscapes - Star trails Looking north east over the apple tree Home August 2016 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1562879365113-O30RT806RV4JL3N5R7PM/public.jpeg Nightscapes - The Milky Way GoPro Hero5 tracking on MSM SiFo stack of 15x 30sec Night Lapse images ISO 800 Home July 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551181013267-ITRRRK2AIQMPIFNV5JRP/sunflower+edit+1.jpg Nightscapes - Sunflower star trails c. 100 DSLR 30sec exposures The veggie patch, home August 2016 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551180784100-CWM4VY7Q1GLMNPCA40O3/Orion+widefield+190202.jpg Nightscapes - Widefield Orion c. 10 x 60sec tracked and stacked exposures. 14mm Samyang on Canon 600D Home Feb 2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551181005665-K6W3NAH7VJJSYCJJ1K4A/V2+Auriga+widefield+190202.jpg Nightscapes - Gemini / Auriga Widefield c. 10 x 60sec tracked and stacked DSLR images 14mm Samyang on Canon 600D Home Feb 2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551185869295-61OHDBOE8HQ441KTNJCB/Karri+Valley+02.jpg Nightscapes - Moonrise, Margaret River Moon rising over Beedelup nr Margaret River Karri Valley Resort, WA Australia, Oct 2009 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551541114668-P608F2PYMNRW4B4BITQP/151231+Orion+over+house+edit.jpg Nightscapes - Orion & Barnard's Loop over the house This image of Orion includes a glimpse of Barnard’s Loop, an emission nebula that forms a large semi-circle arc around the eastern (left) side of Orion. 14mm Samyang lens on Canon 600D 31st December 2015 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551567802894-EMS3VY1P27J9K9JJVZ69/M35+wide+190224.jpg Nightscapes - Widefield Gemini and M35 14mm Samyang lens & Canon 600D, MoveShootMove rotator 24th February 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1561304316657-VLI688CZMFYGCVMBQEGM/190621%2BSummerTri_GoPro.jpg Nightscapes - Summer Triangle GoPro Hero5 on MSM SiFo tracking mount. Night Lapse: 10x 30sec exposures, 1min interval, ISO800, Narrow FOV Stacked and edited in Photoshop June 21st 2019, Home https://www.bltastro.com/moon daily 0.75 2025-04-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1744973228035-NNX2I5B69LH3WRWSJHBL/image-asset.jpeg Moon - 12 Day Moon through a cloud window Canon 6D with Askar FM180 Pro f/4.5. Fox Hut, West Coast South Island, NZ 10th Feb 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1744973228035-NNX2I5B69LH3WRWSJHBL/image-asset.jpeg Moon - 12 Day Moon through a cloud window Canon 6D with Askar FM180 Pro f/4.5. Fox Hut, West Coast South Island, NZ 10th Feb 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1553281826762-TTCXIRQSA2FRM9ATH0HC/Moon2+150928.jpg Moon - Blood Moon DSLR paired with 72mm refractor Home 28th September 2015 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1553282179973-ST8NKPRLYG5CIRG0DVFA/moonplane_11_2010.jpg Moon - Moon plane Complete fluke single shot prime photography through 90mm mak-cass Bath November 2010 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1615844294710-15ZT4HTRSMRQ3KPK3HK2/image-asset.jpeg Moon - Waxing 2 Day Moon with Earthshine Overexposed stack of images to reveal Earthshine on a 2-day moon. Stack of 10 frames 1/5 sec at ISO6400 Home 15th March 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1615843953122-ISCZUTYWTU5YITEVY29W/image-asset.jpeg Moon - Waxing 2 Day Moon 72mm refractor with DSLR at prime focus. Around 20x 1/40 at ISO 400 stacked manually in PS. Home 15th March 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585495314923-X3FS6QCFYKJD5LDQ71OI/image-asset.jpeg Moon - Waxing 2 day Moon 140-OMC Mak-Cass with ASI290MC camera Mosaic of 10 panes, 150 frames per pane selecting the best 15%. (Some panes sharper than others). Home, 27th March 2020, low cost pier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585591989469-MIRZ1UMOA26PU6EUDVO0/image-asset.jpeg Moon - Waxing 3 day Moon Mosaic image taken with OMC-140 Mak-Cass and mono camera Stacked in Register and panes combined in PS Home, 27th Feb 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1555438454268-MLARSEGYKKWC07WLXXI1/Moon+4+Day+170402.jpg Moon - Waxing 4 day Moon 02 April 2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1701944200624-75N271KPXGUGV66ID0K7/230525+5+Day+moon+mosaic+6pm.jpg Moon - Waxing 5 Day Moon 6 pane mosaic. OMC-140 with IR850 filter and ASI482MC. Home, 25th May 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1555363454044-0SALSY2E0Q0JG4UHFQDS/5+day+Moon+190410.jpg Moon - Waxing 5 day Moon 8” RC stack of 20 exposures Home 10 April 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1701944962913-PHZ9842A69AKU1NKOHAY/image-asset.jpeg Moon - Waxing 6 Day Moon, 26/5/23 7 pane mosaic. OMC-140 with IR850 filter and ASI482MC. Home, 26th May 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1678739321715-F2RO79665432REPK4LJY/Moon+7+Day+160215.jpg Moon - First Quarter Moon Two panel mosaic. OMC-140 with 0.5x focal reducer and ASI482MC colour camera. 27th February 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1715879165659-M7RA9V2KXRTMNHIKAT7U/image-asset.jpeg Moon - First Quarter 7 Day Moon 10 pane mosaic with C11 EdgeHD and ASI294MC pro and LPro filter. Home, 15th May 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1555365549574-ORJ94NWQUTGFS9FE2RMK/Moon+8+Day+160625.jpg Moon - Gibbous 8 day Moon Probably a 2 pane mosaic, DSLR 25th June 2016 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1553284615104-A6L88B7HZQ7VBTWGHRCC/190317+Moon+11+day2_.jpg Moon - Gibbous 9 day Moon 8” RC and DSLR 2 pane mosaic 19th March 2016 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1584119580100-G6ATGUHTBS0R95AIBTJ8/Moon+9+day+200303.jpg Moon - Gibbous 9 day Moon Stack of 100 x 0.01 exposures with CMOS camera 8” RC with light pollution filter Home, 3rd Feb 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1642263275771-XJ0X7LZWWR4GZTDV08IW/image-asset.jpeg Moon - Gibbous 10 day moon 7 pane mosaic of best 15% of videos of 3min length. C11 with cooled colour camera converted to monochrome. 12th Jan 2022, Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586075532211-EKS5AH7NKEOPR0R8Q1QE/image-asset.jpeg Moon - Gibbous 10 day Moon 8” RC and CMOS single shot camera with SkyMax LPro filter. 300 frames stacked, best 15% selected. Home 3rd April 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1678740447367-SI6VE0B3AM72L5W5ODQZ/image-asset.jpeg Moon - 10 Day Mineral Moon 72mm refractor with CMOS colour camera. Home, 02 March 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1553026777337-1BJEKS8K41WT8BU7MDC0/190317+Moon+11+day.jpg Moon - Gibbous 11 day Moon 30x 0.01sec exposures stacked in Registax 8”RC and single shot CMOS cooled camera Adjusted in Lightroom Home 17th March 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1555439125693-EUF7HCVD6ZQI3F3QA5Z5/Moon+12+Day+160421.jpg Moon - Gibbous 12 day Moon Mosaic image 21st April 2016 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1615413349125-GQ8WLW0FC3QVQ3ZNADMT/image-asset.jpeg Moon - Full Moon February 2021’s Snow Moon. This was created from a video stack of a couple of thousand frames using AutoStakkert! and Photoshop. 51mm APO with CMOS single shot colour camera. Home 27th Feb 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551540085538-4HRYFGG615077L6Q7L3Q/150927+Full+Moon.jpg Moon - Full Moon 72mm refractor and Canon 600D 27th September 2015 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1647642334285-PJWJD4TJD60J7B7WS3Q7/Moon%2BDay%2B15.jpg Moon - 16 day Full Moon 72mm refractor and ASI290MC 2-pane mosaic image 18th March 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1647894553366-HGJT8OIWGAIRIIJ3RI08/2022-03-19+Moon+Day+17.jpg Moon - Day 17 Moon 51mm APO with CMOS OSC and UV/IR cut filter Stacked video file Home, 19th March 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551540079700-HUIMS2T42CN5A9JT0BB5/100829+DSC09194.jpg Moon - Waning Gibbous Moon Sony DSC-P120 compact camera on ETX90 29th August 2010 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1594671051976-WZUYQFNXZI6JVBCKTXEA/200712_20day_Moon.jpg Moon - 20 day Moon Single exposure taken with 51mm APO refractor and DSLR. Bath, 12th July 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617022610266-GDDTLMTTCXR0OQ92T3WW/image-asset.jpeg Moon - Snow Moon Rising Sequence shot with Panasonic GX7 with 200mm telephoto lens. 27 Feb 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551181764280-ZDCE953LYFE3D1K7MKEU/Supermoon-1.jpg Moon - Supermoon rising Panasonic GX7 and telephoto lens 1st January 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551202979324-H2ZK7QH9M4DABW7Q77FJ/Photo+19-02-2019%2C+17+58+40.jpg Moon - Supermoon rising Spoilt by cloud, but still atmospheric.. M3/4 DSLR and 200mm telephoto Home 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588617292134-GC5MWMN77VXTVR4K8KX4/image-asset.jpeg Moon - Lunar Eclipse Partial lunar eclipse as the Moon was rising. 72mm refractor with DSLR single frame 1/2sec ISO 200 Bath, UK https://www.bltastro.com/deep-sky-objects daily 0.75 2026-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1663347987071-C4LPY25Z7SYG133W665V/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M81 Bode's Galaxy (Sky at Night Image of the Month, Apr 2022) C11 with cooled camera and LPro filter. 2hr 30mins integration processed with APP and PS. Home, 4th Feb 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1663347987071-C4LPY25Z7SYG133W665V/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M81 Bode's Galaxy (Sky at Night Image of the Month, Apr 2022) C11 with cooled camera and LPro filter. 2hr 30mins integration processed with APP and PS. Home, 4th Feb 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1774459667549-3B6R0MQ303F773ZYFVC8/260225_Rosette_2_50min_HaOIII.jpg Deep Sky Objects - NGC 2237 Rosette Nebula 25/02/2026 Whitecat 51 APO with dual narrowband filter. ASI585MC Air. 50min integration processed with APP and PS. Home, 25th Feb 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1774453502398-CWME6ERZ8IL0S3U4H1HN/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - Heart & Soul 25th Feb 2026 Askar FM180 with Dual Narrowband filter, ASI294MC pro. iOptron Skyguider Pro, unguided. 100minutes of integration. Processed in APP and PS. Home, 25th Feb 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1767525464419-09WYK6S8BG4EIVHXFZLR/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M33 Triangulum Galaxy WhiteCat51 APO with ASI585MC Air, LPro filter. 4hrs integration under full moon conditions. Processed in APP and PS. Home, 3rd Jan 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1644077735121-75SKNTQPH314MWXVJS45/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M81 Bode's Galaxy (Sky at Night Image of the Month, Apr 2022) C11 with cooled colour camera and LPro filter. 2hrs 30min integration processed with APP and PS. Home, 4th Feb 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1774459260743-KW7T0JLRT5WYDBVJ1TVK/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - IC443 Jellyfish Nebula Whitecat 51 APO with narrowband filter and ASI585MC Air. 1hr integration, processed in APP and PS. Home, 17th March 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1774462420018-CTI7PYEUGH0TSNHINODR/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M101 galaxy C8 EdgeHD with single shot colour camera and LPro filter. 90mins integrations from 2min guided subs. Processed in APP and PS, Home, 30th April 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1766236044081-EAJLE4BWWBF7KWJIDA0N/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - NGC 1931 Reflection & Emission Nebula C11 EdgeHD with single shot colour camera and LPro filter. 3hrs integration time with APP and PS. Home, 16 & 19th Dec 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1763848904413-FYJJWBPD77I5LUOIS3EX/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M74 galaxy C8 EdgeHD with one shot colour camera and LPro filter. 2hrs integration from 120sec subs. Processed in APP an PS. Home, 17 Nov 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1744973415620-D65P98FDTT2WLUGY234U/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - Eta Carinae Nebula & NGC3532 Canon 6D with Askar FM180 Fro f/4.5 and LPro filter. Stack of 15sec exposures c. 3mins integration from Bortle 1 skies with light cloud. Fox Hut, West Coast South Island, NZ 10th Feb 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1744973651650-4LAVK2WPO65ZD4SRHB5J/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - Crux - The Southern Cross Canon 6D with Askar FM180 Pro f/4.5 with LPro filter. Stack of 15sec exposures c. 3min integration. Fox Hut, West Coast South Island, NZ 10th Feb 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1715952808485-ECY0H651HXAN701MAEYY/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - The Draco Triplet Three galaxies NGCs 5981, 5982 & 5985 using C11 edgeHD with ASI294MC Pro and LPro filter. 2 hrs integration using 120sec subs. Processed in APP and PS. Home, 15th May 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1744979819289-SDD6DI9YIKPC0RFH2XCF/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - Widefield M100 & various Messier and NGCs Askar FM180 Pro with single shot cooled colour camera and LPro filter. 2min guided subs for 50mins integration. Home, 31st March 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1713180215037-LBVRK74HGAM99JZ9MWPB/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - NGC 4631 The Whale Galaxy 8” edgeHD with cooled colour camera and LPro filter. No reducer. 25mins integration using 60sec guided frames. Home, 14th April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1710930916532-SLEW4OZD4KXZKDCDHAEC/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M35 wide view 135mm Samyang lens at f/2.8 with CMOS colour camera, L-eXtreme dual narrowband filter. 45mins integration with APP and PS. Home, 6th March 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1705845549133-S4P46M1WWSFYVONDKQUS/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - NGC2264 The Christmas Tree Cluster WhiteCAT 51 APO with CMOS colour camera and dual narrowband filter. 2hrs integration with APP and PS. Home, 18th Jan 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1694098877419-GK40U1570NLWCUHEMKJP/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - Veil Complex at 135mm 135mm Samyang lens at f/2.8 with CMOS colour camera, L-eXtreme dual narrowband filter and iOptron Skyguider Pro. 75x 60sec exposures processed in APP. Home, 4th Sept 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1674404726621-UL7DNWYA10HW49OJZMKO/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - Orion's belt and sword 135mm Samyang lens on CMOS colour camera. 15x120sec exposures with LPro plus 30x 120 with HaOIII filter, processed in APP and PS. Home, 17-19th Jan 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1683231868301-OKWQH0EEYURL2LZS4S8X/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M64 The Black Eye Galaxy C11 and CMOS colour camera with LPro filter. 45 x 120sec exposures processed in APP. Home, 19th Apr 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1663348192174-A2B8ZUI8H4LJ3E4Z8DNY/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - NGC7000 and Deneb Samyang 135mm lens shooting at f/2.8 with ASI294MC Pro and L-eXtreme dual narrowband filter under full moon conditions, tracked on iOptron SkyGuider Pro. 1hr 40mins Integration time. Home, 10th Sep 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1673946379566-3ZMYFURG7GIQ9PWPRMRF/230116_Mars+Hya+Plei+30cm+300dpi_.jpg Deep Sky Objects - Mars between Hyades & Pleiades (M45) 50mm Canon lens on CMOS colour camera with LPro filter. ZWO AM5 mount unguided. 20mins integration processed in APP and PS. Home 16th Jan 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1674412235400-1GNYS2KC0TR3W6JEPHSZ/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - Auriga: M38 IC417 IC410 and IC405 135mm Samyang lens on CMOS colour camera with dual narrowband filter. 30x120sec exposures, processed in APP and PS. Home, 19th Jan 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1664287694364-W6Q601Q5NXZJ1HDIN16A/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M31 - Andromeda Galaxy 135mm Samyang lens with CMOS single shot colour camera and LPro filter on iOptron SkyGuider Pro mount. 1hr integration. Processed in APP. Astrocamp, Cwmdu, 24th September 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1660406715004-BGK3RFCVR4V1S2IJ0179/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - Heart & Soul Nebula IC1805 Heart Nebula, IC1848 Soul Nebual, Stock 2 and the Double Cluster in one field of view of the Samyang 135mm lens shooting at f/2.8 with ASI294MC Pro and L-eXtreme dual narrowband filter under full moon conditions, tracked on iOptron SkyGuider Pro. 2.5hrs Integration time. Home, 12th Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1659869348414-E5BVTDVO0SV4A3RGN1MT/M27_APP_LPF_Final.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M27 Dumbbell Nebula C11 and CMOS single shot colour camera 40x 120sec exposures with light pollution filter Home, 6th Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1663409775850-H9LIRLFNVHLPD8XJIJ9A/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - Sadr Region and Crescent Nebula Samyang 135mm lens shooting at f/2.8 with ASI294MC Pro and L-eXtreme dual narrowband filter tracked on iOptron SkyGuider Pro. 1hr 40mins Integration time. Home, 16th Sep 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1659873673478-9CU8HYHZNPP9SY0V4P07/NGC7331_100mins_220806.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - NGC 7331 C11 with LPro filter and CMOS Colour camera. 50x120sec exposures. Processed in APP and PS. Home, 6th Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1664287427516-FQWD5HDX8SPIYG8Z1APB/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - IC1396 The Elephant's Trunk Samyang 135mm lens shooting at f/2.8 with ASI294MC Pro and L-eXtreme dual narrowband filter, tracked on iOptron SkyGuider Pro. 2hrs Integration time. Home, 17th Sep 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1651312665579-K0KXKGUHJD9V06KF46KT/190703+M13+Final.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M13 Globular Cluster C11 with CMOS cooled camera with LPro filter 15 x 120sec exposures Home, 30th April 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1645838177914-AQ311EL0R7SPJ72UUAKM/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M82 The Cigar Galaxy (published in Astronomy Now, Apr 2022) C11 with single shot colour camera and LPro filter. 120 x 120sec processed in APP and PS Home, 22nd Feb 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1587232458063-IZMFDHKMP1Q9Z36O8HUW/M51_190411_APP.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M51 The Whirlpool Galaxy 8” RC with CMOS cooled colour camera 70 x 120sec exposures processed with APP Home, 17th April 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1660406931869-RP20HZSPUV631GSZUWUN/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - IC5146 Cocoon Nebula C11 with ASI294MC Pro and dual narrowband filter. 2hrs integration time. Home, 12th Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1661792107952-L8T2215699U5TEPQN2OA/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - NGC1893 'The Tadpoles' (IC410) C11 with CMOS OSC and dual narrowband filter. 30x120sec exposure processed in APP and PS. Home, 19th March 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1651309905165-8475TL9Q07PKYXI1QIA8/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - NGC 4565 The Needle Galaxy C11 with CMOS single shot colour camera and LPro filter. 15x 120sec exposures, processed in APP. Home, 29th April 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1647987312796-B7LKIJREUTGSKLQEHBLA/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M51 - The Whirlpool Galaxy C11 with CMOS OSC camera and L-Pro filter. Two sessions from Feb and March 2022, 2 hours total integration processed in APP and PS. Home, 20th March 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1645977440409-817H62ADMEULQON28XKO/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M42 & IC434 2-pane Mosaic 51mm APO and OSC colour camera, L-Pro filter. iOptron SkyGuider Pro. 2-pane mosaic, each of 80min combining The Great Orion Nebula and Hosehead/Flame nebula. Home, Jan/Feb 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1648466965159-VKPXYDNS7S2DO5P8R182/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M63 The Sunflower Galaxy C11 with CMOS OSC camera and L-Pro filter. 60x120sec exposures over 2 sessions, stacked & processed in APP and PS. Home, 25th Feb & 22nd Mar 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1648310891919-KU9MQ23DZWD9T5N7GEI2/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M97 The Owl Nebula C11 with CMOS OSC camera and L-Pro filter. 30x120sec exposures processed in APP and PS Home, 23rd Mar 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1648311008709-MU0PZRNTIZZKX8MV2CMM/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M108 C11 with CMOS OSC camera and L-Pro filter. 30x120sec exposures processed in APP and PS Home, 23rd Mar 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1635606738899-OIYGK6W7VD2S95X7HX3V/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - The Veil Nebula Complex #RC51SC This is my processed image of the RedCat 51 Summer Challenge 2021 combining 17hrs data from myself and 3 other contributors (UK, USA, Poland) using the same optics. My data was captured with the RedCat 51 apo, ASI294MC Pro, L-eXtreme filter on an iOptron SkyGuider Pro during Aug 2021 from home. I processed the data in APP and PS. More on this in the main Blog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1648891360629-V4XHBD9ZU6R8XBUSZU31/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - The Leo Triplet M65 M66 NGC3628 C11 with CMOS OSC camera and L-Pro filter. 3-pane mosaic. Each pane 60x120sec exposures processed in APP and PS Home, 24-26th Mar 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1645977368407-8QGDHT4OCYN85U7WRC28/200120_M42_final.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M42 - Great Orion Nebula 51mm APO with CMOS single shot colour camera, iOptron Skyguider Pro, L-Pro filter. 40x 120sec exposures processed in APP Home, 26th Feb 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1642705549224-PK6A4AWP5T93GRXEP774/M01_200203_NB_Final.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M1 The Crab Nebula 30x 120sec subs in Ha/OIII narrowband C11 with CMOS single shot colour camera Home, 19th Jan 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1635884787760-GAJGG6O2SJ53AUUVFDKU/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - Melotte 15 RC 8” with single shot colour camera and dual narrowband filter. 30 x 120sec exposures processed in APP and PS. Home, 1st Nov 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1635694015963-WNKTVN2ZNPF9W9AQRQQZ/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M15 - Globular Cluster RC 8” with single shot colour camera. 20mins integration time with LPro filter. Home, 30th Oct 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1631132056704-1L8TDSM3OAOG5F0C0VRP/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - NGC6888 The Crescent Nebula 8”RC, 45x 120sec subs in dual narrowband on a one shot colour CMOS camera. Home, 7th Sep 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628958304316-1SBJHMKSM9BEIX3UMYYA/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - NGC7000 The North America Nebula 51mm APO on iOptron StarGuider, CMOS single shot colour camera and dual narrowband filter. 30x 120sec exposures processed in APP and PS. Home, 12th June 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617022109690-O3AD0TN0NYEIXOH72DNX/NGC2244_200316_APP_LPF.jpg Deep Sky Objects - NGC 2244 Rosette Nebula 51mm APO with CMOS single shot colour camera, dual narrowband HaOIII filer. 60 x 120sec exposures stacked in APP Home, 16th Feb 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628959441548-XAIBR4YUSEFOVH50U49X/M101_APP_190511.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M101 8” RC with single shot colour CMOS camera and LPro filter. 2h 50min total exposure. Processed in APP Home, 5th April 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1625317146664-CY7LXGB78S9OPZPM15BA/190901_IC1396_Final.jpg Deep Sky Objects - IC1396 Elephant's Trunk & Herschel's Garnet Star Two pane mosaic, each comprising 10-15 240sec subs. 51mm APO refractor and CMOS single shot camera with dual narrowband filter, processed in APP. Home, 1st September 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1625318092103-C132MDC7EKOWMH0TJTOM/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M106 8” RC and CMOS single shot colour camera with LPro filter. 2Hrs integration with APP and PS. Home, 14th April 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1618524800468-BDT5P6EPSCWVY1XRXTC7/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - Markarian's Chain - Virgo A galaxy cluster - Collaboration Collaboration with Twitter user @AstroMatt75 combining data from our matching scope/ camera/ filter configuration. Each with 51mm APO with CMOS single shot colour camera and LPro filter. 5hrs combined integration time, processed in APP. Yorkshire & Bath, UK 4-5th April 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1642756058980-XSQPE8DLBBTIXTZBIYKI/200120_IC434_Final.jpg Deep Sky Objects - IC434 Flame & Horsehead Nebula 51mm APO with CMOS single shot colour camera. iOptron Skyguider Pro. 40 x 120sec exposures with LPro filter processed in APP Home 20th Jan 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617022221649-DWT51W26RVLRWI0KFXV5/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - IC405 Flaming Star Nebula & NGC 1893 51mm APO with single shot CMOS colour camera, dual narrowband filter HaOIII. 60x 120sec exposures, processed in APP and PS. Home, 18 Feb 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1621785098603-CD1L3ZORM9L3G1IJ6RTZ/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - The Draco Triplet - NGCs 5981, 5982, 5985 8” RC with CMOS single shot colour camera and LPro filter. 2hrs integration processed in APP and PS Home, 15th April 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1608469028810-A6XVQZIACO1IYLRGBRPO/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - NGC 7023 Iris Nebula 8” RC with single shot CMOS colour camera and L-Pro filter. 60 x 120sec subs processed in APP. Home, 5th Nov 2020. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1614367174182-D1XJZDJTRNZ79DL1FVZ2/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - NGC 7635 The Bubble Nebula 8” RC and single shot CMOS colour camera with dual narrowband filter. 40x 120sec exposures stacked and processed in APP. Home 25th Feb 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1638646535355-F2H195WH43YTW0LVAAFP/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - NGC891 - edge-on spiral galaxy 8”RC with single shot CMOS colour camera and LPro filter. 48mins integration in APP Home, 7th Nov 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628957168333-1GNHTDW7AP6CSVONFL0I/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - IC1805 The Heart Nebula 72min integration of 180sec subs. 51mm APO and CMOS single shot colour camera. Dual narrowband filter. Guided and tracked on iOptron Skyguider. Processed in APP Home 21 Sep 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628957076131-AVQVVG547ECF0Z2KVCNL/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - IC 1848 The Soul Nebula 51mm APO on iOptron Skyguider Pro with single shot CMOS colour camera and dual narrowband filter. 2hrs 12mins integration from 2min guided subs Home, 5th Dec 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1638607466283-8N8ODXNAFX3912ZVRVM3/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M31 The Great Andromeda Galaxy - as featured in Astronomy Now Jan 2020 William Optics Whitecat51 APO with single shot CMOS colour camera. 100x 120sec exposures with LPro filter. Processed in APP. Home 19th Oct 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1629567180096-7ULT5FILMF8CVON5M1TZ/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - Ced214 & NGC7822 in Cepheus Bright emission nebula directly overhead in December from the UK. 2hrs 48min integration time in dual narrowband Ha OIII. 51mm APO reflector with CMOS single shot colour camera on iOptron Skyguider Pro using 2min guided subs. Home 12th December 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1609321475890-SGJLPMZ8IGU7QJ3C7C4M/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - NGC 3628 in Leo 8”RC with CMOS single shot colour camera and SkyMax L-Pro filter. 80x 120sec exposures ~ 2.5hrs integration. Home 25th April 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1661786901544-BHAJQ81CZYWNYRW5VS57/NGC281_Final+logo.jpg Deep Sky Objects - NGC 281 Pacman Nebula 8” RC and CMOS single shot colour camera 20x 240sec exposures with dual narrowband filter Home, 7th Nov 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1571598055108-7DKEQSAOURXX41UI6VYP/191019_M31_APP_Final.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M31 Andromeda Galaxy Featured in Astronomy Now’s Gallery, Vol 34 No 1, Jan 2020 51mm APO with CMOS single shot colour camera Stack of 100x 2min exposures Processed in APP and Photoshop Home Oct 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1647896661468-WZJK0CXBID9YRBAS2QGS/200206_NGC1499_HaOIII_APP.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - NGC1499 California Nebula 60x 120sec exposures in Dual Narrowband 51mm APO with CMOS single shot colour camera. Processed in APP Home, 6th Feb 2020 on the low cost pier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1618769925925-D4EMSH4HF2PYEEW993K9/IMG_6504.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M51 - The Whirlpool Galaxy 8” RC with CMOS cooled colour camera 70 x 120sec exposures processed with APP Home, 17th April 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1608471693332-T65DN3Z744MENPDRL9VJ/200120_M45_final.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M45 - The Pleiades 51mm APO with CMOS single shot colour camera 70x 60sec exposures processed in APP Home 20th Jan 2020, low cost pier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586691908244-7L55S3LZDBXD8SDS3Y0A/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - Markarian's Chain, Virgo Cluster Part of the string of galaxies known as Markarian’s Chain. 8” RC and CMOS single shot colour camera with Pro filter. 6-x 120 sec exposures processed in APP and PS. Home 11th April 2020. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628958971283-9EHUQKT5W5HXB0DEHAMZ/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - NGC 2264 Cone Nebula & Christmas Tree Cluster 90min HaOIII data captured on 8” RC with single shot colour CMOS camera. Processed in APP. Home 1st March 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1590225946687-GAQCAAEWAF8H31LKMGEW/image-asset.gif Deep Sky Objects - NGC4889 Galaxy Cluster This image contains c.75 galaxies with a FOV 0.85 x 0.6 deg. I have overlaid a star chart onto this image. Every ellipse represents a galaxy, centred around the larger galaxies of NGC4889 and NGC4872. 8” RC with CMOS single shot colour camera, LPro filter. 50x 120sec exposures processed in APP. Home, 20th May 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588525843228-NMF0DNNH26C31HXDJCXD/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M88 8”RC with CMOS single shot colour camera and LPro filter 50x 120sec exposures processed in APP Home, 13th April 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1625910248158-WAQ4CKAKSBFVKJW56QS7/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M81 - Bode's Galaxy 8”RC with single shot CMOS colour camera, LPro filter. 90min integration time, processed in APP and PS. Home, 16th March 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1608469542436-JFMU1IVQMZDOUUXFD2G5/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - The Bubble Nebula NGC 7635 Also visible is cluster M52 and The Lobster Claw Sh2-157. Wide shot in dual narrowband with 51mm APO and CMOS single shot colour camera on iOptron Skyguider Pro. 50mins integration. Inset shot on 8” RC, 15mins integration. Shot simultaneously 26th Oct 2020 at Home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1591256113798-82PDUUR2SYLJQ2TGOZKV/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M92 Globular Cluster 8” RC and CMOS single shot colour camera with L Pro filter. 9x 120 second exposures Home May 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588511466853-P4CHBIN52E5S7IHJUE36/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M3 Globular Cluster 8” RC with CMOS single shot colour camera and SkyMax Pro filter. 30x 120sec exposures processed in APP. Home, 9th April 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586295200890-AX21O8W9ZKHAD3ZGIJ3C/M81_M82_200316_APP_Final.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M82 & M81 M82 (left) and M81 Bode’s Galaxy (right). 8”RC and CMOS single shot colour camera 70x 120sec exposures processed in APP Home, 16 March 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586784183881-R3100EMR1SJFTDWMO6XM/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M53 Globular Cluster 8” RC with CMOS single shot colour camera and SkyMax LPro filter. 15x 120sec exposures processed in APP. Home, 9th April 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1596215890356-MFDMIPWQ03MFB1YH2G1F/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - Collinder 399 - The Coathanger asterism 51mm APO refractor with Pro filter and CMOS single shot colour camera on iOptron Skyguider Pro. 16min integration. Home, 31st July 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1567543939712-BXFM0TCTLP6DO0CLPLZ7/190825_Coccoon_HaOIII_APP+combo.jpg Deep Sky Objects - IC5146 Cocoon Nebula I shot this simultaneously at 250mm and 1225mm focal lengths. Each comprises around 30mins integration time. The wide shot is in narrowband Ha OIII. Processed in APP. Home 25th August 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1587843998264-2Q98EEBI1IWHVCEIACOK/LMC_SMC_NZ2019.jpg Deep Sky Objects - Large & Small Magellanic Clouds Single frame 9 sec exposure at ISO1600 with a Panasonic GX7 and 20mm pancake lens on the SiFo MSM rotator. Lake Mckellar, South Island NZ 23rd Dec 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1609324250804-ZLSDJLCLNMQAN9QKS25L/M33_191118_APP_FINAL.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M33 Triangulum Galaxy 8” RC and CMOS single shot colour camera 50x 120sec exposures, processed in APP Home, Nov 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1562403528083-YKW2N3WP2J4GGK6Y5GTR/190703_Veil+final.jpg Deep Sky Objects - NGC 6960 Witch's Broom, Western Veil Nebula 8” RC with CMOS single-shot cooled colour camera 15x 120sec exposures Home, July 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585226952206-QVPTAMPPWPWXSAXNONOS/M35_200323_APP.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M35 and NGC2158 51mm APO with CMOS single shot colour camera. 60x 120sec exposures, processed in APP. Home, 23rd March 2020, low cost pier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1556986026724-7E43Z3FHGQCSQ06LJQAR/M108_App_190226.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M108 & M97 Owl Nebula 72mm refractor with CMOS cooled one shot camera 15 x 120sec exposures stacked and processed in APP Home February 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585389801093-DHPYDWQKL2R8IOT0X1UH/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M100 8” RC with CMOS single shot colour camera. 30x 120sec exposures, processed in APP. Home, 27th March 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588526000443-06TV14JUQ0WBBT4G5ONF/M100+stretched.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M100 - Stretched Same as previous image, but stretched to show all the faint galaxies in the group. Home, 27th March 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585227365015-1R7JV6XX0E93WND2YJQG/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M44 The Beehive Cluster 51mm APO with CMOS single shot colour shot colour camera. 16x 120sec exposures, processed in APP. Home 22 March 2020, low cost pier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551297559008-GGB0TRDR49MGKP1KOW9C/M36+190226.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M36 cluster 72mm refractor with CMOS cooled one shot camera 13 x 60sec exposures stacked Home, 26th February 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1565995076932-QF0L1Q1CHK6KB3ZGDU5M/M63_Final_APP2+190425.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M63 Sunflower Galaxy 8” RC with CMOS cooled colour camera 30 x 120sec exposures, processed in Astro Pixel Processor APP Home 25th April 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551297567675-VEKJ2QPN2Z8WEW8HJR70/M37+190226.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M37 cluster 72mm refractor with CMOS cooled one shot camera 15 x 60sec exposures stacked Home, 26th February 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1625908829618-6AEVDRIXSGFP9S2WL7IB/Leo+Trio_190306+APP.jpg Deep Sky Objects - The Leo Triplet: M65 M66 NGC3628 65x 120sec subs with 8” RC, CMOS colour camera with LPro filter. Processed in APP and PS. Home, 4th April 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551297566957-GP0IPIR9SG9SPDT84J3L/M38+190226.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M38 cluster & NCG 1907 72mm refractor with CMOS cooled one shot camera 13 x 60sec exposures stacked Home, 26th February 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1607270377779-1ZIDTSBKGN39VJNNNRBK/image-asset.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - M57 Ring Nebula 8” RC with CMOS single shot colour camera and LPro filter. 45mins integration processed in APP. Home, 26th Nov 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1555400804738-I71IUZRS6ICM5X7PO57I/M87+jet+190411.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M87 Black Hole Gas Jet This is home of the famous Black Hole photograph published April 2019 M87 and its jet visible around 9 o’Clock on this image c.5 x 300 sec exposures 8” RC and CMOS cooled colour camera Home 12th April 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1555441219539-7Y76JF2D1RXPZ59VG0QU/M109_190325_.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M109 c.1hr exposure subs CMOS colour camera with RC scope. Home 25th March 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1556986901602-1JLX90592EXTM34SE4PP/NGC2903_190420_APP.jpg Deep Sky Objects - NGC 2903 Spiral arm galaxy in Leo 8” RC with CMOS single shot colour camera 20x 120sec stacked and processed in APP Home 20th April 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551181960485-1ALJ6HEOO1W2K6GZ4RHF/Double+Cluster+190109.jpg Deep Sky Objects - Caldwell 14 The Double Cluster NGCs 869 & 884 72mm refractor and DSLR on equatorial mount Stack of 30sec exposures Home, 9th January 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551297559122-HQD3Z409GLNGFWCBZ9OQ/M35+190226.jpg Deep Sky Objects - M35 cluster & NGC 2158 72mm refractor with CMOS cooled one shot camera 15 x 60sec exposures stacked Home, 26th February 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1566843086600-V07U2U5HKTV3G03XE7E1/190825_NGC7000_HAOIII_APP+FINAL.jpeg Deep Sky Objects - NGC7000 The North America Nebula & Pelican Nebula 51mm APO with CMOS cooled colour camera. STC Dual Narrowband filter for Ha OIII. 14x 240sec guided exposures stacked in APP Home 25th Aug 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1556986555308-X40XKC3612KAUCV2IL2L/IC342_APP_190326.jpg Deep Sky Objects - IC342 - The Hidden Galaxy 3hr 40min exposure CMOS colour camera with RC scope. Known as the Hidden Galaxy, being large but with low surface brightness. Processed in APP Home 24-26th March 2019 https://www.bltastro.com/moon-details daily 0.75 2024-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1683230393245-CT3R7U1ZNPJNHIRZPX70/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - 9 Day Moon detail: Mare Imbrium 6-pane mosaic with OMC-140 and ASI482MC and IR filter. Home, 31st Jan 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1683230393245-CT3R7U1ZNPJNHIRZPX70/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - 9 Day Moon detail: Mare Imbrium 6-pane mosaic with OMC-140 and ASI482MC and IR filter. Home, 31st Jan 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1714320940351-UOI1YS5AYZCL5OHIJ8L6/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Crater Clavius 8” EdgeHD with ASI482MC an IR850 filter. 4000 frames, selecting the best 25% to stack and process. Home, 19th April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1714321357348-2YIQNKO61P2MVY2YV9SW/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Crater Plato 19th April 2024 8” EdgeHD with ASI482MC an IR850 filter. 14,000 frames, selecting the best 25% to stack and process. Home, 19th April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1685377866248-DEDPFLE8A2WW88MQQ3VN/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Mare Nectaris (5 day moon) 16 pane mosaic. OMC-140 with IR850 filter and ASI482MC. Home, 25th May 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1714321529559-1IR6RNGRLUU2VB01LCIR/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Sinus Iridum 19th April 2024 8” EdgeHD with ASI482MC an IR850 filter. 2000 frames, selecting the best 25% to stack and process. Home, 19th April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1685378187178-I7V1TVPQL7Y2BD9G8ETQ/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Mare Nectaris (6 day moon) 6 pane mosaic. OMC-140 with IR850 filter and ASI482MC. Home, 26th May 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1685378048391-NO8XD94OH6WJNDMXVUTM/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Crater Posidonius (5 day moon) 2 pane mosaic. OMC-140 and IR850 filter with ASI482MC. Home, 25th May 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1701944744444-EHPIH26UHJ053BG2O2FZ/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - 6 day moon terminator detail Dominated by craters Gemma, Frisius and Maurolycus. 8 pane mosaic. OMC-140 with IR850 filter and ASI482MC. Home, 26th May 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1714321171732-ABO2HTCAA7V2T4K3MJ12/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Crater Gassendi 8” EdgeHD with ASI482MC an IR850 filter. 3500 frames, selecting the best 25% to stack and process. Home, 19th April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585593487263-CVFNWUCXVYY86RQCD6KB/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - The Terminator at First Quarter OMC-140 Mak-Cass with ASI290mm mini (mono) Mosaic of stacked frames. Home 2nd March 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1682454462979-K48AOW69Q583ZI94V3RY/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Limb detail, 3-day Moon Mak-Cass with CMOS cooled colour camera. LPro filter. Cwmdu, Wales 23rd Apr 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1652617430330-LGN4ML4LX2OQ7MT5TBVY/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Palus Epidemiarum or 'Marsh of Epidemics' C11 with 2.5x Powermate, ASI482MC and IR 850nm filter Home, 11 May 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1644767920621-LKVVQSOPJDCPHNQKG13O/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - 9 Day Moon, Crater Plato C11 with 2.5x Powermate, ASI174mm mini and IR850 filter. 4min video, selecting best 15% of 2500 frames. Processed on AS3!, Registax and PS. Home, 10th Feb 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1644963600938-JQV6X3WLRBFQFE147ZEL/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - 13 Day Moon, crater Eddington C11, ASI482MC, 850nm filter. 3min video c.8000 frames, stacking the best 15%. AS!3, Registax and PS. Home, 14th Feb 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1714321277737-9S4AYBBBOQPP6J2NUTIX/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Craters Hainzel & Mee 8” EdgeHD with ASI482MC an IR850 filter. 2200 frames, selecting the best 25% to stack and process. Home, 19th April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1619167006681-M2S42Z8JVA264J8N8ZCS/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - 10-Day Moon Detail, 3 pane mosaic OMC-140 Mak Cass with ASI290MC and IR685 filter. Home, 22nd April 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1619340316645-31I2Y37Y44Q4LQMDCF5J/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - 10-Day Moon Detail , 2 pane mosaic OMC-140 Mak Cass with ASI290MC and IR685 filter. Home, 22nd April 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1619370480713-ZECGWVB8A56M7D0PHPWH/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - 7-Day Moon Detail, 3-pane mosaic OMC-140 with ASI290MC and IR685 filter. Home, 19th April 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1616851857014-YZL6VGXWOZI4W4BJPED5/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Gassendi and Mare Humorum 10 Day Moon phase. 2000 AVI frames stacked and best 15% selected in AS3! and Registax. OMC 140 with ASI290MC and IR 685nm filter 24th March 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1616851934260-X21C7S6IC734L1JHMJ90/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Sinus Iridum 10 Day Moon phase. 2000 AVI frames stacked and best 15% selected in AS3! and Registax. OMC 140 with ASI290MC and IR 685nm filter 24th March 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1584121903869-B0UDQ995D4A7U07MUV79/7+day+Moon+detail+200302.jpg Moon Details - First Quarter Detail around Montes Causasus (central feature) OMC-140 Mak-Cass with ASI290mm mini (mono) Mosaic of stacked frames. Home 2nd March 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585592921324-JDZOEH6NGXKXOVBK2RS7/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Montes Caucasus OMC-140 Mak-Cass with ASI290mm mini (mono) Mosaic of stacked frames. Home 3rd March 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585593379141-VCJHKC9JM6AW2T312SCK/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Sunrise over Archimedes OMC-140 Mak-Cass with ASI290mm mini (mono) Mosaic of stacked frames. Home 2nd March 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585592682128-ET6QDQORTT9PU225CBAC/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Crater Eratosthenes OMC-140 Mak-Cass with ASI290mm mini (mono) Mosaic of stacked frames. Home 3rd March 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586077229749-Q3YJSEICDI7QK2BXSDJQ/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Crater Copernicus, 10 day Moon OMC-140 Mak Cass with CMOS single shot camera and UV/IR Cut Filter. Stack of 300 frames, selecting the best 15% Home 3rd April 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1616702928650-3O41I3KAKA0FJFZ7MVRV/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Copernicus Crater 10 Day Moon phase. AVI files stacked and processed in AS3! and Registax. OMC 140 with ASI290MC and IR 685nm filter 24th March 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1584121555677-I6WC7Z6V1CL321PL03JV/7+day+Moon+detail+2+200302.jpg Moon Details - First Quarter Detail OMC-140 Mak-Cass with ASI290mm mini (mono) Mosaic of stacked frames. Home 2nd March 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1591462623403-E4PWN0MM70QSQST0UWBM/190511_7+day+moon+w+notations.jpg Moon Details - First Quarter Moon with Lunar X and V Various exposures stacked in Registax6. 8” RC and CMOS single shot colour camera. Adjusted in Adobe LR and PS. Home, 11th May 2019. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1644961002271-78YAPUVOV9GM8PP31UJZ/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - 13 Day Moon, Crater Pythagoras C11, ASI482MC, 850nm filter. 3min video c.8000 frames, stacking the best 15%. AS!3, Registax and PS. Home, 14th Feb 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1584118831463-DS30PA9H0U3O4DWJ8UNM/Moon+Detail_9+day.jpg Moon Details - Montes Apenninus and Mare Imbrium 9 Day Moon, detail around the terminator. 8” RC and DSLR, single exposure. Home 19th March 2016 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586077559604-9AUH1Q69GW5IJLS5BFOU/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - Crater Plato, 10 day Moon OMC-140 Mak Cass with CMOS single shot camera and UV/IR Cut Filter. Stack of 300 frames, selecting the best 15% Home 3rd April 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1584119909068-IFVLXOMR4AJHJMLBNV62/MoonDetail_200306_10pc.jpg Moon Details - Crater Schickard 12 day Moon detail. OMC-140 Mak-Cass with ASI290MM mini (mono). Stack of 100 images, selecting the best 10% Home, 6th March 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1584120055860-4JEJ8Q1WO7IL2JPLOD18/MoonDetail_200306_Vallis+Schroteri.jpg Moon Details - Vallis Schroteri and bright crater Kepler 12 day Moon detail. OMC-140 Mak-Cass with ASI290MM mini (mono). Stack of 150 images, selecting the best 25% Home, 6th March 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1584120143266-M83ITR7Y8WLJ5G4VT9HO/MoonDetail_200306_Plato.jpg Moon Details - Sinus Iridum & crater Plato 12 day Moon detail. OMC-140 Mak-Cass with ASI290MM mini (mono). Stack of 150 images, selecting the best 25% Home, 6th March 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1584120944550-DZ6URF2XIXU9N7JFRIK6/Astronauts+View+Moon+200227.jpg Moon Details - Astronaut's View OMC-140 Mak-Cass with ASI290MM mini (mono). Mosaic of 4 panes, each containing a stack of 100 images. Home 27th Feb 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1584121192889-ZTESH8HID1469J9ANX9H/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - 3 Day Moon Detail OMC-140 Mak-Cass with ASI290mm mini (mono) Mosaic of 5 panes, each a stack of 100 images. Home, 27th Feb 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1616010828894-4HH7M43SRG2W19JFO1RS/image-asset.jpeg Moon Details - 3 Day Moon Detail The large central feature is Mare Crisium, 418 km diameter. 8” RC video capture, stacking the best 25% of around 4000 frames in Autostakkert and Registax. Home 16th March 2021 https://www.bltastro.com/solar-system daily 0.75 2024-10-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1631298240448-PQGNIMRYUE94EZREQMY5/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - The Solar System This is my ‘Greatest Hits’ image combining my best of each object…so far. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1631298240448-PQGNIMRYUE94EZREQMY5/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - The Solar System This is my ‘Greatest Hits’ image combining my best of each object…so far. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1728814306536-HHJZBL9Q9R7DDZW56U3N/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) _1 Single frame, Sigma 20mm Art lens with Canon 6D. Lansdown, Bath 12th Oct 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1728814412551-U5YNMMMWVNXXF9YXQ2EA/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) _2 Single frame, Sigma 20mm Art lens with Canon 6D. Lansdown, Bath 12th Oct 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1713192955685-Z3MMPS4S3IQGE6RY98XO/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks Western horizon, skimming the hedges. Canon 6D with 135mm lens at f/2.8. Stack of 7 5sec exposures in Sequator and PS. Home, 9th April 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1705848244114-E8IHMH311GPN5Y7K6NIG/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - The Moon & Jupiter conjunction WhiteCat 51 APO with LPro filter. Home, 18th Jan 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1698919731993-FQ24YULAVXM3I0R2YK4S/image-asset.gif Solar System - Jupiter rotation GIF with Io in transit plus Ganymede 8” EdgeHD with ADC and ASI482MC, combo of IR and UV/IR filters. Processed in AS3! and Registax, finished in Photoshop. Home, 30th Oct 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1698919584833-2UB54DH9XNI0ZX0A59PG/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Jupiter & moons with Io in transit 30th Oct 2023 8” EdgeHD with ADC and ASI482MC, combo of IR and UV/IR filters. Processed in AS!3 and Registax, finished in Photoshop. Home, 30th Oct 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1677871261276-9O6EF5CE8ZOL5TRYM1IK/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter March 2023 72mm refractor with one shot colour camera, single frame 200ms. Home, 2nd March 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1683233605437-75YVO6WOSAXKN81WQWQU/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) stack Stack of the comet against the stars (the comet is moving, not the stars). Home, 23 Jan 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1674586183336-9UOUG2XUSRG3552ZXT2R/image-asset.gif Solar System - Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) animation 3hrs movement against the background stars (just skimming the treetops with a 51mm WhiteCat at 250mm fl. Each frame roughly 5min intervals. Home, 23 Jan 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1661607189518-VQXZF54T0SHSMY93Q7SY/IMG_7504.jpeg Solar System - Jupiter & Io 06.09.2021 3min videos captured over 1 hour, stacked and de-rotated in WinJupos. Home, 6th Sep 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1670791765697-05BK7017CYSAR0Z2N8UF/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Mars at Opposition OMC-140 with ADC, 2.5x Powermate, UV/IR cut filter, ASI482MC. 90 sec video, best 50% stacked. Home, 8th Dec 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1661605691818-PU9F45M8JPU21M1QZSUV/image-asset.gif Solar System - Jupiter & Io GIF 06.09.2021 Approx. 30min motion of Jupiter, Io and the end of Io’s shadow transit Home, 6th Sep 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1630254297241-3CW0MZTO5BN1B943IB8I/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Saturn 28.08.2021 2000mm fl Mak-Cass with Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector, UV/IR cut filter and ASI290MC colour camera. 36,000 frames stacking the best 10,000 in AS3!, Registax and PS. Home, 28th Aug 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1630440822773-WHALYWSYHDBSV3QYGAHU/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Jupiter & Io 2000mm fl Mak-Cass with Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector, UV/IR cut filter and ASI290MC colour camera. 90,000 frames across 9 video files, stacking the best 2000 of each in AS3!, de-rotating in WinJupos, sharpening in Registax and PS. Home, 28th Aug 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1630443815597-V9MD1DJ7GHMKUBJPWVBS/image-asset.gif Solar System - GIF of Jupiter & Io Home, 28th Aug 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1626370066715-734TGGZR6SGNTRHYX3IV/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Venus & Mars Conjunction A twilight image of Venus and Mars about to disappear behind the distant hills topped by Beckford’s Tower. Panasonic GX7 and 200mm telephoto lens. Home, 13th July 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1623334980243-P5NWOMYKGPQA4C252AP7/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Partial Solar Eclipse 10th June 2021 72mm refractor with 2x Barlow, DSLR and Baader solar filter. Tracked on an equatorial mount. Home 10th June 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1623335019802-M50SWSUPN0T724BZ1ENN/image-asset.gif Solar System - Partial Solar Eclipse 10th June 2021 GIF The first hour was clouded over, so this if from the maximum to the end approx. 11.15am to 12pm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1615412992121-FLDY5HHC95JTYSXDWCXM/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Mars & The Pleiades M45 Mars appears as a trail as it moves against the background stars over 2.5hrs, making a close approach to M45. 51mm APO and CMOS single shot colour camera on iOptron Skyguider Pro with LPro filter. Home 7th March 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628710185772-H6F6KFY0E3BBW6O93HYZ/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - The Jovian System Jupiter and the Galilean Moons. WO Megrez 72 with 2.25x Barlow, ASI290MC camera and iOptron SkyGuider Pro. Home, 10th Aug 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1611605160341-1H2CAC59RRGA4W097Y5H/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Uranus & Four Major Moons This image was produced with deliberately overexposed frames to look for any satellites of Uranus. Here we have approx. 70 x 10 sec images stacked in AS!3 and edited in PS to remove the brightness. Friends on Twitter helped identify the four major moons all around +14 magnitude. Taken with the OMC-140 and ASI290MC camera, UV/IR filter mounted in the BLT, 23rd Jan 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1608467370299-LTQ2V5X78ZYGPRK9B5TU/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - The Great Conjunction 2020 I took my lightest rig to a remote location with a southern aspect: 51mm App with ASI290mc colour camera on iOptron Skyguider Pro. I captured a series of short videos. This was primarily to pick out the moons - I was very happy to capture +9.3 mag Titan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1608665059705-66FRPKKM7UAV0ZV9X6FN/image-asset.gif Solar System - The Great Conjunction GIF Video capture with a fixed tripod 20th Dec 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1608662896305-JR5RWZPLN5HW3WZ3OUDW/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - The Great Conjunction 20th Dec 20201 One day before the closest meeting of the planets. Frames taken from a video and combined into an image. Overexposed to see the moons, failed to capture Titan this time. This was using a fixed tripod and high frame rate camera to shoot a video as the planets crossed the frame. OMC 140 2000mm fl Mak with ASI290mc and ASIair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1604515260757-9SWS7G94TJGGN0FTG6QK/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Mars 4th Nov 2020 Images produced from video captured with the ASIAIR Pro using both Infrared IR850 filter & UV/IR cut. The former gives sharper detail, the later gives colour. The combined images overlays the two. Home 4th Nov 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1602351292622-T77SRZ5A9WFVH37FVWQY/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Mars at closest approach Mars, two days after closest approaching and a week from opposition. 2000mm fl OMC140 Mak Cass, Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector, Baader 1.3x Barlow, Baader Flip Mirror 2, UV/IR cut filter and ZWO ASI290MC colour camera. Video frames captures on Firecapture, processed with Autostakkert and Registax. Home 8th Oct 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1600113926295-CPJMCQB6KGFJE3APUKN1/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Jupiter & Saturn composite image Two images taken on the same night - learning the art of planetary imaging. 140OMC Mak at 2000mm fl and f/14 with ADC and IR685nm filter to counter the effects of poor conditions. Each were around 1000 frames processed in AS3! and Registax. Home, 13th Sep 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1608664882668-FMEP81RQ09AP7PINBCAK/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE This image was shot on a CMOS single shot colour camera with UV/IR cut filter through a 51mm APO refractor. Using APP Beta Comet stacking registration method I combined 30s, 120sec & 300s guided images into one combined image. The gaps in the star trails are the gaps between image sets or frames omitted due to satellites. Home, low-cost pier 22nd July 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595533465024-4HRG7MSTTM6UZY0K84UI/300s-stack-GIF.gif Solar System - Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE GIF This GIF is comprised of 5x 300sec exposures taken with a 51mm APO and CMOS single shot colour camera tracked and guided on an iOptron Skyguider Pro. The movement between each frame make it impossible to stack without getting star trails. Each frame was calibrated with Flats, Darks and Bias frames. Home 22nd July 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1594663742837-54W2PM6M840RQJI58TOO/200712+Comet+NEOWISE.jpeg Solar System - Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE - looking north Single 30s Night Lapse exposure on a GoPro Hero5. Bathampton, 3am 12th July 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1594663868632-VC7KK5UCUZ802WQ0JHS0/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE - small refractor This images comprises 40 x 3sec frames through a 51mm APO and DSLR on a MSM SiFo Rotator. Bath, 3am-3.30am 12th July 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1594486675723-WVZOSM91M6D056ENHHEF/C2020+NEOWISE_1600_10s_tracked.jpg Solar System - Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE and Noctilucent Clouds Panasonic GX7 M4/3rds with 200mm lens. 1x 10sec exposures at ISO 1600, tracked on MSM Sifo Rotator. Home 11th July 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1594486686666-UA1AQKCDAAUCOC29WDGN/C2020+NEOWISE_4_Combo.jpg Solar System - Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE Panasonic GX7 M4/3rds with 200mm lens. 5x 11sec exposures at ISO 400, tracked on MSM Sifo Rotator. Home 11th July 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1594486719852-W0FQV6KWF0QV5VZCTFJS/Comet++C%3A2020+F3+NEOWISE_11_200711.jpg Solar System - Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE Panasonic GX7 M4/3rds with 200mm lens. 7x 6sec exposures at ISO 400, tracked on MSM Sifo Rotator. Home 11th July 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1594486731622-ORT4ZG5DSEVS6THFFMVH/Comet++C%3A2020+F3+NEOWISE_18_200711.jpg Solar System - Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE Panasonic GX7 M4/3rds with 200mm lens. 7x 4sec exposures at ISO 200, tracked on MSM Sifo Rotator. Home 11th July 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1590234215297-7SRJC0JMPCLNMUY6JOQK/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Mercury & Venus conjunction Single image taken with 51mm APO and Canon 600D. Processed in LR and PS. Home 22nd May 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586001085736-82Z6D8SOHD21SHP1GKH7/Venus+Pleiades+UVIR+combo+200403.jpeg Solar System - Venus amongst The Pleiades M45 Didn’t know how to approach this rare event; how to capture the faint stars of M45 without the brightness of Venus blowing the image. With a 51mm APO and CMOS single shot colour camera with UV/IR cut filter I took: 30x 3 secs, 30x 5 secs & 30x 10 secs - stacked each then layered the three images in PS to adjust the brightness and opacity. Home 3rd April 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585313820946-0HG12X9NA8R3M4WQ9ECL/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Transit of Mercury 72mm refractor with 2x barlow and solar filter. Canon 600D. 11th Nov 2019, low cost pier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1587728803039-1C9YF0CKSSWWVUVCZZ3F/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Venus 8th April 2020 First attempt at Venus with specialist filters. Don’t really know how its meant to look! The Venus U filter appears to have picked up cloud structures in the atmosphere. Am waiting on an IR Pass Filter to see what that might show at the higher wavelengths. All other details on the image. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1587728865336-JKVNMF1W1KVUZITQ1NZI/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Venus in the daytime This was shot mid-afternoon with a Venus-U filter. Still practising with exposures, gain and focus, but I think there’s some faint cloud structure there. Home 19th April 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1587729617186-PCWINEC2LBO387164VL9/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Venus in Infrared Having tried a U filter I now tried the other end of the spectrum IR. This is also taken with a Baader 1.3x Barlow which increases the magnification. Home 23rd April 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588870125700-K65JD7PNCKYF2GFZO4T5/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Venus in Infrared A few weeks later and the disc is increasing in size but the crescent is reducing. Taken with a Baader 2.25x Barlow which increases the magnification. Home 5th May 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1590224566123-9MTBK5NA1KENK63BN1MK/image-asset.gif Solar System - ISS passing overhead GoPro Hero5 Night Lapse mode Home, 23.15pm 20th May 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1590224630315-GRWIRJHUWCDHKE4HH22L/200520+ISS+Pass.jpg Solar System - ISS passing overhead GoPro Hero5 Night Lapse mode Composite image of 7 frames Home, 23.15pm 20th May 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585402557432-MUYUA4NNRSDV5OOUF720/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Comet C/2019 Y4 ATLAS gliding through Ursa Major 8” RC and CMOS single shot colour camera. mini stack of 3x 120sec exposures Home 27th March 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585402680503-ILTQQ2IYCE627X0L0KW1/Comet-C19-Y4-ATLAS.gif Solar System - GIF: Comet C/2019 Y4 ATLAS gliding through Ursa Major GIF from a stack of 10x 120sec exposures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585313325518-L20UDBS0IJIJT1EBL18I/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Comet 2017 T2 buzzing the Double Cluster NGC 869 & 884 30x 60sec exposures with 51mm APO and CMOS colour single shot camera Stacked in APP Home pier, 28th Jan 2020 8-9pm GMT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585313471407-5UCTZYTFLP5GM20N7RWV/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Comet C2014E2 Jacques This fast moving comet passed through Cassiopeia in Aug 2014. This stack of 19x 30sec exposures through a 72mm refractor captured the comet’s movement over just 12mins. The bright star to the top left is HD9811 and forming an equilateral triangle with the comet is NGC609. 22nd Aug 2014, 23.07-23.19pm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1591256533796-WVKEPHLR64HFUKN380E1/Mars+in+Aries+190218.jpg Solar System - Mars in Aries 72mm refractor and CMOS camera on equatorial mount Short stack of 30sec exposures Home 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585313535011-Q0K2VMN2IKQRUIIV14R3/Uranus+in+Aries+190218.jpg Solar System - Uranus in Aries 72mm refractor and CMOS camera on equatorial mount Short stack of 30sec exposures Home 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585313671141-A2Q2M75TXZQ9TM1WMME7/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Uranus over the house 14mm Samyang lens on Canon 600D 31st October 2015 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586526788811-AREYGIABLIKDQYE2XNLY/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Asteroid (3) Juno in Virgo 10 x 30 sec frames in an 8” RC to pick out (3) Juno against the background stars of Virgo. Three reference stars annotated. Home 9th April 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586526919305-Z9GQBP24B3DG4L74BCEZ/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - Asteroid (6) Hebe in Virgo 5 x 120 sec frames in an 8” RC to pick out (6) Hebe against the background stars of Virgo. Three reference stars annotated. Home 9th April 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585313935587-QZ02DZLMASV479KJDA2Z/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - The Moon and Venus Panasonic GX7 and 45-200mm lens Home, 22nd March 2015 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585330910433-CDXHIATN8P5P9CUHCYL6/image-asset.jpeg Solar System - First serious try at Venus This is my first attempt to image Venus through my Mak-Cass. I used an Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector for the first time, a colour uncooled ASI 290MC camera with a UV/IR cut filter. Lots to learn. Home 24th March 2020, low cost pier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1594486727596-SW8SU9035IINXY0TAKFV/Moon+Mars+combo+200711.jpg Solar System - Mars & The Moon 11th July 2020 Panasonic GX7 M4/3rds with 200mm lens. Combo of 2 short exposures. Home 11th July 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1594664084160-JS4DS4R3JRELN98SHP35/200712+Moon+Mars.jpg Solar System - Mars & The Moon 12th July 2020 The following night, this time with 51mm APO and DSLR Bath, 12th July 2020 https://www.bltastro.com/nz-birds daily 0.75 2020-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588535432814-YIGLHU35W5OI1DZ1SYVP/NZBirds-35.jpg NZ Birds - Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka) We met this Kiwi on New Year’s Day 2020 while walking the final leg of the Rakiura Great Walk from North Arm to Oban. We had also seen a kiwi at night at Port William on the first night. 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588535432814-YIGLHU35W5OI1DZ1SYVP/NZBirds-35.jpg NZ Birds - Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka) We met this Kiwi on New Year’s Day 2020 while walking the final leg of the Rakiura Great Walk from North Arm to Oban. We had also seen a kiwi at night at Port William on the first night. 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588535667495-4W4HQ0BCHRU6LQC75GTV/NZBirds-34.jpg NZ Birds - Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka) 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588535521859-F7D70ZKNY54HB7XSFDSS/NZBirds-36.jpg NZ Birds - Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka) 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588531760609-DS5UDP3QS49B80AUNOX7/NZBirds-1.jpg NZ Birds - South Island Robin This bird came to check us out on a one-day guided nature walk on The Milford Track. They are incredibly curious and seemingly unfazed by humans. 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588539455844-PTYDSVT009733COB033H/NZBirds-24.jpg NZ Birds - Stewart Island Robin (Toutouwai) This was taken during a morning’s guided nature walk on Ulva Island - a small predator free island off Stewart Island. 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588535411141-D1U0CQCW3UXRGB27RVRM/NZBirds-23.jpg NZ Birds - Stewart Island Robin (Toutouwai) Ulva Island 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588535508986-0AJVKJ2XB88GBC9J3JO1/NZBirds-28.jpg NZ Birds - Stewart Island Robin (Toutouwai) Also on Ulva Island, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589037184340-4IJU8H7ZE3T8QAO4YLZ2/image-asset.gif NZ Birds - Fantail GIF (Piwakawaka) Fantails are everywhere but tough to photograph as they never stand still. We met this chap on the Kepler Track 2018. They are a constant presence in Fiordland, zipping past your head to pick up the bugs that you kick up off the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589122244492-WGLL1M5H0T3GG9RU8ZLH/image-asset.gif NZ Birds - Fantail 2 GIF Another Fantail encounter, this time on the Hollyford Track in 2018. See how it uses its tail like an airbrake to change directions mid-flight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589130150457-N4C8ZXRW4KBKZ43J9YGC/image-asset.gif NZ Birds - Fantail 3 GIF Another Fantail from the Hollyford Track 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588532246024-HC7XGBQAV4CK63NWH9EG/NZBirds-19.jpg NZ Birds - Saddleback (Tieke) This bird is incredibly rare and was previously down to 36 birds before conservation teams rescued the last of the species from Big South Cape Island after rats were accidentally introduced. The birds were transferred to predator free islands like Ulva Island. It is only found in the small islands south of the South Island. 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588539102986-FXWS4AR2I957DETBSXDV/NZBirds-26.jpg NZ Birds - Juvenile Saddleback - Jackbird Ulva Island, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588539134474-OIMS2DNKTJFJY8TCCQO9/NZBirds-27.jpg NZ Birds - Juvenile Saddleback - Jackbird Ulva Island, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588531904088-Z1OZXFQ4QLAIS3OCZLU9/NZBirds-7.jpg NZ Birds - Kakapo (stuffed!) This bird is displayed in the Te Anau DOC lakeside visitor centre in 2018. Highly endangered, there are only around 200 individuals living on the southern islands (south of Stewart Island) in conservation areas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588873394208-IDABZPWTTHALDNXY6ZWV/NZBirds2-2.jpg NZ Birds - Kea Day 2 of the Routeburn 2007, leaving Routeburn Falls Hut we saw these two Kea playing. They are the world’s only alpine parrot and highly intelligent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588532230571-WSN7E2VFWTI4NZAX9UES/NZBirds-17.jpg NZ Birds - Kaka Stewart Island, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588873494571-C5AMBYP8991DEAYZZNAW/NZBirds2-7.jpg NZ Birds - Sleepy Kaka Stewart Island, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588532146357-RN09TLNK7SFWX9BRLRDM/NZBirds-16.jpg NZ Birds - Kaka in flight Stewart Island, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588873377632-W2GGVBZ6N7WF8W59RIZZ/NZBirds2-1.jpg NZ Birds - Our first Weka This Weka came out of the bush to check us out one evening in 2007, Punakaiki Te Nikau Retreat, South Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588531968796-AVXD1WQ8406LIPYETKNV/NZBirds-11.jpg NZ Birds - Buff Weka We met this inquisitive Weka on Mou Waho Island, a small predator free oasis in the middle of Lake Wanaka. This species of Weka would have been introduced here by DOC. 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588531979532-8XK7VKMGRHBHZ1EWXYF5/NZBirds-10.jpg NZ Birds - Buff Weka Mou Waho Island, 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588535552578-SKXLRBZDYNK4BNMUO5SR/NZBirds-29.jpg NZ Birds - Stewart Island Weka Foraging on the beach on Ulva Island, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588535622185-RWXX4XAOH7EEPIM1D80E/NZBirds-30.jpg NZ Birds - Stewart Island Weka Ulva Island, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588532305347-07HBKQ52URU5BEO2PRLL/NZBirds-21.jpg NZ Birds - Tomtit (Miromiro) Ulva Island, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588873415865-5M6T07UL0G4DHQ36DT7K/NZBirds2-5.jpg NZ Birds - Tomtit (Miromiro) We photographed this Tomtit on the Kepler Track in 2018 near the banks of Lake Te Anau. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588532016136-H7QUXIVCKEEU5L5HKPO6/NZBirds-12.jpg NZ Birds - Bellbird (Korimako) Mou Waho Island, 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588535702875-4HAB4LPVS0IY0E3C7JYX/NZBirds-33.jpg NZ Birds - Possibly a juvenile Bellbird? Taken near North Arm hut, Rakiura Track, Stewart Island, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588535278006-O79XI0OTOZ77ZX0C3JTL/NZBirds-25.jpg NZ Birds - Red Crowned Parakeet (Karariki) Ulva Island, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588532364932-RU7KIWZ1TIQPW52DVV7R/NZBirds-20.jpg NZ Birds - Red Crowned Parakeet (Karariki) Ulva Island, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588531854485-FPI40M0HJBC1O0M0H2WK/NZBirds-8.jpg NZ Birds - Takahe This captive bird is part of the Te Anau bird sanctuary. 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588873412230-PF9AE47SQ9IXU68MRYQI/NZBirds2-4.jpg NZ Birds - Takahe Different bird sanctuary, Mt Bruce on the North Island, 2007 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588532089702-S84NTC1PFD1349AM27SP/NZBirds-13.jpg NZ Birds - Tui Stewart Island, 2019. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588532171578-U5DA3I8LUAN0JP5KR9YB/NZBirds-18.jpg NZ Birds - Tui The Tui is everywhere on Stewart Island and if you can’t see one you can likely hear one. They have a highly elaborate tune of clicks and whistles. Photographed near Oban, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588873476469-ECHE0PEN8MMO75N8LKDB/NZBirds2-6.jpg NZ Birds - Tui Stewart Island, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588873409884-UMQOSPX63H2KAJFSFUUK/NZBirds2-3.jpg NZ Birds - Yellow Eyed Penguin (Tarakaka) Seen during a nature tour around the Otago Peninsula at Dunedin, 2007. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588531886804-LL7MW0MBAUC6O12A2QQ4/NZBirds-9.jpg NZ Birds - Kereru Famous for getting drunk on fermenting berries, these large pigeons enjoy sitting around. No worries. These were photographed on Mou Waho Island 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588532103212-0P1QR7EIHYXAE5FC3OY8/NZBirds-15.jpg NZ Birds - Kereru Stewart Island, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588532430829-IGIM76UP2MZ107Z06O2H/NZBirds-22.jpg NZ Birds - Kereru Ulva Island, 2019. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588531757623-I1G3BR7U1ONPWEA3MGDK/NZBirds-2.jpg NZ Birds - New Zealand Falcon (Karearea) We spotted this impressive bird on day 2 walking the Hollyford Track around Jerusalem Creek. We watched it for 10mins first in this perch, then another tree branch. 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588531781445-ZDLIJFABJHM009GM78IL/NZBirds-3.jpg NZ Birds - New Zealand Falcon (Karearea) Hollyford Track, 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588531805970-3H4FT96NHRVTATCTDI4E/NZBirds-4.jpg NZ Birds - New Zealand Falcon (Karearea) Hollyford Track, 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588531820708-34EMVQM54KF3LVCSWGAB/NZBirds-5.jpg NZ Birds - New Zealand Falcon (Karearea) Hollyford Track, 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588532063295-9KMDOL8D3S1AUU6IOUT6/NZBirds-14.jpg NZ Birds - Variable Oystercatcher Stewart Island, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588535630819-RM2FZHC72FM7GN9RHESF/NZBirds-31.jpg NZ Birds - White Faced Heron In the bay off North Arm Hut, Rakiura Track, Stewart Island 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588535660920-4TCZS1G65QZGGK0YCV39/NZBirds-32.jpg NZ Birds - White Faced Heron Stewart Island, 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588531833183-0L5VS4RENIFKFEBJNAK2/NZBirds-6.jpg NZ Birds - Great Cormorant Martin’s Bay, Hollyford Track day 2, 2018. https://www.bltastro.com/grand-traverse daily 0.75 2020-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876891782-YV0LZ5M43ME5BQ6Q29ES/Grand+Traverse-3.jpg Grand Traverse - The Grand Traverse Map The first two days cover the Greenstone, followed by a rest day. Then on day 4 we join the Routeburn with an extra group and the group we all walk the last 3 days together. We planned our trip over Christmas with day 5 (our favourite day from the Routeburn in 2007) falling on Christmas Day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876891782-YV0LZ5M43ME5BQ6Q29ES/Grand+Traverse-3.jpg Grand Traverse - The Grand Traverse Map The first two days cover the Greenstone, followed by a rest day. Then on day 4 we join the Routeburn with an extra group and the group we all walk the last 3 days together. We planned our trip over Christmas with day 5 (our favourite day from the Routeburn in 2007) falling on Christmas Day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876886948-TAHZ9FVWVL5N3WNAB1JD/Grand+Traverse-2.jpg Grand Traverse - The Grand Traverse day-by-day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876902554-FGUGIAJUYA1RSEEPZNWV/Grand+Traverse-4.jpg Grand Traverse - The Grand Traverse elevation chart https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876862364-IZBEW5LPQRTWTADL39AI/Grand+Traverse-1.jpg Grand Traverse - Bennett’s Bluff / Millionaire’s View The road from Queenstown towards Glenorchy is spectacular in itself and a stop at Bennett’s Bluff is obligatory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876910869-WHV0ZFL64UMYTP3GC11A/Grand+Traverse-5.jpg Grand Traverse - Starting the Tramp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876922563-TWW8DXI7I90VNWQENAFL/Grand+Traverse-6.jpg Grand Traverse - First bridge The DOC signs mark the route with time guides to each point along the track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876924002-QNZMDMUFYYXFE7HG27VE/Grand+Traverse-7.jpg Grand Traverse - First of many suspended bridges https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876941613-N7M317ENQ496OJLWXDEG/Grand+Traverse-8.jpg Grand Traverse - The Greenstone valley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876941757-ZCKUE6W2L4YNV3BS4VTJ/Grand+Traverse-9.jpg Grand Traverse - Following the track Despite being a guided walk, walkers still have to carry their own packs, water and lunch. Breakfast and dinner are provided at the huts. Each day has at least one planned tea stop in a small shelter or hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876957469-GPDYFBG3HHSGW4RWJ4Y6/Grand+Traverse-10.jpg Grand Traverse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588931442403-DVN5V0POAS0F5XZQ0S6B/Grand+Traverse+2-1.jpg Grand Traverse - The Greenstone valley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876960035-16UWQ2U0TB7Q3ND53TAW/Grand+Traverse-11.jpg Grand Traverse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876976151-CV81NLKYABMAN81BAX7U/Grand+Traverse-12.jpg Grand Traverse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876976607-N7SCN2VNAL8QZ4BNVKBE/Grand+Traverse-13.jpg Grand Traverse - River crossings We had a couple of shallow river crossings to make so wet feet and boots were inevitable. The huts have drying rooms for wet gear so it was only a short term discomfort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876994816-E29LI4UTWPLX4D1C7W0N/Grand+Traverse-14.jpg Grand Traverse - Arriving at Steele Creek Lodge 18km later we arrive at Steele Creek Lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876996420-M6JC33LX8YI4I1D763IV/Grand+Traverse-15.jpg Grand Traverse - View from the lodge The valley floor in shadow as the sun drops behind the mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877014508-8WD1OVKV034EGKYNHUB9/Grand+Traverse-16.jpg Grand Traverse - Steele Creek Lodge Main social space with kitchen, dining and comfy seating. There were two bunk rooms; we were in the smaller of the two which slept around 8 people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877014123-TPPW4IFYOUWEW3AMI8QC/Grand+Traverse-17.jpg Grand Traverse - End of day 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877034073-I1MDDL5AL42YWEPZ1AB2/Grand+Traverse-18.jpg Grand Traverse - Day 2 - leaving Steele Creek Lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877031541-N23X492REDE6QG6X6R9Y/Grand+Traverse-19.jpg Grand Traverse - One person bridge Each bridge had a weight limit, this was one person. You get a bit of a bottleneck as each person crosses. If you stand around still for too long the sand flies find you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877042428-GDPD2H5OM2V7J56XW46M/Grand+Traverse-20.jpg Grand Traverse - This one had a good bounce https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877052671-NQ5J4BYBS7DWVS11INYS/Grand+Traverse-21.jpg Grand Traverse - Following the river again https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877060620-FDI18YYG8JAJ0OOZP3IE/Grand+Traverse-22.jpg Grand Traverse - Crossing blackened landslips https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877073600-6ZE5B9JMPJ138YWUS7WN/Grand+Traverse-23.jpg Grand Traverse - The glacial valley The Greenstone has the classic U-shape created by glacial action with steep sides and wide flat bottom. We had light rain and headwind as we made our way along the valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877080863-HCW9BC8QWKNJC6X2DR57/Grand+Traverse-24.jpg Grand Traverse - Goblin forest The path dipped in and out of patches of ancient twisted woodlands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588931442171-CEY4A7R78LOOW8UIMSA8/Grand+Traverse+2-2.jpg Grand Traverse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588931456629-IAK2YD0FM67085BNNDY8/Grand+Traverse+2-3.jpg Grand Traverse - Crossing dry a riverbed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588931454882-96DWFYBGWVW375U05YLZ/Grand+Traverse+2-4.jpg Grand Traverse - Arriving at Mckellar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588931467741-OOB9Y9S0FM8EJKMGUWVX/Grand+Traverse+2-5.jpg Grand Traverse - and relax... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588931471577-QG5FGWJA9AXLEAYFR11E/Grand+Traverse+2-6.jpg Grand Traverse - Mckellar Lodge We would spend two nights here in bunk rooms of 4. There was a large drying room at the back for wet gear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588931480048-LT76VCFOCI3BJW0V0WV0/Grand+Traverse+2-7.jpg Grand Traverse - Mckellar Lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877143916-XA2MQGWCP5GLJZWB1FVK/Grand+Traverse-31.jpg Grand Traverse - Day 3 - rest day No rest for the wicked! With perfect weather we followed guides Matt & Pip up to the Lookout. Matt was in training for an army competition and filled his massive pack with potatoes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877142176-NZ3KE7YYQKXEZCR4SE6M/Grand+Traverse-32.jpg Grand Traverse - Breaking the tree line Straight up for 45-60mins. We break the tree line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877098154-D0OMLLWQCOGWZSQ5N5WC/Grand+Traverse-26.jpg Grand Traverse - The Lookout The view back down the Greenstone Valley where we spent the past two days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877094295-OW5ZGUTFYYW0L7AZVAZI/Grand+Traverse-25.jpg Grand Traverse - Lake Mckellar Tomorrow would take us along Lake Mckellar into Fiordland National Park. Our hut, where we spent last night & tonight, is in the tiny clearing bottom right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877113852-XKKWFC0A8N0RAZBU9DR2/Grand+Traverse-27.jpg Grand Traverse - Greenstone Track You can just make out our path to the left of the river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877163096-BG02R4XG2YQWPZOM2DH6/Grand+Traverse-34.jpg Grand Traverse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877163491-WO34ZDB8UFFM0E5V0RQH/Grand+Traverse-35.jpg Grand Traverse - The Lookout All the mountains are over 2000m https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877183456-YU806XIBGK32JFL9DNQ5/Grand+Traverse-36.jpg Grand Traverse - The Lookout https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588876870525-UGB0R1KXUYMVWOBECJEW/Grand+Traverse+pan-1.jpg Grand Traverse - Panoramic view Matt (in red) regretting the potatoes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588931489025-QEQ8MN2T1I9MMTSYMVGP/Grand+Traverse+2-8.jpg Grand Traverse - Descending through the forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877201160-NOGSI2VPEPLH13MIZBST/Grand+Traverse-38.jpg Grand Traverse - Mckellar Lodge The Lookout is the clearing on the middle peak in this image. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877117497-F8UTY95W8PWSDVA2WI12/Grand+Traverse-28.jpg Grand Traverse - Southern skies - Orion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877132688-7G31V7SJGBQAEOXIZS22/Grand+Traverse-29.jpg Grand Traverse - Southern skies The Southern Cross and Eta Carinae Nebula just before midnight from Lake Mckellar. This was a single frame taken on a small tracking mount that follows earth’s rotation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877132832-D7TE55W78JHDW3B7U9CX/Grand+Traverse-30.jpg Grand Traverse - Southern skies The Large Magellanic Cloud, a small companion galaxy to our Milky Way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877183723-17964DMSLROTIF6XY7OR/Grand+Traverse-37.jpg Grand Traverse - Day 4 - into Fiordland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877204324-B1OX9RQ5JDBU6KOWDZZ3/Grand+Traverse-39.jpg Grand Traverse - National Park Photography is no substitute for the beauty of these forests. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877223014-QDBS9XUHSJZ70NBM3KEH/Grand+Traverse-40.jpg Grand Traverse - Lake Mckellar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877269776-9E9F05JTLXENEKP37VGO/Grand+Traverse-45.jpg Grand Traverse - Gentle rise to Howden Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588931497157-UUEUDMTY6PZVBG4XO285/Grand+Traverse+2-9.jpg Grand Traverse - Top of Lake Mckellar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877278519-TEKUEEE7VEX4KNWOUGGG/Grand+Traverse-46.jpg Grand Traverse - Offshoot to Key Summit Leaving our packs at a Howden, we climbed up for around 30mins to Key Summit, a spectacular alpine plateau with nature walks and magical views. Today was Christmas Eve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877227615-J70YXGY3HHD69IBFMDHV/Grand+Traverse-41.jpg Grand Traverse - Key Summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877240351-JG7HXJLV5Q1Y0RR3RSEE/Grand+Traverse-42.jpg Grand Traverse - Key Summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877247721-CV6XROAQDKZ53H1ML4EZ/Grand+Traverse-43.jpg Grand Traverse - Lake Marian Lake Marian is a classic hanging valley caused by a smaller glacier feeding into a larger one, leaving behind a small lake suspended in the mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877259982-WVGNM2W1Y1O16TYJCSRF/Grand+Traverse-44.jpg Grand Traverse - Hollyford Valley Our route today will traverse the right hand side of the mountains keeping the Hollyford on our left. We walked the Hollyford track in 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877287925-0TNVWG30F4713SOH02RR/Grand+Traverse-47.jpg Grand Traverse - Key Summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877301505-KILRIHS011WKW39EV464/Grand+Traverse-48.jpg Grand Traverse - Nature trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877308405-J967FJIUUXBQ331XFJCZ/Grand+Traverse-49.jpg Grand Traverse - Looking down the Hollyford Valley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877320717-2E53L0P76HCSD5P62RDS/Grand+Traverse-50.jpg Grand Traverse - Lake Howden Brief lunch stop here in Howden Hut by the lake. We stayed here in 2007 when we walk the Routeburn in the other direction. A few weeks after this terrible rain storms caused a huge land slip that almost wiped out the hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877326515-JPL4D5TL5X953AI3MXP6/Grand+Traverse-51.jpg Grand Traverse - Up through the forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877337839-K5C9EMBQ1YSCGZIS1N6H/Grand+Traverse-52.jpg Grand Traverse - Earland Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877346963-94G96UA7VC7CY8KYNYK2/Grand+Traverse-53.jpg Grand Traverse - Earland Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877356885-9PYL4RQQF8V3Y03FVBZ0/Grand+Traverse-54.jpg Grand Traverse - Earland Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588931500492-H67U17WAAL9ZUE68ERZW/Grand+Traverse+2-10.jpg Grand Traverse - Earland Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877369550-YLMYIC0QFFYUPLAGFFVJ/Grand+Traverse-55.jpg Grand Traverse - Earland Falls - snack break Rachel got her Christmas hat out today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877380367-9E8OO2BJ5AF93BYC8M8V/Grand+Traverse-56.jpg Grand Traverse - Snow capped peaks of the Darran Mountains https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877389777-23I10Z1QKVDEPBQO7B37/Grand+Traverse-57.jpg Grand Traverse - The Orchard This clearing is known as The Orchard. Another brief stop here before the final push to Mackenzie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588931510280-ZWJHI0HRR1XUD3G5E3XJ/Grand+Traverse+2-11.jpg Grand Traverse - The Orchard https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877406333-EQN2KCHX3LGULIL63TAS/Grand+Traverse-58.jpg Grand Traverse - Steep and uneven descent to Mackenzie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588931513681-7WYV37F587GRQTOI012L/Grand+Traverse+2-12.jpg Grand Traverse - Beech forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877412758-WLB8CMK21W3RL0U1LHQ1/Grand+Traverse-59.jpg Grand Traverse - First sight of Mackenzie Lodge This is the guided walker’s hut, the DOC hut is a little further towards the lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877426340-XHJ8FFTEX11XQTN7TM7Z/Grand+Traverse-60.jpg Grand Traverse - Mackenzie Lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877432391-02RLLLYV3ORBD019DHP8/Grand+Traverse-61.jpg Grand Traverse - Mackenzie Lodge After three nights in shared bunk rooms, this was a welcome sight! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877442632-GI93CO2QIMOUD864BALB/Grand+Traverse-62.jpg Grand Traverse - Mackenzie Lodge A significant step up from the facilities on the Greenstone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588931526719-N8XXXCXGLJN0KIJE89PL/Grand+Traverse+2-13.jpg Grand Traverse - Fuel The catered guide lodges have a fully stocked bar. They even had our favourite Pinot Noir Akarua ‘Rua’. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877452701-0YFA3U3OHHBL1YL0EB1Z/Grand+Traverse-63.jpg Grand Traverse - Christmas Eve meal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877461020-7FZGBK7XT9LHDY669ED7/Grand+Traverse-64.jpg Grand Traverse - Main social space https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588877473783-2A2IE2PWY50SQGJNLRYJ/Grand+Traverse-65.jpg Grand Traverse - Mackenzie Lodge The double rooms and bunk room were spread out around the dining & social space. There were a few Kea around, pinching peoples boots if left outside, and running across the metal roofs. They even knocked on doors! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878241864-KWL6CY7VWDCR63S62L7X/Grand+Traverse-66.jpg Grand Traverse - Day 5 - Christmas Day Harris Saddle was our first target with the hope of an offshoot up to Conical Hill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878241620-DXON3F54QH6OUWWM3FJA/Grand+Traverse-67.jpg Grand Traverse - Christmas Day by Lake Mackenzie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878263715-RBBEKGS7UYORNEUGGN94/Grand+Traverse-68.jpg Grand Traverse - Christmas Day by Lake Mackenzie 21st Dec was our start date. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878261285-PX6IQT67NYVUJJ68F3CV/Grand+Traverse-69.jpg Grand Traverse - Climbing up, looking back on Mackenzie The DOC Hut and our lodge are just visible to the top right of the lake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588931543438-GVQTX2A5R9RJU0QUQAEV/Grand+Traverse+2-15.jpg Grand Traverse - Mackenzie lodges DOC on the left, Ultimate Hikes on the right https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878275188-YD2AN548MRLLQSS2C9U4/Grand+Traverse-70.jpg Grand Traverse - Lake Mackenzie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588931528829-CYIEJVMQCA3RDKATWOA4/Grand+Traverse+2-14.jpg Grand Traverse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878282067-A7X55225TCA1JDU063HN/Grand+Traverse-71.jpg Grand Traverse - Ocean View Corner Key Summit on the left and the Hollyford Valley on the right. On a clear day you can see all the way to Martin’s Bay where we completed the Hollyford Track in 2018, leaving by helicopter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878290548-ANAXMNSJCZBZFTM53LJD/Grand+Traverse-72.jpg Grand Traverse - Ocean View Corner https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878305380-ANEKH70ZV8Z6Y9B1XIUS/Grand+Traverse-73.jpg Grand Traverse - Traversing the mountains https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878308466-17VEUXXSDNXT5UEUF4TK/Grand+Traverse-74.jpg Grand Traverse - The Hollyford Valley Views back to a Key Summit. Bottom right is a small settlement Gunn’s Camp, the final stop on the way to the start of the Hollyford Track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588931543447-EMO4DVUHMV5YYM17VD06/Grand+Traverse+2-16.jpg Grand Traverse - Harris Shelter Again, one for independent DOC walkers and one for guided groups. We had a flush toilet, they had the long drop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878324065-S5DKW58F6M7NCW3UCQBK/Grand+Traverse-75.jpg Grand Traverse - Harris Saddle from Conical Hill Light rain as we reached the shelter for lunch. Our route continued to the left. About 10 of us decided to head up to Conical Hill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878327417-2DNLH5DAO49VUJGAI8A3/Grand+Traverse-76.jpg Grand Traverse - Overlooking Lake Harris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878341894-C1FGEL4GG1AC0AOU9J45/Grand+Traverse-77.jpg Grand Traverse - Lake Harris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878344706-SGYRN5OGT2RKBY4L9RZ4/Grand+Traverse-78.jpg Grand Traverse - Conical Hill We got occasional gaps in the cloud, looking down to the valley below. We did catch a glimpse of the ocean at Martin’s Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588936454421-BDCW193Q5FXMDXWFM613/image-asset.jpeg Grand Traverse - Top of Conical Hill Rose helped us recreate the photo from 2007 that hangs on our dining room wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878357946-2SWENNWTAVJ4SJQ4MCRK/Grand+Traverse-79.jpg Grand Traverse - Heading to Routeburn Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878361487-MH8IVET4IZ5XYRHW6B9Q/Grand+Traverse-80.jpg Grand Traverse - Lake Harris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878372880-0CS1K6I2SL1XQOPNYY3N/Grand+Traverse-81.jpg Grand Traverse - Lake Harris This is a proper ‘Middle Earth’ photo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588883563631-QL8JKH03HVIUZVMXHEJY/Grand+Traverse-82.jpg Grand Traverse - Lake Harris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878384695-BMAN8EFCWK1VEGFVMYJM/Grand+Traverse-83.jpg Grand Traverse - Lake Harris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878395683-JRF9SJEIEIA6V3USUSXU/Grand+Traverse-84.jpg Grand Traverse - Christmas Day afternoon Having climbed Conical Hill, we were some of the last to set off. All downhill, with no time pressure, this was a magical time to stop and enjoy the scenery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878408267-8PVHG1W48H103XU6VABC/Grand+Traverse-85.jpg Grand Traverse - Approaching Routeburn Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878413838-DWZ40STNGMCG6I4OQ293/Grand+Traverse-86.jpg Grand Traverse - Routeburn Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878426445-7R0I5HISB5817NW1J2TD/Grand+Traverse-87.jpg Grand Traverse - Routeburn Falls guided walkers lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878429745-59KKXS5IJPFPBCZKAK0B/Grand+Traverse-88.jpg Grand Traverse - Day 6 - breakfast https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878443242-E83TW5F0LZXDXJGY59P0/Grand+Traverse-89.jpg Grand Traverse - Final day https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878446113-IBRXSHPR8W2EQ7RGJ5QW/Grand+Traverse-90.jpg Grand Traverse - Downhill through the forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878462540-G47V09J9PELUR9II246E/Grand+Traverse-91.jpg Grand Traverse - Routeburn Flats https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878461804-O5A8EFLN8KSCVQYV2MBJ/Grand+Traverse-92.jpg Grand Traverse - Routeburn Flats Hut DOC hut - we didn’t stay here, just a pit stop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878481714-27PUMK13Y6GZGKTJNUOR/Grand+Traverse-93.jpg Grand Traverse - NZ is famous for its many fern species https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878480691-FS2JQ0EIDEFDHU80L4X8/Grand+Traverse-94.jpg Grand Traverse - Now following the crystal blue river https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878498828-28OR7QZ2PUJ1MZQY5CSJ/Grand+Traverse-95.jpg Grand Traverse - The Routeburn River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878501615-X2G9C6HQX2UWUJTWAJID/Grand+Traverse-96.jpg Grand Traverse - The Routeburn River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878516465-DU79NY6MS5R1J8963HLO/Grand+Traverse-97.jpg Grand Traverse - Lunch stop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878517685-I7ZKIR0LDM4TS4VE7ZSX/Grand+Traverse-98.jpg Grand Traverse - Matt takes a dip Yes, it was freezing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878531240-9FBPWXV0C1YPL1M7RHTM/Grand+Traverse-99.jpg Grand Traverse - Clear glacial waters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878536060-7AX987O050OXO3PGC0EE/Grand+Traverse-100.jpg Grand Traverse - Our Singaporean friends https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878545113-SQCAGGINET74992TPU4N/Grand+Traverse-101.jpg Grand Traverse - Final push https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878562245-66K60ZX17FTSJNEI42UM/Grand+Traverse-102.jpg Grand Traverse - Group doing canyoning below One of the many adventure trips run out of Queenstown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878562798-WU4ZZYC8HJMQKQ23N80B/Grand+Traverse-103.jpg Grand Traverse - Nature walk For those who come for the day, this loop of nature walk is accessible from the road end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878581166-G27CEH6ZPQW4WIDU7DJ4/Grand+Traverse-104.jpg Grand Traverse - The final bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878581880-A6886V214S969M36GBS9/Grand+Traverse-105.jpg Grand Traverse - The final bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878597896-ECSM49IUT3XB08IW1SNW/Grand+Traverse-106.jpg Grand Traverse - Grand Traverse completed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588878600128-8K2Q2CQPQ989WVZJUNL8/Grand+Traverse-107.jpg Grand Traverse - End https://www.bltastro.com/hump-ridge daily 0.75 2020-11-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952750769-L2E09VQSCN7GRAI1NCKO/Hump2-3.jpg Hump Ridge - The Hump Ridge Great Walk A recent addition to the Great Walks list, this three day tramp starts with a helicopter ride down the coast, with your packs then flown up to the first hut. Day 2 is generally downhill and day 3 follows the cost back to make a loop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952750769-L2E09VQSCN7GRAI1NCKO/Hump2-3.jpg Hump Ridge - The Hump Ridge Great Walk A recent addition to the Great Walks list, this three day tramp starts with a helicopter ride down the coast, with your packs then flown up to the first hut. Day 2 is generally downhill and day 3 follows the cost back to make a loop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952735487-N2V5PSMZCQD04MGUMXID/Hump2-1.jpg Hump Ridge - Tuatapere Having just walked the Rakiura Track, we were picked up in Invercargill and driven to our overnight stay at Tuatapere. We met our guides, fellow walkers and had an evening meal together. The group size was around 10. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952737387-NM71UBBZB4H4WVWITU7X/Hump2-2.jpg Hump Ridge - Tuatapere The view towards the Hump Ridge. The helicopter would pick us up off this patch of grass tomorrow morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952823788-R6BYPE6UWZAKQNX0JG8T/Hump2-12.jpg Hump Ridge - Helicopter We took the first flight and watched as the pilot brought in the next 4. The bare patch of scrub perched on the cliff edge was tiny. Until he landed we had no idea what he was aiming for! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952851458-N7F4D8JZI2ALOUKP4B8F/Hump2-15.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952837882-NI0XXGFLK44PTKCXA5GT/Hump2-14.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952837006-GFYC273I79UN4TMKT9EB/Hump2-13.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952821738-0IMCA7EA2EZF04BTJG30/Hump2-11.jpg Hump Ridge - Our guide Leon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952851053-UITJU0TABQ432XNMEURN/Hump2-16.jpg Hump Ridge - Setting off After three days on the Rakiura, we had our gaters on, but didn’t need them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952864661-6O7L88WJWCQN43DE13SP/Hump2-17.jpg Hump Ridge - Always a bridge to start... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952866752-5TC7IU97EHSPUD004SE3/Hump2-18.jpg Hump Ridge - 5-7hrs all uphill https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952879873-F4CROKCJTN2MEKM7OAL0/Hump2-19.jpg Hump Ridge - Boardwalks Much of the Hump Ridge is on boardwalks to protect the plants from trampers boots. The construction of these paths is an incredible feat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952924867-R8IXCCLL50JWA8UUX0VG/Hump2-25.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952881472-PVV38JTC24HASKK0QV0X/Hump2-20.jpg Hump Ridge - This is not a Tardis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952899490-YFXN2QYKYB1NLYRD73T0/Hump2-21.jpg Hump Ridge - Coffee break These cute shelters provided a hot drink stop each day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952901535-Z332N4JH9OCUJM93151Z/Hump2-22.jpg Hump Ridge - Guide Ting watches the kettle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952912841-IF4ZBSTMGGBDD1FCXN6E/Hump2-23.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952914495-MWM0O9N2R23ICR3B3YNT/Hump2-24.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952929188-7P7Z0FHDD1ZMRY27ZTZR/Hump2-26.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952940760-KOPYUNK4MPNMJFYKFB3A/Hump2-27.jpg Hump Ridge - Upwards The ferns of the lower forests gave way to ‘goblin forest’ and a myriad of moss and lichen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952947198-X92JK305NCSTFLXCDJOU/Hump2-28.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952956252-VIHZ1H9BTYT5P47WU9WY/Hump2-29.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952961230-144AEU65JKULSWQDCO9B/Hump2-30.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952975238-KYF18A6QBNORBR1M67YF/Hump2-31.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952991710-B5V942F7577BHYQ1PQHL/Hump2-33.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952981625-FSO2EVQJMNNBA5U0RDZO/Hump2-32.jpg Hump Ridge - View to Okaka Hut A small clearing allows a view to the ridge line and our destination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953012968-ST68WYXT6LJM7GR5PDKZ/Hump2-36.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952753995-BR2EHV7HL3D5H71SO37T/Hump2-4.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952997545-XY1W7E38AOVZB9DPXUJD/Hump2-34.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953021012-BSUCU5J4SF9IWD0DMEUI/Hump2-37.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953034248-14WXDVSFL2BP59HT5672/Hump2-39.jpg Hump Ridge - Goblin forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953028277-5LTJY5T6GHNM9ASRMCP9/Hump2-38.jpg Hump Ridge - Out of the forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952772407-IH8Q71IAVF4S7268MWZ5/Hump2-6.jpg Hump Ridge - Onto the ridge boardwalks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952788894-ABTBI6E33GSGLEZQAUES/Hump2-7.jpg Hump Ridge - High point of the track The plan was to drop bags at the hut then make the climb to the summit. In fact the weather closed in as soon as we reached the hut and the strong winds made us turn back. We never made it to the top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952792723-XFEFL2LEBTRZLUAHV8D4/Hump2-8.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953005950-7DY0N5VGP5XKDORHI125/Hump2-35.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953042394-QCHWFPGT813NDUUN3OBZ/Hump2-40.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952769740-TZ08ND7Z0AYWLL061VGZ/Hump2-5.jpg Hump Ridge - Looking East This view back towards our first night B&B and the beaches we’d be walking on day 3. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953049944-4CFGX9P57RVV40ZZETSX/Hump2-41.jpg Hump Ridge - Okaka hut Nestled just below the ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588952805575-MJB0DW5PNXV087D4V39L/Hump2-10.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953058093-CCCS5LSYLDDLFW54FYC3/Hump2-42.jpg Hump Ridge - Our double room There was a shared WC block and main social space with kitchen and bar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953065341-0AL2FF1I7ADR829WY8KT/Hump2-43.jpg Hump Ridge - Dinner time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953071294-5OK22VRO3XTRBSFXD991/Hump2-44.jpg Hump Ridge - Well deserved G&T https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953078629-B9TXYF9S5P463ATPA28O/Hump2-45.jpg Hump Ridge - Day 2 We got little sleep during a cold and wild night of high winds. We awoke to temperatures barely above zero and winds that made it hard to stand up. Wearing all the clothes we brought, including hat and gloves we braved the elements along the ridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953085482-Z3G1R0O4MB842VRFMYN0/Hump2-46.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953099695-7VUWU0SQFSIU3AN6H25O/Hump2-47.jpg Hump Ridge - Shelter Back in the forest we got some shelter from the strength of the wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953106370-X00G5X0676I9IZV6FY3B/Hump2-48.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953111756-G8V34BNCV8IIP1ECR7JR/Hump2-49.jpg Hump Ridge - Spectacular views... …would normally be seen as you gently descend the ‘Hump’. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953121784-51V1UFXKE2S9FKMV7P6B/Hump2-50.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953130820-3NWLIKOWVX80WKH3J0SX/Hump2-51.jpg Hump Ridge - Towards Luncheon rock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953135679-68IKNZ8OWSSWJI5OJJS7/Hump2-52.jpg Hump Ridge - Glimpses of the coast https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953151249-4K00RIJHWE346OAGNAV3/Hump2-53.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953146732-CY8YFFAFCS27RWYM2TVJ/Hump2-54.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953163972-M8OKMFYWOR9YTXWHWXR7/Hump2-55.jpg Hump Ridge - The clouds are clearing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953167930-H29PMQTBVWNTU2LED3OF/Hump2-56.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588953178980-GX3R5PJA4URTJ96NQY3N/Hump2-57.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956343625-S8S23QF40EMD170TTI05/Hump2-58.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956342087-T8QEJCW8TIL5ND8L3CIR/Hump2-59.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956363045-7LL0IJKL7XFO2PEVC1YP/Hump2-60.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956365287-CXEAXFJH24DM9TEFI6DR/Hump2-61.jpg Hump Ridge - Next stop Stewart Island, then Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956382907-6LC082TAI1C6EVGRK6N0/Hump2-62.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956385479-SO6T8ZXGQSW3XSF1IH91/Hump2-63.jpg Hump Ridge - Another welcome tea stop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956401842-97YT6FBQ5FX9QJET9YPI/Hump2-64.jpg Hump Ridge - Timber viaducts Day 2 is dominated by the huge timber viaducts constructed to support a doomed timber industry out of Port Craig. Built from Australian timber, these huge structures supported a railway line that only operated for a few years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956401902-O59LCANRMQQFAER73MJ5/Hump2-65.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956424509-AZU6V3B4S0XA8Q85NCZN/Hump2-66.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956425952-20CEO4BLHDRDJC4DTJL6/Hump2-67.jpg Hump Ridge - Railway line The track now followed the railway line. The timber sleepers and still in place, as are the nails that make a regular, unwelcome trip hazard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956441136-9JG8Z9JEF4DE8K068UHK/Hump2-68.jpg Hump Ridge - Sleepers and nails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956442921-02X8FR0TX0C85U5I1JQZ/Hump2-69.jpg Hump Ridge - Percy Burn Viaduct https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956461275-NIKU1EJTLLKJNUXD78X5/Hump2-70.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956461801-BMO8YLDNZCYLS07CD8UY/Hump2-71.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956479889-T856E9M3QMFF5JE730I9/Hump2-72.jpg Hump Ridge - We stopped for tea in this hut across the viaduct https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956481052-RJ8Q9JIEJ5FKDPRZVTZK/Hump2-73.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956496138-83WVC8RUW6IY8L92HJNN/Hump2-74.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956501690-4H0MORT1IPMAQESJD741/Hump2-75.jpg Hump Ridge - Info boards https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956515880-KQRP4QU4FMXTUWAX2H0O/Hump2-76.jpg Hump Ridge - Info boards https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956520113-OH42GNJ3TEQEDDJ9NFA8/Hump2-77.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956534840-KBYC76K0SN96MNUXCK09/Hump2-78.jpg Hump Ridge - Back into Fiordland! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956537610-0I12JO80B9GXKRXYV1LR/Hump2-79.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956552229-9I7204OVKCARPMJU0N87/Hump2-80.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956555704-QE2C9Q7I28EXAEJVNTLV/Hump2-81.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956570263-MC19ZMNNCY32QICMZYIX/Hump2-82.jpg Hump Ridge - Dynamite was used to blast through this rock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956576682-YAOO4O8W21F66WH8ZPK0/Hump2-83.jpg Hump Ridge - Arriving at Port Craig https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956590729-GBS9R0AQP6H6SBETPBRX/Hump2-84.jpg Hump Ridge - Double rooms around a courtyard https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956594684-T714EG4U1BG4GSQEJHWR/Hump2-85.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956608835-UPXGJOYOKHAMQIL1AP64/Hump2-86.jpg Hump Ridge - Tea and treats https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956617595-Q8V8FDXG6X98B18KRUT8/Hump2-87.jpg Hump Ridge - Pre-dinner nibbles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956629212-3HF09HCZO30ML7GP27TR/Hump2-88.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956621745-TXFC6Z64EIN4U5Q4C3VX/Hump2-89.jpg Hump Ridge - Dinner time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956693870-7AILPWRZXKIYAP7C7ET5/Hump2-96.jpg Hump Ridge - Day 3 Short walk down to the jetty used for the failed timber industry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956704161-ICSVKHVDQZG6J5MHMA2E/Hump2-97.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956639788-OQ0A1NYISLSZXOTA5V2A/Hump2-90.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956649126-GR5D67EGIXL82NFIFSUR/Hump2-91.jpg Hump Ridge - Onto the beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956654284-34AF5TN5TL9XLB7A3JS7/Hump2-92.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956664288-BZI3F8EENIYK0NGSZSWY/Hump2-93.jpg Hump Ridge - Path dips in and out of the bush https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956676788-207J1L9LR8XBWQUQ1A2T/Hump2-94.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956683720-H3YOFTEXWQM99RNOFQ6E/Hump2-95.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956713302-DSGTRDZ34AMGW3NKG8L3/Hump2-98.jpg Hump Ridge - Black Fantail We saw a rare Black Fantail around this spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956723680-WLMI60J2RUENHDAPEMGW/Hump2-99.jpg Hump Ridge - Lunch at Breakneck Creek Looks idyllic although the sandflies made us unwelcome guests. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956729873-AWIK3QBTCMXSKBYATSKZ/Hump2-100.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956741813-YZB3GG88OWNWJ4EWP1IK/Hump2-101.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956747678-RHR794N1466UVR4KEAAE/Hump2-102.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956759653-GM5R2FP7JSGQJMKNI0CK/Hump2-103.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956764842-SHHHR2RJEVS6P73UQ1AI/Hump2-105.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956774229-S3NWV08719DH7UO6NMOC/Hump2-106.jpg Hump Ridge - The Hump Ridge The backdrop is the ridge we previously climbed, then descended. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956778614-6BN39C9ZILEH8GF7HAN9/Hump2-107.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956789321-8TN2UHSS8A6KYSZMKNZD/Hump2-108.jpg Hump Ridge - Final bridge Followed by a steep set of steps that give those who complete the walk the distinctive ‘Hump Ridge gait’. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956795443-IKZW703SXYQ2IYIVOF0O/Hump2-109.jpg Hump Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956804586-U4VJACFVCIH6EOS376WT/Hump2-110.jpg Hump Ridge - Hump Ridge completed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588956798917-CXQNJTW196Y3ZRMWTBJ0/Hump2-111.jpg Hump Ridge - We didn’t need proof it had been a long day https://www.bltastro.com/rakiura daily 0.75 2020-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589010620863-PX1SLJ5YNO3W1LSAFOBF/IMG_3851.png Rakiura - Stewart Island - Rakiura The Rakiura can be walked in either direction in a 10-day (red) or 3-day (blue) loop. The 3-day is the Great Walk with better tracks. This is the DOC map with accommodation listed which you need to book in advance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589010620863-PX1SLJ5YNO3W1LSAFOBF/IMG_3851.png Rakiura - Stewart Island - Rakiura The Rakiura can be walked in either direction in a 10-day (red) or 3-day (blue) loop. The 3-day is the Great Walk with better tracks. This is the DOC map with accommodation listed which you need to book in advance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589010621721-SJ0XWTXTSLYW2OD9O7VM/IMG_3850.jpeg Rakiura - Rakiura Great Walk Map We walked the track anti-clockwise starting in Lee Bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937126170-NQF7XQK4P4V1IZ1ROSQ8/Rakiura-1.jpg Rakiura - Flying in over Lee Bay As we flew into Stewart Island on an 8-seater, we could see the start of the track in the small clearing below https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937126354-GC0Q2622L10NN3TBFS2E/Rakiura-2.jpg Rakiura - Day 1 - leaving Lee Bay We set off on the afternoon of Dec 30th 2019 in typical Stewart Island weather. We got a lift to the start of the track from Oban. This was an independent walk, so no catering, no hot showers, no double beds, limited washing/ drying facilities and lots of freeze dried meals! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937142462-RWNXFIEWMBAC9YPKOR0B/Rakiura-3.jpg Rakiura https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937139615-91Z61GC8B19TUAHVVUXK/Rakiura-4.jpg Rakiura https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937159569-NSK7JQX0N4M7OEJTMM4Q/Rakiura-5.jpg Rakiura - Following the coastline north https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937159694-T8G9AK213M9L8KN8GET6/Rakiura-6.jpg Rakiura - Maori Beach The track dips in and out of the bush onto the beaches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937172907-S3H3DV0QJVZ4HWAT5QUU/Rakiura-7.jpg Rakiura https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937173255-7TOK968HOZKKN0MHR6TC/Rakiura-8.jpg Rakiura - ‘Kiwi flat’ The locals used the term ‘kiwi flat’ - meaning not flat at all, constantly up and down. The whole Rakiura was like this, no huge climbs but lots of undulations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937185883-H74BUCGS5V7T6FR25KIZ/Rakiura-9.jpg Rakiura https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937202851-KRXC0IGMYAW2LQ6ERI0Y/Rakiura-11.jpg Rakiura - Port William DOC hut Our home for the night. We got the last 2 bunks (of 24) in different rooms. No washing facilities and 2 outside toilets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937186388-933MXPWGBKNZKPKVT9B7/Rakiura-10.jpg Rakiura - Dinner I think this was the freeze dried venison stew with mashed potatoes. Just add water and wait! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937217120-4N0NB98L0WHULM12X1BT/Rakiura-13.jpg Rakiura - Evening at Port William https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937202745-HZB02G4ZGLXWYH2W4UE2/Rakiura-12.jpg Rakiura - Evening at Port William https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937219356-Q47PZRZUQI9TP3DN4GLL/Rakiura-14.jpg Rakiura - Evening at Port William There was also a DOC campsite behind this beach. We walked the length of this beach after dark looking for kiwi. Only as we reached the edge of the bush near the hut did we hear rustling. We stopped and saw a kiwi rooting around near our feet for 10mins - magic! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937299336-11N1J5Z0P0IHJMX74FTH/Rakiura-15.jpg Rakiura - Evening at Port William https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937308257-YTQ9TDF2WMEP1Y22W9L1/Rakiura-17.jpg Rakiura - Day 2 Lovely morning after a poor night’s sleep. I think we’ve been spoiled by the guided tramping experience! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937316443-UWB01GW65IDIXLCTD334/Rakiura-18.jpg Rakiura - Setting off for North Arm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937325556-ENI3Q6ULZM5ZPZ1QAU3E/Rakiura-19.jpg Rakiura https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937332384-NGWDDGY6OENY30UI39FY/Rakiura-20.jpg Rakiura https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937339425-1OAIHKNTB3200L7D1SDV/Rakiura-21.jpg Rakiura - Uphill The first few km are all uphill, back to the split in the path https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937348164-HYENIIKKVC1227K8W1IC/Rakiura-22.jpg Rakiura - To North Arm The time markers were only approximate - we tended to cover the distance in half the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937358429-CDZK0D3E8Y46KA7773SJ/Rakiura-23.jpg Rakiura - Rakiura Track The majority of the track is like this; under the forest canopy surrounded by ferns and moss. Everyone said expect mud - in places it very muddy for long stretches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589038426355-A3FQOGVXSKP56621RMX0/IMG_2629.jpeg Rakiura - Lancewood These two trees in the foreground are the same species, which flummoxed early western botanists. The juvenile plant grows razorlike leaves the point down to prevent grazing by the large flightless (extinct) Moa. Once above a certain height the leaf changes completely into a soft round leaf. The long straight trunks were prized for lances. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937365045-V0GTORZBYYHMESF3YQBZ/Rakiura-24.jpg Rakiura https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937398217-UXDT46FNMN22JNMMO8T6/Rakiura-28.jpg Rakiura - Industrial Heritage A number of rusting old steam engines are the remnants of a log hauling industry https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937381443-7W61Q4VZ2JJRA519ARGL/Rakiura-26.jpg Rakiura https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937390330-8PGOSMP53N0EZ9W2LAU2/Rakiura-27.jpg Rakiura https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937406166-EITTO4B61CWBUN42MHQX/Rakiura-29.jpg Rakiura - DOC paths The paths are a credit to the DOC workers who construct the paths, steps, bridges and maintain the lodges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937413656-QJR23UR8MK6J7UHVICL8/Rakiura-30.jpg Rakiura - Tree ferns https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937421703-BREED8E5XLXD3YT10DAX/Rakiura-31.jpg Rakiura https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937430015-PBJVEO3TW3PLXURSIPNR/Rakiura-32.jpg Rakiura - Mud On a scale of 1-10 this was about a 5. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937437771-K0E4BUNK0UYIZMEU6FSR/Rakiura-33.jpg Rakiura https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937491482-9KCH99L8AQM9M1GTP9LH/Rakiura-40.jpg Rakiura - Arriving at North Arm hut This time being on of the first groups to arrive we selected adjacent bunks. As you can walk the loop in both directions, there’s a different mix of walkers each night. Being New Year’s Eve, locals had walked out from Oban. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937482182-2PU5B3IDQNIG29GLTWBO/Rakiura-39.jpg Rakiura - The facilities https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937452526-8OHU4OCMOVSKMZ46YHEG/Rakiura-35.jpg Rakiura - North Arm Hut Our base for New Year overlooking a sheltered cove and beach. Kiwi encounters are common here, although we were unlucky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937460726-ZS2MA2P3W4DCAYB38XRF/Rakiura-36.jpg Rakiura https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937467506-YIMH7KQ0LLJ816B6HWT5/Rakiura-37.jpg Rakiura https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937474945-X2DR7WVNR6B5QAYWDCV0/Rakiura-38.jpg Rakiura https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937497614-OY83J88I2MNJWCNNNG5S/Rakiura-41.jpg Rakiura - North Arm Hut The hut provides sinks and water only. We had a little pack containing a fold up kettle, plates, cups and cutlery. We carried a small gas bottle and screw on stove top. Some guys had the Zipboil and were cooking far more adventurous meals than our freeze dried packets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589038328800-PAV1PG7BK3NS3S3G6WAY/IMG_2630.jpeg Rakiura - Flat-pack kettle and stove https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937506355-RL4QKDO7A3YQ7CFR8UD3/Rakiura-42.jpg Rakiura - Dinner Tonight Menu is Thai Chicken Curry followed by Carrot Cake & custard. We carried two mini sparkling wines all the way from Queenstown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937514976-FD2OCUKW1Q5UKKKWUGW0/Rakiura-43.jpg Rakiura - Repurposing our cups as wine coolers I think we gained some kudos with the locals for this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937445344-1LG5R5G1UJYSFQ3YCYY1/Rakiura-34.jpg Rakiura - Day 3 - 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937517581-GI83EB1OB6HGL6J7T1YN/Rakiura-44.jpg Rakiura - Brown Kiwi Tokoeka We lived in hope of seeing another wild kiwi and halfway back to town came across this one. It made up for being soaked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937524966-511A9HPLI7U9AO39DA9P/Rakiura-45.jpg Rakiura https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937533004-TB4Q1VHKQPZL6YSHXONG/Rakiura-46.jpg Rakiura - The final puddles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588940547741-2SKB8CJG7F4K92BUFPKM/Rakiura2-1.jpg Rakiura - Kaipipi Bay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1588937540993-X974VTBNUG4VNNAHRWG4/Rakiura-47.jpg Rakiura - Rakiura complete! Three days away from our comforts was plenty! Not only did we meet a couple at the sign post but the chap drove us back to town - what a gent. https://www.bltastro.com/hollyford daily 0.75 2020-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593876423896-6K9PVQ2SI0MX3RLGEOST/IMG_4234.jpg Hollyford - Our Group Our group of 13 with guides G and Stephan. There were three British couples, two Californian couples, a NZ couple and an Aussie. March 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593876423896-6K9PVQ2SI0MX3RLGEOST/IMG_4234.jpg Hollyford - Our Group Our group of 13 with guides G and Stephan. There were three British couples, two Californian couples, a NZ couple and an Aussie. March 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593876459219-3P0CEVD3JBQ70OHSAOK0/IMG_4235.jpg Hollyford - Map Route We were collected in Te Anau by bus and driven to the Road End via Gunn’s Camp. The 3-day trip would form a loop involving walking, jet boating and a helicopter ride. The routes around the Hollyford Valley, Pyke River and Big Bay can be walked independently, but is not for the faint hearted. We would have catered lodges to look forward to each night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593870896917-F5PTJTEU7GNQK1RCTAUI/Hollyford+%284+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Gunn's Camp Last stop at Gunn’s Camp on the road from Te Anau. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593870913065-KT3AWHLDRLXF5RTDY0CR/Hollyford+%286+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Day 1 Nearly 20km of walking with a full pack https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593870924175-LX4E2241YOXVYXUX2BSB/Hollyford+%287+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593870930841-OQ0EORIZCJ9W1BMJKJ3R/Hollyford+%288+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593870936857-DHJXN8WJ0ABTHWSW5YXO/Hollyford+%289+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593870941542-F091YF62C2GT7F08IHW1/Hollyford+%2810+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - The Hidden Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593870958906-8D9S65SJLM3L57JTYY8G/Hollyford+%2812+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593870967058-LSXVQ94367727YQ9SCFB/Hollyford+%2813+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593880736980-C9S8VYIF0S6WV6SNQKVS/Hollyford+%2814+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593870981759-Q2EP8K8VRBCB8683U8C4/Hollyford+%2815+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593870883900-0GEKWVX8Z1DSLSHJL9NE/Hollyford+%281+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593870886731-3HO5PT5AP1KSH541FSKM/Hollyford+%282+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593870993083-FW54T8XJFOJ7YIEXN5ZB/Hollyford+%2817+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871002871-1V1044JFX4YPBKAAEXNM/Hollyford+%2818+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871010801-RJ09BY5JBQV96KTJ11H7/Hollyford+%2819+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871020197-KRPEQEBCP1Z3WBITJ8EY/Hollyford+%2820+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871028933-O7WE3W6EEF59DE91ZKE4/Hollyford+%2821+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871036799-PHQ22ZNYY2RCLISAMYVI/Hollyford+%2822+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871202489-RCBA97BRJWXBFE0QTD54/Hollyford+%2843+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Pyke Lodge After a long day, the lodge was a welcome relief https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871192582-U4EDCO3D2V0ZZQZ21CL9/Hollyford+%2841+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Pyke Lodge Main kitchen, dining & communal area. We had a delicious venison dinner, possibly the best meal of our whole trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871207463-HD8R9IQE7CTF15JURE80/Hollyford+%2842+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871034766-GI8O26BCN86N33H9FQQY/Hollyford+%2823+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - 2 Person bunk room There were shared M&F washrooms https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871041354-JYEXVR7VQT3VAGHME8EZ/Hollyford+%2824+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Pyke Lodge Rooms https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871040280-GBOFM1KTGK68FBZ8M8AK/Hollyford+%2825+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Pyke River Eels Stephan took us to the river after dark which was swarming with eels. They would come out of the water to grab chunks of meat offered up to them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871045131-KDKXWDQGGRQ7CPGLV40L/Hollyford+%2826+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Pyke River Eels https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593876300947-KUR081A546NYVO99JD0W/IMG_4236.jpg Hollyford - Day 2 After a short walk to Lake Alabaster, we’d board a jet boat to carry us down Lake McKerrow to the failed settlement at Jamestown, followed by a walk to the seal colony at Long Reef. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871215569-K3TCRGC0LZY75KJS9ALA/Hollyford+%2844+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Lake Alabaster https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871247344-4UXXW3ICSDN9H49YCHEP/Hollyford+%2849+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Davey Gunn's Memorial Behind Pyke Lodge there’s a memorial stone to national hero Davey Gunn, a pioneer bushman who ran horse riding trips along these routes in the 1930s. He became a national hero in 1936; following a plane crash a Big Bay, he raised the alarm in Queenstown, covering 90km in 21 hours on foot and horseback. He drowned in the Hollyford River in 1955. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871235259-6X8H4QS3U51QGOW5V6UH/Hollyford+%2847+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Pyke Swingbridge This leads across the the Demon Trail, the path that leads along the northern bank of the river, then Lake McKerrow. We would only cross and then return the same way to experience the bridge and the views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871226454-UR66U4UNJKIX185RDI8V/Hollyford+%2846+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Pyke River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871238108-5OHBXUF6S7OAUL7IYPVB/Hollyford+%2848+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593873854629-FTR56GQJB68PRSNOIU67/image-asset.gif Hollyford - Day 2 - Jet boat (GIF) With trampers and packs loaded, we set of down the river to join Lake McKerrow. Like all jet boat rides, it was fast, noisy, thrilling….and we all got a little bit wet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871271713-A8YC8AXHUTIWSO3R6USI/Hollyford+%2851+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Jamestown Just off the beach in the bush is the failed settlement of Jamestown. Established with the promise of good agricultural land and imminent infrastructure, the pioneers found dense forest and not much else. Connected to civilisation by periodic ship deliveries, the promised road never materialised. After only 10 years the town was abandoned the forest reclaimed the land once more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871273847-1LQWLKSG44AUZMFK4GBF/Hollyford+%2852+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Podocarp Forests We walked from this point though the dense podocarp forest with native Rimu, Totara and towering tree ferns https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871294951-O47UIAIQHSKZWHU8AQA5/Hollyford+%2853+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Tree of Life This huge sacred tree is though to be nearly 200 years old and provides a home to myriad smaller plants, ferns and wildlife. Once heavily farmed, these endemic tree species are now protected, as their slow growth rate makes any commercial industry impossible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871292029-YSJ3DWNLP685ECKFE5OY/Hollyford+%2854+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Jerusalem Creek Here the landscape changes we cross an exposed dry river bed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871305652-VXWKRQP9ZRMEX11SQDER/Hollyford+%2855+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871306735-Y86VN4E9VB0PAAOKV9QN/Hollyford+%2856+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871068509-BUX0SL2MRAQ0CTZRYHA0/Hollyford+%2828+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - New Zealand Falcon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871069159-MR1UW32RFEIY88NYZF2T/Hollyford+%2829+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - New Zealand Falcon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871085405-8H5L60338EBKKRBMF2UQ/Hollyford+%2831+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - New Zealand Falcon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871320892-TI2PA7ZZ4HKAS5UQLPQ8/Hollyford+%2858+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871332506-G8621GX562TXWT25OMXB/Hollyford+%2859+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Reaching the coast at Martin's Bay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871314106-6O3HHJEDIE44M071SPZ6/Hollyford+%2857+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - The river reaches the sea behind a large sand bank https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871103921-3QJAASITHYMDR2N0K09X/Hollyford+%2832+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593880994260-8ER2AKIBAR116NEXZNXQ/Hollyford+%2834+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871332630-9GBX8KWBGCTYAHZLTQQY/Hollyford+%2860+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871351523-5J3NW8C7W90O6BHYPNNY/Hollyford+%2861+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Martin's Bay We would explore the beach and dunes tomorrow https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871348129-4QB60CKU0OWM7I5F65GL/Hollyford+%2862+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Long Reef https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871162265-LSD2BTTOKP3QIYGYAUYM/Hollyford+%2839+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Long Reef Seal Colony https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871122428-ODDYPDYJG4QUS6SJ2GIR/Hollyford+%2835+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871143894-HWSKLGWZOTZ2PU7NPSMX/Hollyford+%2836+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871140792-YHL8EL16GPJP6TZBEO9R/Hollyford+%2837+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871160731-66CNZNSKX78O9R1DWQE5/Hollyford+%2838+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871193602-AIUJ0HQI4LW8W7RACLYK/Hollyford+%2840+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871602633-5JYIXUL8QPM9M2U0LYWX/Hollyford+%2885+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Martin's Bay Lodge The grass lawn doubles as the helipad https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871366566-B4BDLPVA6X5W2SGPKB8Z/Hollyford+%2864+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Martin's Bay Lodge Communal Area https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871382701-6IC9Y7IMGCTPVWCG0SHR/Hollyford+%2865+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Martin's Bay Lodge Kitchen and dining https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871382289-3YM6IEMV5JZ4PO5GV4XK/Hollyford+%2866+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871620827-HST12UX1E8B42TIV539R/Hollyford+%2889+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Martin's Bay Lodge Route to the rooms and showers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871608978-IMLN174BT40IZ70P2BXE/Hollyford+%2888+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Martin's Bay Lodge bedrooms https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593876298226-OYMKULNDVHEKHE150U1V/IMG_4237.jpg Hollyford - Day 3 After exploring Martin’s Bay we’d board a helicopter and fly into Milford Sound, before being driven back to Te Anau. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871404502-MGHAZJ2YC3H85P40QLUC/Hollyford+%2868+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Morning at Martin's Bay Lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593874267291-HRV8GPGLD5DWWTF80129/image-asset.gif Hollyford - Day 3 - Jet Boat (GIF) This brief journey tales us across to the dunes - there are no bridges to the beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871363634-UP5WA02Z3TY0K2V8NW0R/Hollyford+%2863+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871483090-FLEFC71J0D1VNAED56AE/Hollyford+%2870+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Martin's Bay We spent an hour or so walking south, then retracing our steps. The weather constantly changed; between blue skies we had a rain shower. It all added to the blissful remoteness of the place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871489659-ACY7TCDI6TQAM0DVCPD8/Hollyford+%2871+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871498346-L7PI4JF83S4PQ7JCWFWH/Hollyford+%2872+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Martin's Bay - Maori settlements The white shells are evidence of historic Maori settlements here. Little physical evidence remains. It was unlikely the area was well populated. Chief Tutoko controlled the passage of precious greenstone from the river valleys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871505475-YSZ4MVWNX0WWSS4RZUP4/Hollyford+%2873+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - McKenzie Homestead We entered the bush to find the remains of a western settlement, home to the McKenzie pioneer family, who kept cattle in this area around the turn of the 20th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871511072-4W47PAVAOENEHAHMHTFC/Hollyford+%2874+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871516735-RTP6Y821GP093VJDVQ1B/Hollyford+%2875+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - On to the beach Heading north back towards the sand spit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871532742-WMKJ06FXKL4V197ZBLQA/Hollyford+%2876+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871525960-P2DMEDS7GH0LUWT2Q9AY/Hollyford+%2877+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871544191-Y4WWY6ULMFYJWIDHPHHQ/Hollyford+%2878+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871560629-1PWN6EFSXNBMQDBG95QZ/Hollyford+%2880+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871569835-W83NGON1WE4IUNUIEMLQ/Hollyford+%2882+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871582292-L46UPHA9OL4CA4P8ZR2M/Hollyford+%2883+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871588437-Y5H6PCVM0XDIGT65R4GW/Hollyford+%2884+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - Jet boat returns to collect us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871600255-EPESRRVI90F117T41OMV/Hollyford+%2886+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - After lunch, the helicopters arrive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593871607515-ESRLEVXZDQHG7ISNH5RN/Hollyford+%2887+of+89%29.jpg Hollyford - First group heads off the Milford Sound https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593873464301-WMHTZYGOXOX6315NWTEP/Heli-01.gif Hollyford - Day 3 - Helicopter down the coast (GIF) We flew over the dunes and the beach, south down the coast passing Yates Point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593873352754-WEW6E2G7ARD4RBH863T6/image-asset.gif Hollyford - Day 3 - Helicopter into Milford Sound (GIF) Captain Cook missed the entrance to Milford Sound, our pilot had no trouble. In perfect conditions we saw the tiny cruise ships below and the huge waterfalls from the hanging valleys above this epic fiord. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1593874837895-JIG875RQH8S0JGS8CQT4/HollyfordMS+%281+of+1%29.jpg Hollyford - Milford Sound Could there be a better final destination? https://www.bltastro.com/milford daily 0.75 2020-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026481985-GUDPEUJXWWYVLWN07WQS/Milford-18.jpg Milford - Lake Te Anau All visitors to the Milford Track start by boat. We left the Real Journey’s centre in Te Anau in a coach, then transferred to the boat to take us up the lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026481985-GUDPEUJXWWYVLWN07WQS/Milford-18.jpg Milford - Lake Te Anau All visitors to the Milford Track start by boat. We left the Real Journey’s centre in Te Anau in a coach, then transferred to the boat to take us up the lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026275030-LP2G6BMTY3I5IS3TEOEI/Milford-2.jpg Milford - Lake Te Anau https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026472379-MHLZK8G3DBY046C169LY/Milford-17.jpg Milford - Happy trampers Considering we almost had to cancel the entire trip, just being here was fantastic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026300822-JS55LFTGS4ICRKGCN7QQ/Milford-3.jpg Milford - Approaching the jetty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026646303-TQ91CPUDZB80IZPMY0G5/Milford-32.jpg Milford - Jetty Now on land we’d spend a day on the track with a nature guide, returning via the same route. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026354523-TC7SUSR0QQXPEDE89FOO/Milford-8.jpg Milford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026366548-DMN11QJ5GPY6I5G4OFOP/Milford-9.jpg Milford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026379720-GLB08ORYU7O0T1AG56FL/Milford-10.jpg Milford - Glade House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026507796-6SO8OP4RTHLU7T1W4E76/Milford-21.jpg Milford - Glade House Guided Trampers only walk 1km on their first day to Glade House. We arrived late morning and used it for our lunch stop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026670690-AMQFH7CCSJ0LYO6SRIGB/Milford2-1.jpg Milford - Clinton River & Swing Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026393570-R8EIZ4THY2AYFSD4ZDNN/Milford-11.jpg Milford - Clinton River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026308450-B8PENZ6TOEY1PU5WYRRJ/Milford-4.jpg Milford - Our guide and South Island Robin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026479231-AUL5YKGNCIJ2REAE8BS4/Milford-19.jpg Milford - South Island Robin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026486074-EKQC3DFNV5ENJETQ73CO/Milford-20.jpg Milford - South Island Robin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026511061-0JNNIPA9JL50HKA7LAJ5/Milford-22.jpg Milford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026418197-1HWV6T1GAY8NVR0LFN73/Milford-13.jpg Milford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026532475-99DP2ZZ7TUB5KRWERB1N/Milford-23.jpg Milford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026534272-HOSECW1PZ6WVCIYYIR2E/Milford-24.jpg Milford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026560415-FQOZ9H4P2XJIHTVNJQG8/Milford-25.jpg Milford - Crystal clear waters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026563040-DHDAC42RPYYDAYFPDJEO/Milford-26.jpg Milford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026589359-TW32XRRO5M5OYVMUQU0C/Milford-28.jpg Milford - The Prairie This was the halfway point of our adventure, so time to turn and retrace our steps at our leisure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026611398-SUYE2SOGKB3SC8M1AR17/Milford-29.jpg Milford - The Prairie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026431684-LQOQ1LQGHAJC08TCHNL1/Milford-14.jpg Milford - The Prairie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026445719-UWBP5U8NA3ZIHNXEW0G5/Milford-15.jpg Milford - The Prairie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026406670-PYJSK7QL3737ERWQXVTR/Milford-12.jpg Milford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026615790-57JDKRH14VCKXGZJZT6Q/Milford-30.jpg Milford - Back across the bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026667015-LCVDFAQSORTZT6WOKHQZ/Milford2-2.jpg Milford - Juvenile Lancewood Evolved to resist browsing by the Moa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026616616-PDX6MD5CB3WTC3FAORJP/Milford-31.jpg Milford - Milford Track We would love to return and walk the full track with Ultimate Hikes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589026649305-OIW7JT72PXULQDH79Q5I/Milford-33.jpg Milford https://www.bltastro.com/kepler daily 0.75 2020-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589037902578-G4BUQ27J2168YPSRGNCR/Kepler+2-2.jpg Kepler - Te Anau The Kepler track is a loop out from Te Anau. The first day involves a water taxi across the lake and a day of climbing the mountains opposite the town to the first hut. Our plan was to stay one night at the first hut then walk back down but illness prevented it so instead we took the water taxi, walked uphill for an hour then double backed around the lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589037902578-G4BUQ27J2168YPSRGNCR/Kepler+2-2.jpg Kepler - Te Anau The Kepler track is a loop out from Te Anau. The first day involves a water taxi across the lake and a day of climbing the mountains opposite the town to the first hut. Our plan was to stay one night at the first hut then walk back down but illness prevented it so instead we took the water taxi, walked uphill for an hour then double backed around the lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589037990232-LL2UE32T2EYAQIR4XQSR/Milford2-12.jpg Kepler - Water taxi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589037917047-6CY8JWNAKD9I9Z79NFYH/Milford2-1.jpg Kepler - Lake Te Anau https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589037947154-WKGQ8TQ2FM8U6R8HW8VA/Milford2-6.jpg Kepler - Lake Te Anau https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589038018099-ZVXHRI5U8XRSRXJQPCFB/Milford2-15.jpg Kepler - We didn’t see any kiwi... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589038008911-ZGE0J1J5VPKPXZHR8809/Milford2-14.jpg Kepler - Kepler Track https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589037935745-ZUSOC3IJV093QE6GXUYF/Milford2-4.jpg Kepler https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589037950621-HQILJPMXZZKHE9N94FYZ/Milford2-5.jpg Kepler - Pest traps You can see the egg placed as bait inside this pest trap for stoats / rats. Great Walks tend to have these at every 100m or so, maintained by the DOC wardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589037957589-U2Z3EERM6DW7LFKTSIB2/Milford2-8.jpg Kepler - Tomtit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589038025932-VSVYYNEH3SOCM2YB5YTA/Fantail.gif Kepler - Fantail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589037974889-VH1IZL1USN8YYW1KRUOR/Milford2-9.jpg Kepler - Beech forest It was incredibly quiet except for the birdsong https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589038001759-T30XAKBGK8COZLR8C05J/Milford2-13.jpg Kepler https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589037934549-0TCY13Q2LE55M437SMXR/Milford2-3.jpg Kepler - Lakeside path We met a group of German kids waking through with a ghetto blaster….I mean seriously? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589037961591-SJCC72PK1ODHSH4987BZ/Milford2-7.jpg Kepler https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589037981022-9056O2KYRIVKUGUPYP84/Milford2-10.jpg Kepler - The path opens out beyond the edge of the forest The following day we returned to this track on hired bikes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589037997239-1NGQF5E7DCSDN9S16PIU/Milford2-11.jpg Kepler https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1589037900759-WSXMJ47Y52FXZVO3SNW4/Kepler+2-1.jpg Kepler - Back to town Completing the loop back to Te Anau. https://www.bltastro.com/misc-photography daily 0.75 2021-08-05 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/t/610be1f52b9b623938702761/1627233559997/ Misc Photography https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/60fd7b7a8847821b567fa24f/60fd9d171d0869538bcb1ebb/1627233559997/ Misc Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233593557-LO5U0393TBEHDNNHQR56/SailGP-1.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233593375-VBLJFUBU3WG9OWAY3KOH/SailGP-2.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233615625-IJYA0FEB8YE09GDTZIZJ/SailGP-3.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233616579-615Y25OI59MX2JCMYDVU/SailGP-4.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233633293-TH5WOUFKWIJM8YQUE2GS/SailGP-5.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233633078-LVQ151C1I57A8OGDG31T/SailGP-6.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233657621-7S8T38E03CL5LQR98XUC/SailGP-7.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233657363-IG0HD2JVTZBJFIHQYEQM/SailGP-8.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233676467-NHCZ6JF43J4JJIMVH5RR/SailGP-9.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233679014-REW64ZTDHIAK961YXT0N/SailGP-10.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233692534-IIBIZYJC7NVHAR0BRKXK/SailGP-11.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233694631-3JBFJ9TPHFH3VW31UXL7/SailGP-12.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233708853-5WSSJ07NZ643ZFN9A7S7/SailGP-13.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233712472-C5EVY02ECVDBV2OFB47O/SailGP-14.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233723578-KB5OUBA41P19RM73AZFV/SailGP-15.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233730307-3LI9XUFDWJVP60PYA2S3/SailGP-16.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233747784-NJ8VRUR6SJ5PMZZ6297Y/SailGP-17.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233754233-JDHLMEKPHMARBGGNWXNP/SailGP-18.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233760948-D1G3VDAQ2CY5D8UU4BAL/SailGP-19.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233780652-V1R8L26X95MUNOWBGU53/SailGP-20.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233778146-O2N3TL953IRFMP044736/SailGP-21.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233794100-19UUWK8WG2JY39MTRTHR/SailGP-22.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627233794832-4XAFW8PH03QPJMUSPA0Q/SailGP-23.jpg Misc Photography - SailGP Plymouth July 17-18 2021_23 https://www.bltastro.com/meteor-camera-1 daily 0.75 2023-12-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1702720073006-E2R99OLAFKM8NLGSDLJP/IMG_8540.jpeg Meteor Camera - Stack of Geminids Meteor Shower 14th Dec, 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1702720073006-E2R99OLAFKM8NLGSDLJP/IMG_8540.jpeg Meteor Camera - Stack of Geminids Meteor Shower 14th Dec, 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628881532105-RF1GUUT8Y85G4MTBTMTQ/image-asset.jpeg Meteor Camera - Perseid Meteor Peak 12-13th August 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628881728493-XADRVA8GGBERH7ZLEWER/image-asset.jpeg Meteor Camera - Perseid 2021 Radiants https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628881580262-BZVUSTFOU27T0CYLEQ5M/image-asset.jpeg Meteor Camera - Fireball Perseid Meteor 12th Aug 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628168573605-AK5TMF4AC0QJ9P4P8PFJ/image-asset.jpeg Meteor Camera - Example Captured Stack from one clear night 03/08/2021 This highlights the meteor detections against the background sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628168621797-73E81D6MU03GA783I5K0/image-asset.jpeg Meteor Camera - Example Detected Stack of all activity 03/08/2021 This shows star trails (arcs from left to right) planes (dotted/ flashing), satellites (thin consistent arcs) and meteors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1649525610321-V4S3WQTN5ANYBMI6143F/image-asset.jpeg Meteor Camera - Bright fireball 02.40am 09/04/2022 Multiple cameras caught this one, and data showed it ditched into the English Channel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1647262366838-12ARTNPL38EPISKBI5YR/IMG_9456.jpeg Meteor Camera - Fireball meteor 14/03/2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1631024004582-WP8SABCP6N1Y65VPHZGS/image-asset.jpeg Meteor Camera - Bright Meteor 07/09/2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628689834696-P8CJ5XKX7NGHHOU1F1Y5/image-asset.jpeg Meteor Camera - Bright Meteor 11/08/2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628694359779-Z1JRK50N3AA7W78B9Y70/IMG_7345.jpeg Meteor Camera - Bright Meteor 2 11/08/2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628689770685-VKN1KVL4OD0G1VR4ZO4C/image-asset.jpeg Meteor Camera - Bright Meteor 10/08/2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628168496802-3DL07CGJ6UBQPHV295FH/M20210805_012944_bathmptn_s_UK002JP.jpg Meteor Camera - 05/08/2021 Bright meteor capture https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627892662091-Q6BDD1F4VMH3JYPZI6HX/image-asset.jpeg Meteor Camera - 02/08/2021 Bright meteor capture https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1627892696048-98QBCE8TH3ZVNM3ZYCXM/M20210720_012608_bathmptn_s_UK002JP.jpg Meteor Camera - 20/07/2021 Bright meteor capture https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628534095458-098DS05Q4PBM8K2204TL/image-asset.jpeg Meteor Camera - 11/07/2021 Bright Meteor Capture https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1629036176761-NH63SPPLKC32ATQH03VB/IMG_6860.jpeg Meteor Camera - Bright meteor 31/05/2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1643621355821-HX9LY2X861UN2224AD7A/image-asset.jpeg Meteor Camera - Bright Meteor 31st Jan 2022 https://www.bltastro.com/the-sun daily 0.75 2024-07-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1722169170165-GPU0GA8S2K3UPS8MPOQR/image-asset.jpeg The Sun - International Space Station solar transit WO 72mm Megrez with Daystar Quark, UV/IR filter, ADC, 0.5x reducer, ASI482MC colour camera. Disc captured with 4x 60sec videos, stacking the best 15%. ISS captured during 120sec video, extracting the frames and overlaying onto the disc. Home, 27th July 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1722169170165-GPU0GA8S2K3UPS8MPOQR/image-asset.jpeg The Sun - International Space Station solar transit WO 72mm Megrez with Daystar Quark, UV/IR filter, ADC, 0.5x reducer, ASI482MC colour camera. Disc captured with 4x 60sec videos, stacking the best 15%. ISS captured during 120sec video, extracting the frames and overlaying onto the disc. Home, 27th July 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1684155443284-3PR4K9NH0U8E9MGP64TR/image-asset.jpeg The Sun - Solar disc mosaic 13th May 2023 7-pane mosaic with OMC-140, Daystar Quark, ASI294MC pro. Home, 13th May 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1715510882174-CWUKWLM2Z2UU12KSYNY1/image-asset.jpeg The Sun - Sunspot 3664 Large sunspot responsible for the widely viewed aurora on 10-11th May 2024. 72mm refractor, Daystar Quark, ASI294MC Pro colour camera. Home, 10th May 2024. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1673526891248-8VRRBRYR9RSIL8FU74OZ/image-asset.jpeg The Sun - Solarcan pinhole camera - 1 Year exposure Solarcan mounted on the front of my house for year from April 2021. Scanned, inverted and processed in Photoshop. 1 year exposure. Home, 2021-2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1722195964682-T20RZBGWLTRD33F6T7FJ/240728+solar+ISS+transit+copy.jpg The Sun - Partial disc with ISS Transit WO 72mm Megrez with Daystar Quark, UV/IR filter, ADC, ASI482MC colour camera. Partial disc captured with a 60sec video stacking the best 15%. ISS captured during 120sec video, extracting the best frame and overlaying onto the disc. Home, 28th July 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1714320443692-QMQ5LI5VMD7A2HO0SGB6/image-asset.jpeg The Sun - Sun - 20th April 2024 72mm refractor with Daystar Quark and Canon 6D. Range of exposures stacked and combined in LR & PS. Home, 20th April 2024. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/62ada49371c0ce4c3b0f6e69/62ada4b67fb55e0e5d897e55/1655547062762/ The Sun https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1660236215921-G3U6UUPHADHKBOU3JOTR/image-asset.jpeg The Sun - Solar disc Mosaic 10th Aug 2022 William Optics 72mm Megrez with UV/IR filter, Daystar Quark, 0.5x reducer and ASI294MC Pro camera. Approx. 7 panel mosaic, each panel 2000 frames stacking the best 150 in AS!3. Home, 10th Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1680699898710-863899XVK9TNU4CM72JA/image-asset.jpeg The Sun - Solar disc mosaic 4th April 2023 William Optics 72mm Megrez with UV/IR filter, Daystar Quark, 0.5x reducer and ASI294MC Pro camera. 6 panel mosaic, each panel 30sec stacking the best 100 in AS!3. Home 4th April 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1659815852267-Y7617JSE7O6GU7X679FP/220806_Sun+30cm+300dpi+copy.jpeg The Sun - The Sun 6th August 2022 William Optics 72mm Megrez with UV/IR cut filter, Daystar Quark and ZWO ASI294MC Pro. 2.30min video c.2000 frames selecting the best 150. Processed in AS!3, Registax and PS. Home, 6th Aug 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1655547088098-Q8Q0E12F8LT3Y71SXJJ5/Vid+04+conv+REG+copy.jpg The Sun - The Sun, 18th June 2022 (01) WO 72mm Megrez, UV/IR Cut filter, Daystar Quark, ZWO ASI294MC Pro. 3min video captured on ASIAir, processed in AS3! (best 150 stacked), Registax & Photoshop. Home, 18th June 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1655547093651-MYE89PJ9NHZER18ABRHO/Vid+12+conv+REG+copy.jpg The Sun - The Sun, 18th June 2022 (02) WO 72mm Megrez, UV/IR Cut filter, Daystar Quark, ZWO ASI294MC Pro. 3min video captured on ASIAir, processed in AS3! (best 150 stacked), Registax & Photoshop. Home, 18th June 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1655547093836-GXNA6EA6N31PLEUR46U0/Vid+14+conv+REG+copy.jpg The Sun - The Sun, 18th June 2022 (03) WO 72mm Megrez, UV/IR Cut filter, Daystar Quark, ZWO ASI294MC Pro. 3min video captured on ASIAir, processed in AS3! (best 150 stacked), Registax & Photoshop. Home, 18th June 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1655547082934-7O1VHCCW7DYT72TDWK2P/Vid+02+REG+copy.jpg The Sun - The Sun, 18th June 2022 (04) WO 72mm Megrez, UV/IR Cut filter, Daystar Quark, ZWO ASI294MC Pro. 3min video captured on ASIAir, processed in AS3! (best 150 stacked), Registax & Photoshop. Home, 18th June 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1655547784188-HL1KZH16FJIBHIECCOOS/Vid+01+05+2pane+REG+copy.jpg The Sun - The Sun, 18th June 2022 (Two pane mosaic) WO 72mm Megrez, UV/IR Cut filter, Daystar Quark, ZWO ASI294MC Pro. 3min video captured on ASIAir, processed in AS3! (best 150 stacked), Registax & Photoshop. Home, 18th June 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1656006753858-91KIYWFBFZ2JSAZGF4GU/Sunspot+1.jpg The Sun - Sunspot 18th June 2022 WO 72mm Megrez, UV/IR Cut filter, Daystar Quark, ZWO ASI294MC Pro. 3min video captured on ASIAir, processed in AS3! (best 150 stacked), Registax & Photoshop. Home, 18th June 2022 https://www.bltastro.com/about daily 0.75 2021-06-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551568811164-R9ZT9VOGPHJYHT9JYTFT/BLTbanner.png About https://www.bltastro.com/halleys-comet-1986 daily 0.75 2019-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551566182659-7CANIDVLYQ26C8EYLNCM/Cometcrop.jpg Halleys Comet 1986 NOT Halley’s Comet https://www.bltastro.com/plate-solving daily 0.75 2021-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551566378082-9UJ2FLZM3NAB8JY9S231/M38%2B190226.jpg Plate solving https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551567643844-AL2D152LQJAAEH939I7J/zwo_asiair_.jpg Plate solving https://www.bltastro.com/MSMSiFo daily 0.75 2019-09-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551716393239-A0YD777RYGFRCXN5VCSS/IMG_0073.jpeg MSM SiFo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551730813984-VR8J3VBOAVSTYA08CJYM/IMG_0149.jpg MSM SiFo The Dial has 6 time-lapse settings + Star for astro tracking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551730910827-NX0QYICJHC6FCE390NLK/IMG_0153.jpg MSM SiFo With camera on ball head, N tracking indicator on https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551730691519-PKJX42BT7VIOBSPK0LV4/IMG_9233.jpg MSM SiFo 1. With the unit flat, align the unit with North https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551730710694-2VTEUP9NCTOXXAER2B0Q/IMG_9234.jpg MSM SiFo 2. Use the Level to tip forward, so the axis points to Polaris https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551726611447-FC3Y69Y0Q90TPDMZD7Y5/V3+Leo+widefield+190202.jpg MSM SiFo 5x60sec tracked exposures: Leo rising in the east and a pesky plane skirting the tree line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1569162272719-N5UZZ65KJTU19O74IECI/190921_GoPro_Flare+01.jpg MSM SiFo 30sec Night Photo taken on GoPro Hero5, tracked on the MSM SiFo Rotator https://www.bltastro.com/blt-on-tour daily 0.75 2022-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/95947d14-d996-433c-84ab-2daddfe4ca89/480A5443-40D2-47AA-A70B-646A6286BC22.jpeg BLT on Tour - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/8fbb294a-8664-4be5-8b04-4b2d86909524/BABB138C-7C1C-4D82-AA32-235794E27BB6.jpeg BLT on Tour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/d7a3ddf1-64c6-4b0e-874b-bc9b7dafd976/2EE7708B-3E3A-4A11-9034-886A567A325B.jpeg BLT on Tour - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/eeba31ab-44cc-4927-b990-cbe3cbbfff23/D16ED6AA-F6F1-49D4-95F1-6D040639015F.jpeg BLT on Tour - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/06c4842e-a47c-4233-810d-7ca6fdfa961b/E793902E-111E-4342-BCF6-158649D97F73.jpeg BLT on Tour - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/5672d45c-e92a-4c18-8947-25f7f8c92dca/DoubleCl_220402_16min.jpg BLT on Tour - Make it stand out WO WhiteCat51, ASI294MC Pro, LPro filter. 8x120sec integration https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/9db56618-7eb2-4c54-838d-9f232f8e0f37/51C7EF71-00BB-445E-8FC6-54C4B2204793.jpeg BLT on Tour - Make it stand out WO WhiteCat51, ASI294MC Pro, LPro filter. 30x120sec integration https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/a3ee0678-bd30-4ac0-8e34-1d5977cf73bb/F509C6F6-436C-4D5D-88DE-492C004476C2.jpeg BLT on Tour - Make it stand out Canon 6D, Sigma 20mm Art Lens, tracked with MSM and stacked in Sequator https://www.bltastro.com/misadventures-in-collimation daily 0.75 2019-05-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551862348682-ZP2867SIBA8Y671AKSIP/premium_cheshire_collimator_top.JPG Misadventures in collimation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551862372989-L480U1HOS1NU9XUB3QYR/Howie-Glatter.jpg Misadventures in collimation Howie Glatter laser https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551862402311-Y5MTKNFNIR5DSVQF2T8E/perfect+pattern.jpg Misadventures in collimation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551879821738-2X5M3F2N1RMHCI5I11KF/5star-3.jpg Misadventures in collimation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1551880208487-C9IPIH4X1GXVUO9TBJKE/saw+bench.jpg Misadventures in collimation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1552985565970-Q1KIGHH87OABZ98ZVLCF/IMG_0220.jpg Misadventures in collimation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1552985676597-IBV5ZM9C6I27EXKYLBSK/Coll-2.JPG Misadventures in collimation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1552985849911-CMU1W9ILK3BUVJGRCOE1/Coll-1.JPG Misadventures in collimation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1552986026360-53V0YH6WLGUH4P0XRRIA/IMG_0235.JPG Misadventures in collimation 5min un-calibrated guided image. I can see defraction spikes around the core of the image and pretty round stars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1557257607278-EPMTPLP2FVLLJF7XZWSB/M63_Final_APP+190425.jpg Misadventures in collimation A few months on, I have been able to take images like this - which I am delighted about. https://www.bltastro.com/stacking daily 0.75 2020-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1553282304013-UGSSZPSBWAF7TTKSXZVT/Moon+Detail_9+day.jpg Stacking vs Single Frame A barlowed single frame ‘lucky shot’ (click to expand) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1553192414200-3MMRLZ4P0G3PSJNX40V1/Day+5+moon+composite.jpg Stacking vs Single Frame 2 pane composite of sharp top and bottom https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1553196580067-LA93LXHSADAT3LRAQDCO/190317+Moon+11+day.jpg Stacking vs Single Frame 30 x 0.01sc exposures stacked in Registax https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1584122637633-GF3GAYIL5RCIUCM55SOD/7+day+Moon+detail+2+200302.jpg Stacking vs Single Frame Stacked and then processed in Photoshop https://www.bltastro.com/pier-project daily 0.75 2020-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1554829223231-IBUJPPPV1ZSXZB1EDYSA/IMG_0384.jpg Pier Project Marking out a base area https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1554829786371-G5AQB2TE6MTUDW9D7226/IMG_0381.jpg Pier Project My low cost pier post, £39 with 3x spiked feet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1554830414823-T0FG9T0BJ5TQTBW0OL9C/IMG_0385.jpg Pier Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1554830561892-KIOC934V2KRHRZ998ZBW/IMG_0387.jpg Pier Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1555486875185-KQMOLOTSK1PSJ8TJ58R2/IMG_0507.JPG Pier Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1555487440370-9NZ4DANTTONSSOG4SL2N/IMG_0504.jpg Pier Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1555487714160-8L6I4TN2WON33NHOBN9A/IMG_0503.jpg Pier Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1555488503975-AYW5RN9VR03WIYH6YFHW/IMG_0506.jpg Pier Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1555571423784-EGNCR7ACI10U27SJBWRL/IMG_0508.jpeg Pier Project Test for balance and height with small refractor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1555836819576-K6RP4DL7QDXQCQ2LMTJF/image-asset.jpeg Pier Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1556293794237-VDXETVL5LZ2JT53Z816R/IMG_0585.jpg Pier Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1556456040345-PRRLFRX370L50OIOXWIL/M81M82+190425+pier+test.jpg Pier Project Stack of 30x 60sec exposures with Dark, Flat and Bias calibration frames processed in DSS, tweaked in Adobe LR & PS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1556783236163-J07E0HJ8A8B3V60NZ447/IMG_0603.jpg Pier Project Gravel and paving slabs complete the base https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1556783280696-8W3EGGISTEMBMJ5IXRVD/IMG_0604.jpg Pier Project Mount in Park position fits snuggly inside the bin cover https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1561222762702-QX6RKZTB9LAPZ4NZDZ6N/public.jpeg Pier Project June 2019 - clad three sides of the pier (BLT offcuts) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1561309574726-O3AP261QURJC0VCTAA14/public.jpeg Pier Project Hinged side panel with access to power supply riser https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1561309706358-AZ8JDLEP0AR0PPC4G0B7/public.jpeg Pier Project Power feed from wall socket, under slabs, to hinged panel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1561222839441-7942M0PGKOFQB0NRBZ7J/public.jpeg Pier Project Stainless steel braces - repurposed from an old table lamp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1561309636442-0SGQ3M12JHCQGJ4512CB/public.jpeg Pier Project Power feed to a three-way 12v splitter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1562518496625-T72HHGCTU9B6GBBUPEO7/public.jpeg Pier Project 4mm heat reflective insulation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1562518537562-OW0OO3UX47BXSCFFMLX6/public.jpeg Pier Project Heat reflective covering https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1562518603265-K4V1WVRLVAL37H1FG6AJ/public.jpeg Pier Project And here with rain cover https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563735269100-FFV9FUW50NV4KS943JLE/public.jpeg Pier Project Success! 3-pane mosaic comprised of unguided 60sec subs from the pier position https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1564646457764-X53PTO0CTZEUUTY5GK5M/public.jpeg Pier Project 60sec guided uncalibrated sub of Vega edited on iPhone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1564646520744-ATF28Q9L0GHVAEFXWD5T/public.jpeg Pier Project 120sec guided uncalibrated sub of Vega, edited on iPhone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1564646594792-P1A55PMURSJSWHT941HV/public.jpeg Pier Project 600sec guided uncalibrated sub of NGC7000 edited on iPhone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1566843799973-DZ8Q7JIL7ZOYVGK17Y5X/public.jpeg Pier Project Here’s how this stack turned out. I went back and added Ha OIII data - see my post about narrowband. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1571501956810-XF8LSPLPN3GATMDMWK9V/public.jpeg Pier Project Oct 2019: practising for the Transit of Mercury next month with a solar filter on my small refractor +2x barlow https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1580414960002-2AKF796SSYPN292MLWB7/200120_M45_final.jpg Pier Project M45 The Pleiades. Stack of tracked images from the pier, January 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1584122918906-K7FBKYA7MX1S0P2SB03Z/MoonDetail_200306_Plato.jpg Pier Project Moon detail from a three pane mosaic taken from the pier with the OMC-140 https://www.bltastro.com/equipment-guide daily 0.75 2021-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1556693733742-TT3MGX5QA39GGIDL8QYA/BLTbanner.png Equipment Guide https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563899983544-ZJ1Z57V4EEVC6FW3U0ME/IMG_1629.JPG Equipment Guide Essential - a star chart or planisphere for your hemisphere https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563900042128-23GE9MU4AC6R04U5V4VO/IMG_1630.jpg Equipment Guide Locating the Ecliptic to find the Moon and Planets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563900141493-HE4TKP39VX6FC0V3YV0U/IMG_1631.JPG Equipment Guide Standard 10x50 binocs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563900178629-3ZD4W4LOTYT391I4FS28/IMG_1632.JPG Equipment Guide Large 20x80 binocs. Note the tripod attachment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563900272322-1R2GCHHXG46YNLSFXWZW/IMG_1633.JPG Equipment Guide DSLR Body - entry level upwards https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563900332769-ELCF6TYAYZSVC1HYDHVJ/IMG_1634.JPG Equipment Guide The popular Samyang 14mm f2.4 lens for wide angle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563900409290-KRZMMDCH0SP7V3DGA63K/IMG_1635.JPG Equipment Guide Intervalometer to avoid camera shake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563900872945-J3HHEPICUQ086O8R7TUC/kit.jpg Equipment Guide Prime fixed lens - equivalent to a small refractor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1565197682734-ZEHGFS6GTCCN4ONRZAOY/IMG_0153.jpg Equipment Guide https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563900955277-MVS2R7OCN0S8G1JGKI0X/IMG_1638.JPG Equipment Guide Astrotrac https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563901000742-ICEYIEB5QE4QOYRICN8X/IMG_1636.JPG Equipment Guide Skywatcher Sky Adventurer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563901046576-L8RVM1U0B5PH7XRMGU34/IMG_1637.JPG Equipment Guide iOptron Sky Guider Pro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1564559083882-G1YBVCKJZ9JKM3FB4OBA/Piggyback_Mount_with_Camera.jpg Equipment Guide Celestron’s piggyback shoe for DSLR https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1564559667701-X6J480F7T2PWRZ7F6HTO/Vixen-PORTA-II.jpg Equipment Guide Vixen Porta II alt az mount with slow motion control handles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1564559746487-SYHMXW4Y9EWSQJPLVZ3K/vixen+scope.jpg Equipment Guide Small Maksutov scope on Porta II https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1564559831106-5XPKD2F8CD8UGKJYMB45/altair-72mm.jpg Equipment Guide 72mm refractor - perfect for a grab and go set-up https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563799745177-X0B2LTUQ811FQAESLVIU/Hyperion.jpg Equipment Guide Example of an individual eyepiece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563799801558-4BV6H134PAVYEPIRRD8S/zoom.jpg Equipment Guide Zoom eyepiece https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563799837182-5XBXUZ4M70OXAOQDUQP8/barlow.jpg Equipment Guide Example 2x barlow https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563800033521-JEU4XDXURBGHSHIJ3AZ7/diagonal.jpg Equipment Guide 2” diagonal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1563800053827-39FUQ3B36F201K5MQIG9/45+prism.jpg Equipment Guide 45 deg prism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1564560191631-1G529I8D0QV7B4D2A3PE/etx90.jpg Equipment Guide Meade ETX90 (also in 80 and 127mm), fork driven Goto mount https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1564560277351-1R8VJL4EI74XE1JL7HV6/cel+arm.jpg Equipment Guide Celestron NexStar ‘arm’ Goto mount https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1564560335266-35NCKR1W3HCSLN604R83/meade+fork.jpg Equipment Guide Advanced fork mount & scope combo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1565198103625-SFC99GRHPG5PJT2X42F8/heq5+image.jpg Equipment Guide Skywatcher HEQ5-Pro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1565198134717-X7ZVM2E2LXEMCDY0EG7L/Cel+advanced+VX.jpg Equipment Guide Celestron Advanced VX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1565198218406-UI1ADGSVOM9HOLGGY8NZ/cem+25.jpg Equipment Guide iOptron CEM25, also available as 40, 60, 120 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1565198488271-WHDRDYPKQKDMZ6T4JVIL/T+ring.jpg Equipment Guide A T Ring is essential to pair a camera and telescope https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1565198522287-5F3C4GJC0A6FRQ9PLOQO/B+mask.jpg Equipment Guide A Bahtinov mask makes focusing simple https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1565198584725-GI34IIPCTWZRRLPPDBHS/b+mask+pattern.jpg Equipment Guide In focus pattern with a Bahtinov mask https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1565198918144-R68G84FAHN6M9USD0WKT/asiair01.jpg Equipment Guide The small but powerful ASIair https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1565199126510-3GZCPCV88AH4609FTPNJ/Screenshot_ASIAIR-app-in-use-copy-61b52f1.jpg Equipment Guide ASIair app interface https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1565199305971-CLMCAM8LKTLQ0AJ7W410/eagle.jpg Equipment Guide Primaluce Lab Eagle interface for cameras and other accessories https://www.bltastro.com/astro-pixel-processor daily 0.75 2019-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1556783744928-5USVIBKU2AY06JYVVMKJ/BLTbanner.png Astro Pixel Processor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1556954511788-8H5UCLC0PF1ZPXQ5JM9F/IMG_0624.JPG Astro Pixel Processor Articles appear through 2018: Jan / Feb / Apr / Jul / Aug https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1556784036594-TSE4MGDJSS3U3MRRWE8C/M63+190425.jpg Astro Pixel Processor TEST 1 M63 - processed in DSS, then Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to saturate and sharpen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1556828125221-YCKLVJRJVVUXR9EKJMUS/M63_Final_APP+190425.jpg Astro Pixel Processor TEST 1 M63 - The same data set processed in APP, using light pollution and saturation settings, some NR in Lightroom only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1556987590098-EEZX4PKITV96ULTJNZVM/M51+190411.jpg Astro Pixel Processor TEST 2 M51 - this is the DSS version https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1556987682653-4L93E79C07ZQCU5TCS1H/M51_190411_APP.jpg Astro Pixel Processor TEST 2 M51 - this is the APP version https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1556987882641-6COLP6IR0MFGWYSJHGFP/190214+M81+M82+final.jpg Astro Pixel Processor TEST 3 M81 & M82 - this is the DSS version https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1556987822974-05VH3U9EGKNMILRIDX1A/M81_M82_APP__190214.jpg Astro Pixel Processor TEST 3 M81 & M82 - this is the DSS version https://www.bltastro.com/iapy-2018 daily 0.75 2019-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1557173020909-CPFWJDPGGJL37T1CE1XW/IMG_0647.jpg IAPY 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1557171862853-DQOSDZFMJ452GZ26S75R/IMG_0656.jpg IAPY 2018 Royal Observatory Greenwich https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1557172122256-GFNOU5IQI3M6UMALVOQE/IMG_0649.jpg IAPY 2018 National Maritime Museum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1557171941316-91Z1YBOTKZPA4Q1KZFRP/IMG_0646.jpg IAPY 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1557171915170-EH9PDKK6LLKG7YYE4QH7/IMG_0645.jpg IAPY 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1557172366488-KFRV75M4D1WW2ZXEL3IV/IMG_0651.jpg IAPY 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1557172349100-0WHMVAC34ATFBEQN0I4I/IMG_0650.jpg IAPY 2018 https://www.bltastro.com/go-like-a-pro daily 0.75 2020-07-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1561205680526-PWL4EMEB2Q8B8CVDMGLH/BLTbanner.png Go like a Pro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1561312713547-S6ID395WDJNEZQ12MEAW/gopro%2B%2Bhero5.jpg Go like a Pro GoPro Hero5 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1561205721781-7TUA6H04CECCUZHIN3UP/190621+SummerTri_GoPro.jpg Go like a Pro Summer Triangle: Night Lapse Mode, stack of 10x 30sec exposure, ISO800, 1min intervals, Narrow FOV https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1561212452055-JRL98G5TSQFH77XAEIIK/public.jpeg Go like a Pro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1561311861797-WVFEJ2Y9E305ALINGMJU/QTown02.jpg Go like a Pro Previous GoPro images: wide single frame from 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1561311949441-0MWGM2TTBQ763Q08CO82/QTown03.jpg Go like a Pro Another single frame with some post-processing in PS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1569706705861-MG9WCUOVLSFC2W8JZD0P/camera+setings.jpg Go like a Pro Examples of field of view settings from Wide to Narrow. Not illustrated is the fourth seeing Medium https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1561206442499-3671F00SXGFS3MITJKJZ/IMG_1093.JPG Go like a Pro What - no cables? This this the complete set up used for the Summer Triangle image above https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1561206500047-0JAQ44Z4YD5QFFUBEHXN/IMG_1094.JPG Go like a Pro GoPro, ballhead, SiFo with laser pointer, tripod. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1561206521979-ATJHTHF7EKHKIKFNWUOD/IMG_1095.JPG Go like a Pro One setup, the GoPro can be controlled from your smartphone to adjust settings, exposures and view images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1569162090767-3KO19D0JLAVBA6UBR7CO/190921_GoPro_Flare+01.jpg Go like a Pro 30sec Night Photo, tracked on the MSM SiFo Rotator. Lucky capture of a flare, proving it should be a great setup for meteor showers… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1591731502072-5W81RKC8AFEILAXJLB9X/200520-ISS-Pass.gif Go like a Pro Animated GIF of an ISS pass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1591731625040-ODYDY6RH1RLWW9ZEE03S/200525+Stars.jpg Go like a Pro Star trails, stacked and blended in Photoshop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1594671316219-B3I9AKSPWDUFZPEWIKRU/200712+Comet+NEOWISE.jpg Go like a Pro Single 30sec GoPro Night Lapse frame, capturing Comet C/2020 F3 NEOWISE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1591772869618-74IO3XVM4HMRYUPUBD5Z/Composition+1+PS.jpg Go like a Pro 3 fixed tripod images stacked to reduce noise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1591772924810-U4C18UER7MW4UQ4D1DLK/Composition+3a.jpg Go like a Pro 8-10 tracked images stacked https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1591772984528-BNDZVS9J7QXSRTMXUHEH/Composition+4a.jpg Go like a Pro 8-10 tracked images stacked https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1591773059700-MEITEYT1OFMKG1ZIKPNL/Composition+5a.jpg Go like a Pro 8-10 tracked images stacked https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1591773121535-SIQLREX0YY2OARQ6RY1Q/Composition+6a.jpg Go like a Pro 8-10 tracked images stacked. The Andromeda Galaxy is the elongated smudge in the 8 o’clock position. https://www.bltastro.com/narrowbandidos daily 0.75 2020-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1566374176890-RQY9DE34HUAJKRLJM186/narrowbandidos.jpg Becoming a Narrowbandido https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1566304939470-ZRJX3KT96FKFQQTRQ4E3/public.jpeg Becoming a Narrowbandido Getting set up on my low cost pier, cooling down the camera to -20deg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1566305014907-CDDQEW1CO96WXRNCU8J8/public.jpeg Becoming a Narrowbandido Sky Safari preview using actual equipment data https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1566305806059-P0UR0N4KGL3VXZRDLSVX/public.jpeg Becoming a Narrowbandido 4min uncalibrated sub preview - screen grab off the ASIAIR app https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1566305154560-ZJ5HO4CUDBGKQNJWM32O/public.jpeg Becoming a Narrowbandido Final image 20x4min subs stacked in APP https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1566853525431-QXC8YIL0UYF14YG4B21D/190720_NGC7000+RGB+only.jpg Becoming a Narrowbandido This is a stack of colour RGB data https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1566843421931-ML0HF3H7LJGSSAPBGHNX/public.jpeg Becoming a Narrowbandido This has an overlay frame of narrowband data https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1566843526221-G9Z9HAXP0XL1D411VI2U/public.jpeg Becoming a Narrowbandido Composite RGB and narrowband data https://www.bltastro.com/mercury-transit-2019 daily 0.75 2019-11-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1573593105936-B5RIP3CLXGQIF3AG0ZKA/IMG_1953.jpeg Mercury Transit 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1573593461065-N60QUS9CWVDAR1TH4PC3/IMG_1890.gif Mercury Transit 2019 Planning diagram from www.EclipseWise.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1573585932327-BGTF04823K9456W5W12B/Adjustments.jpeg Mercury Transit 2019 72mm Refractor with solar filter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1573585965307-TDPV9NW1MRCN6VTWIMOL/IMG_2157.jpeg Mercury Transit 2019 DSLR with 2x Barlow & 2” tube extension to achieve focus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1573585990878-ATCWWPQL5AQYLJQ54OSC/Sun_tests-1.jpeg Mercury Transit 2019 White balance test 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1573586009450-WNW709MR571WNC4MBCPZ/Sun_tests-2.jpeg Mercury Transit 2019 White balance test 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1573586031357-E8AWW2OW1FFG30WZ2H62/Sun_tests-3.jpeg Mercury Transit 2019 White balance test 3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1573593582381-XNDPETICPH86BVX3TO0A/IMG_1950.png Mercury Transit 2019 Checking FOV in Sky Safari app https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1573588208320-9T2XC7YNCNHPAMXRNQHM/Transit+first+contact.jpg Mercury Transit 2019 First frame of Mercury entering the Sun’s disc https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1573588231249-0O9RO6XUE3670W0F15F8/Transit+second+contact.jpg Mercury Transit 2019 Just past contact C2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1573585052955-28MDV4ILGMCSHN96WQJG/191111+Transit+01.jpg Mercury Transit 2019 One of the early cloud free frames, around 15mins into the Transit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1573586646194-K1Z3TGDNVXMQKB2IE32D/Transit+detail.jpg Mercury Transit 2019 https://www.bltastro.com/published-jan-2020 daily 0.75 2020-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1576263444424-4G2YK62VNAH091PKFBQJ/IMG_E2508.jpg Published Jan 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1576263341049-FKCFJDUYZ8146IK3LAWL/191019_M31_APP_Final.jpg Published Jan 2020 M31 - The Andromeda Galaxy https://www.bltastro.com/southern-stars daily 0.75 2020-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1580249896315-0V04VLHR0SYSMHD863G3/BLTbanner.png Southern Stars https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1580251877462-XGQ53WXAPTHWH3CZHK1R/IMG_2819.jpg Southern Stars Lightweight Manfrotto travel tripod, with short stub and Bresser mini-wedge with adjustable alt/azi controls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1580251841058-25TAEZX64409M3V4560F/IMG_2821.jpg Southern Stars With SiFo MSM rotator, ballhead and GX7 +20mm pancake I also had an illuminated polar scope. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1580251076086-YG8KZL8ZLMMA8ZDCF54L/IMG_2847.jpg Southern Stars My location in the Greenstone valley near Lake McKellar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1581179302800-25STEXEQFLTWF9YTXESS/NZ2019_Astro-1_Orion.jpeg Southern Stars This single frame shows Orion & Sirius rising over the mountains to the NE. Cluster M41 is visible above & right of Sirius. The last of the daylight was catching the tops of the mountains. The lodge was in a river valley between 2,000m mountains to the East & West. Single frame 6 sec at ISO800. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1581179629388-DA46SVNIM9IR2E6Y2EOA/NZ2019_Astro-4_Orion.jpeg Southern Stars Same location maybe 45mins later with all the major stars of Orion now clear of the mountains. Single frame 11 sec at ISO1600. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1581179835300-5XX50RGGMCRIUYL3N2M6/NZ2019_Astro-8_LMC.jpeg Southern Stars The LMC was directly overhead. I struggled to get the angle to capture the Large & Small Magellanic Clouds together. This was the best frame of the LMC with bright stars Canopus (left), Avior (bottom) with cluster NGC2516 just above. Single frame 9 sec at ISO1600. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1581180311017-347KHHAJF6119K024J2I/NZ2019_Astro-2_SCross.jpeg Southern Stars The Pointers (Hadar & Rigil Kentaurus) above the central silhouetted tree pick out Crux - The Southern Cross and the Coal Sack. The Eta Carinae Nebula is the pinky cloud top left. NGC 3114 sits above it and NGC3532 below. The dark lanes of the Milky Way slice across the sky. This was taken just as the sky was getting dark. Single frame 4 sec at ISO1600. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1581180742405-18SNI1BX62SVCQE1RUVT/NZ2019_Astro-7_SCross.jpeg Southern Stars Same view, half an hour later. This time 5 sec at ISO3200. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1581182305648-7MUWWI6RVVZ66ZP51ZGC/NZ2019_Astro-9_Pleiades.jpeg Southern Stars The Pleiades & Hyades above the northern horizon. Single frame 9 sec at ISO1600. https://www.bltastro.com/supermoon-planning daily 0.75 2020-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1581976592218-4H3V87P0QSLJB9ZE3V7T/IMG_1953.jpeg Supermoon Planning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1582215965563-LSFN3N2GR5DLI0296NFZ/Adjustments.jpeg Supermoon Planning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1582215985904-7CNIQ41R1H9P5QD978I7/Adjustments.jpeg Supermoon Planning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1582571014879-PHYG8XWL4ENG9OUF1V21/Adjustments.jpeg Supermoon Planning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1583359082580-VQGPIQXTBBLKC05561JK/Adjustments.jpeg Supermoon Planning The fatter cyan blue line shows the direction and size of the Moon at the point it breaks the horizon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1583359191987-A6SVMC06XOWHPG89M69H/Adjustments.jpeg Supermoon Planning Zoom in to see the detail of the lighthouse and apparent Moon size at Moonrise’s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1582210636710-Z566T06KZ0AL2X8MHLO0/IMG_2930.jpeg Supermoon Planning This Google image is a pretty good representation of the view I’ll expect from my red pin position and shows how the low setting of the lighthouse places the top on the horizon. Pic from this site https://www.southhams.com/explore/attractions/start-point-lighthouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1583742474831-RV1SWRQVGE9E7P4EVLKF/IMG_3269.jpeg Supermoon Planning https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1583689509568-YOMY9YT9LNTSEEEVTSL5/IMG_3265.png Supermoon Planning Looking towards the Moon rise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1583689650266-R4KCYQPA1XEEKJZ4NRE6/IMG_3266.png Supermoon Planning The thick blue line is the direction and size of the Moon relative to the black pin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1583693208176-2D9LZRFDXNS9NLHMYL74/200308+Moon+BrownsFolly-2.jpeg Supermoon Planning …and here it is, just as predicted by PhotoPills https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1583770914296-DT6HHAIS1YB8ZXK0N4RK/Adjustments.jpeg Supermoon Planning Rainfall map….☹️ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1583769507061-L0R9QM7R7FCT7QPIOFR4/Adjustments.jpeg Supermoon Planning But wait….cake! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1583945950280-F6HG849IM740F2WDQR2L/IMG_3335.png Supermoon Planning Me= the blue dot at location marked by the red pin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1583946047997-LODWCTZRGH1M8X5YFPFA/IMG_3336.jpeg Supermoon Planning The wide view looking East https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1583946083031-ZSZ52990VH2UJK9LY46U/IMG_3338.jpeg Supermoon Planning An approximation of how the view could have looked. https://www.bltastro.com/return-of-the-mak daily 0.75 2020-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1582725244724-2FXIJ2I9SDI07BHP26H0/IMG_1953.jpeg Return of the Mak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1582725361614-4HCPT7WT0LMP1ZIQ0FHE/IMG_3096.jpeg Return of the Mak My first scope - a Meade ETX-90 Mak Cass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1582725831144-FZCGJNTBLLY1DA1Q0CH9/IMG_3098.jpeg Return of the Mak Stock image of OMC-140 and finderscope https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1582725472422-18V7A2SGYT8O0RU643VI/IMG_3097.jpeg Return of the Mak The folder light path of a Maksutov Cassegrain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1582726014117-9B2ZXMEBDA0PLZC7K2GU/Adjustments.jpeg Return of the Mak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1582726045178-PMR4HVHI86600MQY239T/Adjustments.jpeg Return of the Mak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1582750384541-E56MI2IKB6MWTSYAXUQM/Deatil+01.jpg Return of the Mak Single test frame 01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1582750408036-B4IA14HCECWUVCMJCS3W/Detail+02.jpg Return of the Mak Single test frame 02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1582878284180-5P7HAI0HW3NZZIY8HQ6P/IMG_3105.png Return of the Mak 27th Feb 2020: Cropped image of a single frame. 1/6 sec taken at prime focus with a Canon 600D on my low-cost pier. This shows the detail that 2000mm fl can deliver. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1583356470014-6AOAH5KX2DNQYPRDZEZ3/7+day+Moon+detail+2+200302.jpg Return of the Mak ….and here’s a three pane mosaic of 100x 0.1 sec per stack, selecting the best 20 or so per pane. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585689196635-7AGWW0B7VGJBNUCXVEWB/Moon+Montes+Caucasus+200303.jpeg Return of the Mak Another mosaic image showing lovely detail, contrast and sharpness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1604085808634-ITDGNWNO7DKK0MJXS5SY/201008+Mars+TypeF.jpeg Return of the Mak First Mars capture https://www.bltastro.com/jargon-busting-filters daily 0.75 2020-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585688110874-IRXWQKJ3XY6IVOZ7YJJ3/IMG_1953.jpeg Jargon Busting - Filters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585861272555-PEZO849PN8I2E17YGJRR/Adjustments.jpeg Jargon Busting - Filters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585861656022-YGRKIQ007OSCOSG5FLB8/Adjustments.jpeg Jargon Busting - Filters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585861917017-1GXC25O0IZAF34U84DD2/Adjustments.jpeg Jargon Busting - Filters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585862488397-OJF6Q2458PWKKACSOO99/Adjustments.jpeg Jargon Busting - Filters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585862519505-4H1P81FKZPLUWBHDETE4/Adjustments.jpeg Jargon Busting - Filters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585862771674-UHCKPPEF96VEI0RGB1Z3/Adjustments.jpeg Jargon Busting - Filters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585861448846-Z6LAS8YKXI2RWAYZZ5G7/IMG_3485.png Jargon Busting - Filters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585901329018-0RCZ0IMHXMMRK4XORXC6/Adjustments.jpeg Jargon Busting - Filters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585861402505-3PQBIWRWJHBKW2ASRZZ2/IMG_3493.jpeg Jargon Busting - Filters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585951315499-E7BNTE0TL8LUMIL52YAA/Adjustments.jpeg Jargon Busting - Filters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585861356232-ZFP3FRLD6QL76ZFFLGXH/Adjustments.jpeg Jargon Busting - Filters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585861722765-1D7IYTZBNPCKGT93W5LF/IMG_3487.png Jargon Busting - Filters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585861614909-5WEAQALYTBQHY3I55JEA/IMG_3489.jpeg Jargon Busting - Filters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585861793906-F45GGDF38L07TG0B35UL/IMG_3488.jpeg Jargon Busting - Filters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585861509729-JC5F30JD82I0F5I5FS5Y/IMG_3495.jpeg Jargon Busting - Filters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1585951002931-1RFHMHYKRUTOU7I90MQE/IMG_3529.jpeg Jargon Busting - Filters https://www.bltastro.com/diy-flats-cap daily 0.75 2020-04-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586100750856-2XWVIQFJFZSPWUSZBHAG/IMG_1953.jpeg DIY Flats Cap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586101650785-Z9P4MCLQLYJ1N6NC1H1T/Adjustments.jpeg DIY Flats Cap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586101701332-59EFGPDFGAYV9ZPN8IFV/Adjustments.jpeg DIY Flats Cap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586101753613-YDBT8XHNCOZJ2TYA68G8/Adjustments.jpeg DIY Flats Cap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586101807292-ZOBIV7WWHHTYIXBAVCWC/Adjustments.jpeg DIY Flats Cap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586101838331-GCJ9YAGCNYHZZYTC7NZZ/Adjustments.jpeg DIY Flats Cap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586101966028-RPGC8X59O7BZM032MWXD/Adjustments.jpeg DIY Flats Cap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586101996961-69G5HKC76JGNQ1317DT7/Adjustments.jpeg DIY Flats Cap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586102158766-W47VI4XOGKBIWFQ19JDR/Adjustments.jpeg DIY Flats Cap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586102038671-LPA9R7B9AVGA22YG4QU1/Adjustments.jpeg DIY Flats Cap Small Flats Cap in place https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586102091817-UGG853DU3AI96EB9D6M8/Adjustments.jpeg DIY Flats Cap Small Flats Cap just chillin’ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586102243395-Y1QVQ88F45OGJEQZQ48V/Adjustments.jpeg DIY Flats Cap Medium sized Flats Cap in place https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586102286692-0NTFZ3E1R7MS8V4JLJ0N/Adjustments.jpeg DIY Flats Cap …and taking a breather. https://www.bltastro.com/chasing-comets daily 0.75 2020-08-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595452668991-6PY0CP7WMTT0R4KTQE1A/BLTbanner.png Chasing Comets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595524431886-JYA44Q3HVOMN4RX7E2Q1/IMG_4281.jpeg Chasing Comets My imaging rig https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595453159138-4370P9K867E2YK7I86DN/C2020+NEOWISE_800_11s_tracked.jpg Chasing Comets GX7 with 45-200mm lens, stack of 5-10 frames https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595453279917-FJAMHEVYRXK7G68QRQSY/C2020+NEOWISE_1600_10s_tracked.jpg Chasing Comets GX7 45-200mm static tripod. Hint of noctilucent clouds below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595453405915-BNS6QN14Y8V4TM14B99P/C2020+NEOWISE_4_Combo.jpg Chasing Comets GX7 45-200mm static tripod, stack of 5-10 images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595455323188-3PYL7WJH7CAQHOYPD5J1/Comet++C%3A2020+F3+NEOWISE_18_200711.jpg Chasing Comets By 3.45am NEOWISE was almost lost to the dawn. Bright star top right is Capella https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595454041310-0S523K1036JJCEW2EUQO/C2020+F3+NEOWISE+W51+tracked.jpg Chasing Comets Stack of short exposures at 250mm focal length. The low cloud on the horizon makes the shot feel moody https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595454095915-QYTMECTTCX2618YT66KW/200712+Comet+NEOWISE.jpg Chasing Comets Single 30sec Night Lapse exposure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595524468943-HY351MAA5YIFY9FTHEIT/Selfie+%281+of+1%29.jpeg Chasing Comets Selfie with Venus low to the left and Mars above the Moon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595524847014-M4X3UBSHEUXUSE49239W/IMG_4363.jpeg Chasing Comets Set up for the wide shot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595523904071-94VF7IUXHJDS1VEY4PWJ/200720+stack01+400+20sec+SEQ+5stack.jpg Chasing Comets Faint ion tail visible in a wide tracked shot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595705887124-6PBN87VVQSGQTSTQ98CS/200720+NEOWISE+60+sec+merge+stack.jpg Chasing Comets 15x 60sec subs manually stacked in Photoshop to freeze the comet head and allow the stars to trail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595679832617-0J7HRVX43RN60WD1FQTW/200720_NEOWISE_480.0s_120sec.jpg Chasing Comets 5 x 120 exposures, stacked with the background static https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595524547087-RDH4N25ZNWH7HZQGGCPJ/Adjustments.jpeg Chasing Comets iOptron Skyguider Pro with William Optics WhiteCat51 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595694463387-MUAZ2OERHCVNOFOZT1WY/200722+120_300s+stack+merge.jpg Chasing Comets This combines around 30mins data, keeping the comet still and allowing the stars to trail, drawing out some very subtle detail in the tails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595454317171-5Q1SSY2SOKL6214GE1P3/300s-stack-GIF.gif Chasing Comets 5x 300sec subs. This stack clearly shows the comet head in green and ion tail in blue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595595469673-PBHOV2NIM6LH1DHUVKH7/200722-NEOWISE-GoPro-trails-640.gif Chasing Comets Fixed GoPro facing NW, combined into an animated GIF https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1596901340109-W31GBWRLRIXU7E7LSTMG/Comet_C_2020_F3_NEOWISE_All.jpeg Chasing Comets https://www.bltastro.com/journey-to-mars daily 0.75 2020-11-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1573593105936-B5RIP3CLXGQIF3AG0ZKA/IMG_1953.jpeg Journey to Mars https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1604585887470-OTCGHX8AC4MOPJLBTEM4/Adjustments.jpg Journey to Mars Experimenting with Venus in Spring 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1602786960144-JMARVEN4T0HN7P2ZANMJ/Adjustments.jpeg Journey to Mars Jupiter & Saturn with IR filter. Pretty steady, but no colour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1602528020842-O9QQPNJ4X2OJ4P7KMOEO/IMG_4830.jpg Journey to Mars https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1602528436435-PM3NV4X8LKUUX2CIO2GB/skywatcher.jpg Journey to Mars The brackets offers smooth adjustments up/down & l/r https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1602536692428-SBEW7NJIKZN4KKAG6MSU/IMG_4831.jpg Journey to Mars https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1602613986145-JIBEM2GYDPPQMGP4AP8E/IMG_4807.jpeg Journey to Mars FireCapture interface during capture using a small ROI box https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1602612083303-MN8W3JNJ02A8US82HN9H/stack+percentages.jpg Journey to Mars Effect of stacking different percentages of the overall number of frames https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1602612417086-5FTLE1VY6S9PSLHRP2KD/reg+before+after.jpg Journey to Mars Before & after Wavelets sharpening applied in Registax. Note the bayer RGB pattern creeping into the brighter regions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1602612495765-JBT5EE06YN7B36Z61NZ0/201008+Mars+TypeF.jpg Journey to Mars First proper Mars capture - Final adjustments and annotation added in Photoshop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1604515460210-FLJ7TSN372RO32DPNIR6/IMG_5356.png Journey to Mars Screenshot of the video menu options https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1604515509569-OZ7486V960RE4SQK6YSP/IMG_5341.png Journey to Mars Screenshot of the image during capture with settings on right https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1604515231968-EXZW2CRET0RBA819TN3W/201104+Mars+IR+colour+combo.jpg Journey to Mars https://www.bltastro.com/condensation daily 0.75 2020-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1573593105936-B5RIP3CLXGQIF3AG0ZKA/IMG_1953.jpeg ZWO Cooled Camera Condensation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1604083010752-PLMT1P7ELL98PTR5X1TT/IMG_3615.jpeg ZWO Cooled Camera Condensation Image 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1604083105558-S2QYDNW077KZJCPAUKGO/IMG_3620.png ZWO Cooled Camera Condensation Image 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1604083167956-92R6OU3G5U9UA4R1D5RE/IMG_3622.png ZWO Cooled Camera Condensation Image 3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1604083238469-MQ5M3TBF59PLZVJG5UF9/IMG_3650.png ZWO Cooled Camera Condensation Another example from a different session with a dark persistent mark on all the images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1604084497255-1XFRGNN44EF0IN685YDD/Adjustments.jpeg ZWO Cooled Camera Condensation https://www.bltastro.com/skyguider-pro daily 0.75 2021-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1595452668991-6PY0CP7WMTT0R4KTQE1A/BLTbanner.png Skyguider Pro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610803051405-RK3LYTHHCVOVY50JAFHP/WO+WC51.jpg Skyguider Pro WO 51mm WhiteCat APO refractor, shown here in its smallest configuration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610804185355-01R38MMQVBDBYAOYIPQR/IMG_5868.jpg Skyguider Pro R-L: Main camera ASI294MC Pro, Altair Astro 17mm filter tray, 11mm spacer, 5mm spacer, 16.5mm OAG with red helical focuser and guide camera, rotating rear cell of the WhiteCat with numerical scale for framing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610804274040-FBQH8V2D67G9AUQQHC8Z/IMG_5869.jpg Skyguider Pro WO Red Dot Finder mounted onto the tube ring top plate https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610895279118-QWNSFPA0O2N78KC3RRZY/IMG_5888.jpeg Skyguider Pro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610809601736-0L4YA45D46SQM71S6BL3/body.jpg Skyguider Pro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610805774859-8XSXUHD58MS936EWTRQ9/SGPro+body.jpg Skyguider Pro The iOptron Skyguider Pro body on the standard wedge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610808548045-R5G3ZDMCOESG4GYCJHGX/mount.jpg Skyguider Pro Standard wedge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610809086872-HL2OFKBGVTQ4V62WY2XJ/WO+upgrade.jpg Skyguider Pro WO upgrade kit: wedge and counterweight extension bar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610809667378-CHT1P8NDAMW1M97VQGB4/puck+installed.png Skyguider Pro Upgrade kit on top of the counterweight bar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610811123141-44LJUR736JVM7SX1ZRGQ/IMG_5495.JPG Skyguider Pro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610811516004-9M976EAGT26OJN8E19YJ/IMG_5494.JPG Skyguider Pro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610895348158-11HB1OLJGAI6WSZUM0CN/IMG_5886.jpeg Skyguider Pro Up and down adjustment is from the red rotating disc (left) and right to left is via a spring loaded black knob (middle knob) which gently moves the grey plastic saddle relative to the red body. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610812214236-64CITQNJ32ZY9NNZHL36/IMG_5493.JPG Skyguider Pro Original plastic headed threaded bolt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610812308832-XY5BDA4Q82VISJDIMY8R/IMG_5684.jpg Skyguider Pro The WO wedge upgrade on the iOptron tripod after my bolt swap https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610895412068-IDPRSQ6PEGVNGRR77YKD/IMG_5884.jpeg Skyguider Pro Swapped over threaded bolt on the counterweight attachment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610813107338-Y5VO12HPXDULBW0EKUS1/asi%2Bair%2Bpro.jpg Skyguider Pro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610894904558-1MBXGVYTJTK4VLZYC77T/Full-rig.gif Skyguider Pro Image of the final assembled rig, minus the cables for clarity https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610814805178-FWV6YU3603FABVMHG3J5/IC_1848_2h12.jpg Skyguider Pro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610814921863-Y8HYAS1G15MBIWGFV22J/NGC7635_Bubble+201026+combo+2.jpg Skyguider Pro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610814976377-QYZGHC677P346R0O1DUA/200927+Veil_Nebula.jpg Skyguider Pro https://www.bltastro.com/drift-stacking daily 0.75 2021-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617443396216-URZQXOSTSDGLEBVD054I/2021+M45.jpg Drift Stacking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617443733207-SSMXCJ5ZUUAFUEG4WHO5/2021+Stars+on+45.jpg Drift Stacking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617443558805-723SSPAXO0TALT4UUAF7/2021+M45+7+sisters.jpg Drift Stacking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1610894904558-1MBXGVYTJTK4VLZYC77T/Full-rig.gif Drift Stacking Wide focal length refractor on star tracker mount https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617448470327-BM1XCKWR96VTMZ2HUCJA/IMG_6414.jpeg Drift Stacking https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617445407139-57XQQ4F1B7G1984EB2I8/IMG_6406.jpeg Drift Stacking 119 Tauri - my intended target https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617445463988-XW7M09FLIQS582CC5WMH/IMG_6407.jpeg Drift Stacking HD38247 highlighted - oops https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617445628475-HGEUQ9SELZHBSCIWPQCA/IMG_6408.jpeg Drift Stacking Set up to the west of the target https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617445654320-WP7I8FGGD6J6TOKMYE49/IMG_6409.jpeg Drift Stacking The central frame for the final composition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617445684511-3CCQMNOK1M7DZ179TC2O/IMG_6410.jpeg Drift Stacking The end of the Drift stage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617445717090-81O0T6GTCQY7AO6406CY/IMG_6411.jpeg Drift Stacking Set up to the west https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617445734836-79V3NEJZ1U2BB5KP0RNY/IMG_6412.jpeg Drift Stacking The middle of the Drift https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617445748545-BQ2JFFQMTIXX65145PCO/IMG_6413.jpeg Drift Stacking The end of the Drift https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617446128220-SQ9IH1QEKMTW9HZRAANC/IMG_6405.jpeg Drift Stacking Composition frame for the Stack https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617446140830-Z01WNPLBW7AXC9CNL9HB/IMG_6412.jpeg Drift Stacking Composition frame for the Stack https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617443926013-GA4K28YZ627QX0AI12AY/One+drift+frame.jpg Drift Stacking One Drift Frame showing the trailing across 60 secs. Note how the lines are nearly perfectly flat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617443987319-O60CORVVMZV5MCLLTLU8/2021+M45+drift+frame.jpg Drift Stacking Single calibrated Drift Frame of the Pleiades which I used for two final images. Even in one Drift frame, you can make out some nebulosity around the cluster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617446410207-D4YBWQVGQPMWOQ52SM6E/Drift+layering+up.jpg Drift Stacking Layering up the Drift frames to create solid lines https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617444105224-48Q306L3C24UA1SJW2SP/HD38247+stack+image.jpg Drift Stacking Final Stack of HD38247 after calibration was applied in APP https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617446466602-HNGO5XIQ0I1YR1SVE2H1/Drift+all+layers.jpg Drift Stacking Complete stacking of Drift frames. I suspect the very bold central orange line is actually 119 Tauri, my original target star. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617446718098-RFTRCHZ76TTVSY828OWS/2021%2BM45%2B7%2Bsisters.jpg Drift Stacking Detail of the duplication and opacity https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617442723875-66GYT5R6AY8HOQYVMJV6/2021+M45.jpg Drift Stacking M45 WHAMM! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617446850369-YHLWJIK4DM043YNVTQ9V/2021+Star+colours.jpg Drift Stacking HD38247 with full star colour trails. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617442819540-QIL99G74DOC0GJ3LICWB/2021+Stars+on+45.jpg Drift Stacking Stars on 45 - same data as above rotated and cropped. HD38247 is now located centre right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617447185484-AB9OC0HJU1U7LTRSLA6E/2021+Stars+with+tails.jpg Drift Stacking This overlaid the Stack frame with a handful of Drift frames to give each star a coloured tail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617447342793-INZRF38BV9Z3VQSZLPQG/2021+Stars+bold+lines.jpg Drift Stacking This overlaid all the Drift frames with a reduced opacity, Stack frame and coloured tails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1617442880408-66CKUWCAIFPVB5W0IKCN/2021+M45+7+sisters.jpg Drift Stacking Alternative Pleiades https://www.bltastro.com/all-sky-camera daily 0.75 2021-05-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1586100750856-2XWVIQFJFZSPWUSZBHAG/IMG_1953.jpeg All Sky Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620250952359-V5JQKUY4W3V2K14S7A01/IMG_6616.jpeg All Sky Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620250980562-8RRWLLVLV1I00N1VCPK2/IMG_6611.jpeg All Sky Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620251004895-OY780UB1C9L33A21XKG3/IMG_6612.jpeg All Sky Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620251031857-IBJDL5MKQN8E4HJKGESW/IMG_6614.jpeg All Sky Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620251064148-3DZQ4PXH4B5UKC38VMMF/IMG_6617.jpeg All Sky Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620251106072-AYNVZXE7FX6FJX9S9QDV/IMG_6618.jpeg All Sky Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620251135899-SD8M8UJQMDMN1GG8O2O7/IMG_6621.jpeg All Sky Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620251166624-1ITJHVE9RBJN448O3T1R/IMG_6622.jpeg All Sky Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620251189480-SUEH0054AMACSIUZ6U0H/IMG_6623.jpeg All Sky Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620251428865-PTP1MX4O3FS4GKXHDDJZ/IMG_6624.jpeg All Sky Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620251489172-EASCHS48UMN79BWG4VNR/IMG_6640.jpeg All Sky Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620251556614-PBRX9UDL3VWSZIYGM8MF/IMG_6644.jpeg All Sky Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620251644674-8BONZKHOYILZ16LT8IMF/IMG_6645.jpeg All Sky Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620251687937-BFD84ZXA238HJ75HHIRA/IMG_6647.jpeg All Sky Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620251740297-U1GVLGII8YYRJSJIJNJJ/IMG_6648.jpeg All Sky Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620251775769-YAB8MWDHT3WHFWZ8VMOR/IMG_6650.jpeg All Sky Camera Test location - placed on my lawn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620251828603-QF404465BOZU5VAIVIP9/IMG_6651.jpeg All Sky Camera Test location - on my garage flat roof https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620251932601-2OYCOS4PWBA0DNVPB7XI/IMG_6652.jpeg All Sky Camera Test location - on my shed roof https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620407384625-BF5883QWJJ53KOQS75AH/LR+exports+50pc+%282+of+500%29.jpg All Sky Camera Single 30sec exposure, 0 gain. Imported into PIPP, stretched and exported as a Tiff. White Balance adjusted in LR https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620407492320-UIA8OBLOWM46YW8NZ979/Seq+Trails+2.jpg All Sky Camera Star Trails image created in Sequater. I excluded the first 50 frames as the bedroom light was on. The very bright white trees are from a security light to the left/ north. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1620409060302-GF1O75FRGRG46IQK9VZ8/390LR+exports+50pc+%281+of+500%29_pipp.gif All Sky Camera 500 frame animated GIF. Largest resolution possible to get it under the 20mb max image size. Full res looks great! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1621764149304-QNCUUM99M0AA612QNFL5/All+sky+short+210510+copy.jpg All Sky Camera - Make it stand out Different location, 60min test https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1621764622576-4FBQFEDPWUDZECDEK7FW/IMG_6773.jpeg All Sky Camera - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1621764640191-DSJ954P0G04ZV41WTAMJ/IMG_6774.jpeg All Sky Camera - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.bltastro.com/meteor-camera daily 0.75 2021-08-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1622741618442-0IDCBCNON15EFWKFLK64/BLTbanner.png Meteor Camera - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1624724591672-55GZJOD6IM1JZPXZZ8PK/IMG_7129.jpeg Meteor Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1624724851511-L8QWV02I0WTVFN3EG92Z/IMG_7130.jpeg Meteor Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1624725257190-J1YPW2GKFZTY6YOVJ5DD/IMG_7131.jpeg Meteor Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1622755038082-AMI33JXHI8ZBXDXK4GA3/IMG_6602.jpeg Meteor Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1622755075996-QZME5EY44I9N5WK9D55B/IMG_6604.jpeg Meteor Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1622755112003-FB4J461W042HU63B8V2O/IMG_6606.jpeg Meteor Camera https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1624723261390-BT61WDNLFLO24O6M182Y/IMG_6607.jpeg Meteor Camera The camera module with lens and power other ethernet cable https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1624723342735-HY1N7EVXGGFYSN57ZQCA/IMG_7128.jpeg Meteor Camera Camera housing with mounting bracket https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1623448626670-9D8T84DPIF54AHB0WWMO/UK002J_20210601_205925_507796_stack_33_meteors.jpg Meteor Camera - Make it stand out Combined stack of detections from one clear night https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1624727875816-66XSI7RYZ56XCI5T14G7/UK002J+FOV.jpg Meteor Camera - Make it stand out Field of View of my camera - perfect for southern approaches by either meteors or the Spanish Armada. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1623448845031-KRY9TA23Y6YDHEPXX25I/UK002J_20210601_205925_507796_radiants.png Meteor Camera - Make it stand out This plots the radiant of the meteor detections against known meteor shower periods and peaks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1623448529669-W97UWHP2WS80K8P7PZF6/UK002J_20210601_205925_507796_calib_report_astrometry.jpg Meteor Camera - Make it stand out Astrometry check against known star positions https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1623448757926-XBLF64H13UV7DF2JJWK1/UK002J_20210601_205925_507796_photometry_variation.png Meteor Camera - Make it stand out It gives you loads of graphs…don’t ask me what they all mean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1623448671551-3ZIPY44BYXGNYYE91ZNX/UK002J_20210601_205925_507796_calibration_variation.png Meteor Camera - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1623448723026-OW6RFX6M974FNOGMAWX6/UK002J_20210601_205925_507796_calib_report_photometry.png Meteor Camera - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1623448794824-XWQAYGM8UTETDLRS4H27/UK002J_20210601_205925_507796_fieldsums.png Meteor Camera - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1623448817257-7AQPGU3TM1NNYY144QGL/UK002J_20210601_205925_507796_fieldsums_noavg.png Meteor Camera - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628957568335-7BORGHKCAJ0QVM9NHRL1/Perseid+stack.jpg Meteor Camera - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628957597187-F56O716ZE9OZHAPL7UQR/M20210812_235546_bathmptn_s_UK002JP.jpg Meteor Camera - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.bltastro.com/redcat-51-summer-challenge daily 0.75 2021-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1624308598992-2NVH1ZO7ZXMFO6R72TCI/RedCat+51+Logo.jpg RedCat 51 Summer Challenge - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1624309350897-V5UEOLMVP5ILIOP9YCJK/Markarian_s_Chain_Collaboration.jpg RedCat 51 Summer Challenge - Make it stand out Click to enlarge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1624226635095-9I7QBUNLGFS130V6U6R1/Portable+Rig.jpeg RedCat 51 Summer Challenge My WhiteCat 51 on the iOptron Skyguider Pro tracking mount https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1624309144592-RMCLVZMWW0CS5YTE9X4L/IMG_7057.png RedCat 51 Summer Challenge Centre point and angle of the target https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1624288148971-IDX5ZY64MG6VN5507S24/IMG_7070.jpeg RedCat 51 Summer Challenge FOV for framing. Click to enlarge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1624437178829-5097LZLTWFXE6K6077X0/IMG_7077.jpeg RedCat 51 Summer Challenge @astromatt75 did a great test shot and plate solve of the target to check the framing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1628957260807-XI1GUIW9ABLPKGJ349O1/Cyg_Loop_LExtreme-Test+8min.jpg RedCat 51 Summer Challenge - Make it stand out Test shot I took in early August to try my new auto-focuser and L-eXtreme filter. Only 8mins worth here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1635604338845-RMR2JMLSW0E077N0IJ4R/RC51SC+Collaboration+BLT+v4.jpg RedCat 51 Summer Challenge - Make it stand out My Final Image (until I play with it again!): 17hr integration from 4 astrophotographers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1635604466932-NN1O0CY5WTGKIEKWHYZV/211029+collab+v2+starless.jpg RedCat 51 Summer Challenge - Make it stand out Starless version, which helps to identify some of the fainter, wispier detail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1635604551718-R8TZ29URR40LEIHL1GWO/Detail+01.jpg RedCat 51 Summer Challenge - Make it stand out Detail 01: I particularly liked this portion, which seemed very three dimensional https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1635604654186-CPK1RO8M0TYG65YUHSSD/Detail+02.jpg RedCat 51 Summer Challenge - Make it stand out Detail 02: Starless Eastern Veil NGC 6995 with the classic ‘prawn’ shape https://www.bltastro.com/top-10-biggest-improvements daily 0.75 2021-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1626113410200-O5W64PVDJNP6LZIRIZ58/BLT+banner.jpg Top 10 Biggest Improvements - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.bltastro.com/imaging-jupiter daily 0.75 2021-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1631377772393-LTVDPR8RGDZHORYP9EZ1/IMG_7513.jpeg Imaging Jupiter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1631477180795-NWGY8GVFRTGOOLGKPAW3/Jupiter+rig.jpg Imaging Jupiter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1631435519006-I07Y3Z3IE3070XCQLYXQ/Blog+reg+effect.jpg Imaging Jupiter - Make it stand out L-R: Unsharpened AS!3 image of RGB video, Sharpened in Registax, colour and brightness adjusted in PS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1631475276214-JN4UL053G0OAYL0J91CX/Blog+reg+effect+IR.jpg Imaging Jupiter - Make it stand out L-R: Shot at IR685 Unsharpened AS!3 image of RGB video, Sharpened in Registax, desaturated in PS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1631377035956-R84U4QV76VJP5YTFDEDS/IMG_7446.jpeg Imaging Jupiter After WinJupos de-rotation. Pretty happy with the detail here but no GRS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1631377098034-IENYMFZ3HH64PC7YF40L/IMG_7447.gif Imaging Jupiter GIF combining a number of video outputs from the same session https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1631477434298-6559T77E7K8KZKV5GPRX/210828+Saturn.jpg Imaging Jupiter - Make it stand out Saturn from the same imaging session. There’s the slightest hint of the inner C ring and the polar hexagon too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1631433731900-XHFIM7SR0D412J0SMY09/IMG_7473.png Imaging Jupiter Planning on SkySafari to determine when the GRS is visible https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1631476842145-JWJSI1XJ22GVGWGMISOQ/Blog+final.jpg Imaging Jupiter The final image after some post-processing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1631475901032-1GZU5L08N00FQIDQGFW0/210906-Jupiter.gif Imaging Jupiter - Make it stand out GIF of the 14 frames just catching the end of Io’s shadow transit. https://www.bltastro.com/published-april-2022 daily 0.75 2022-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1546c525-c2f4-486d-ba8f-b9bc5545d967/09137CF7-53C1-4D70-B6F9-E6ED0362D345.jpeg Published April 2022 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/d02c6340-fc84-4809-8242-584e1cd9294e/22D27DBB-414D-4C3D-B8CA-79C77E654B80.jpeg Published April 2022 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/c0132b4b-a3e8-4b75-8186-adeb5c396188/M81_220204_2h30min.jpg Published April 2022 M81 - Image of the Month for April 2022 in Sky at Night magazine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/fc8b5fdd-033e-499c-ac97-f000c3a86dcb/M82+220222+web.jpg Published April 2022 - Make it stand out This image of M82 made the gallery in Astronomy Now, April 2022 https://www.bltastro.com/portable-deep-sky daily 0.75 2022-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/f42bdd9b-90a3-40a3-9831-bdcb6c9f7ab5/BLT+banner.jpg Portable deep sky - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/ef9793e6-2b79-467b-90b7-4d842dbe0115/IMG_9620+%281%29+copy.jpg Portable deep sky - Make it stand out The rig - not I had to shorten the image train significantly to get the focal reducer working and achieving focus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/1f233169-d26e-4d80-861f-39cb24b6bf9a/Light_M51_300_single.jpg Portable deep sky - Make it stand out Single 300sec guided sub with 1.25” L-Pro filter, possibly giving the strong vignette. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/b1c1f388-7da2-423d-b1b2-161c886dc65e/M51_50min+integration.jpg Portable deep sky - Make it stand out 10x 300sec subs integrated, no calibration frames https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/7662e257-dfe3-4b86-a77a-3e97d96fa349/M51_50min-St+copy.jpg Portable deep sky - Make it stand out Cropped and processed in Photoshop for a surprisingly pleasing result. https://www.bltastro.com/startracker-polar-alignment-hack daily 0.75 2022-05-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/227d8bb9-0260-407f-95fd-8e9b362b7f2d/BLT+banner.jpg Startracker Polar Alignment Hack - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/0b46f40d-296d-4500-8e47-20f311c4cb4d/mkcompactlt-bk.jpg Startracker Polar Alignment Hack - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/e127092c-3988-4f3e-94d9-e0687bc24ed6/5A0003A5-3521-409C-906B-D4CB5AEDA268.jpeg Startracker Polar Alignment Hack - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/52f22163-248b-4574-8060-865aef84282e/BC1586F4-6E8C-4968-BD68-BD6032636346.jpeg Startracker Polar Alignment Hack - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/3ef7eb3d-c664-44d4-b674-2bedc3f07b79/48E26854-BAFC-4432-AD86-94AACB05D4B1.jpeg Startracker Polar Alignment Hack - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/3a5a18b6-f8d4-4f19-925f-029171f5aa0a/C313938A-F18C-47A2-9BEF-74F4A1355BAC.png Startracker Polar Alignment Hack - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/cc575a1a-a7ed-42c5-992b-79696aaef817/DD78943F-BBFC-4D1C-ACD3-E20A2C3D5BE8.jpeg Startracker Polar Alignment Hack - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/052a0e8b-6dc7-443c-8dc2-8c0e912d5872/96DB3569-426A-4CB0-A70C-4EBB12DD9B58.jpeg Startracker Polar Alignment Hack - Make it stand out This test involved a Panasonic GX7 M4/3 with a Sigma 60mm lens (120mm equiv), Red dot pointer in the hot shoe and intervalometer. I also have the 20mm pancake f/1.8 for 40mm equivalent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/6e74f7ec-1b4f-4686-9940-9cca679e1b39/37C603CD-31C9-446F-9DF4-ABF766863CD6.jpeg Startracker Polar Alignment Hack - Make it stand out The rig broken down. Clockwise from top left; MSM tracker, V & Z brackets, Ballhead & Intervalometer, Camera & lens, Red Dot Finder, Tripod, Short centre post accessory. https://www.bltastro.com/wildsmith daily 0.75 2022-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/9f987303-0f51-4888-8215-b1d4f44e5675/BLT+banner.jpg Wildsmith - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/55ab668d-c7a9-4e8a-9f00-b4fed5255a24/D4310F21-EE60-4D8A-817C-2F6AFFA5F276.jpeg Wildsmith - Make it stand out From Wildsmith Skin’s Instagram. Mary’s images top & bottom, mine in the centre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/e5e5b9dc-bb4d-4799-8753-b6021333d2be/4DC4A213-339A-4706-8FA8-E386F8815426.jpeg Wildsmith - Make it stand out From Wildsmith Skin’s Instagram https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/4deb0056-e418-4c91-8cfa-b651df5f5387/BD4A7097-43B5-4503-B5A1-AFC36AD574FE.jpeg Wildsmith - Make it stand out From Wildsmith Skin’s Instagram https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/dff9ed3c-db36-47ef-ae2b-276988f00f71/2DDC225C-8C35-4312-9FE8-4BAC34E8D256.jpeg Wildsmith - Make it stand out From Wildsmith Skin’s Instagram - my Milky Way Core image https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/a02754ac-b90e-4114-8175-4fc2f35c3cb2/DCD70921-14DA-490F-98C8-B767A47C093B.jpeg Wildsmith - Make it stand out From Wildsmith Skin’s Instagram - my Melotte 15 image https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c6a6af00b77bde28675d67f/33e8963d-d235-4c97-8bfd-f55d17012041/F64CA7F8-9491-44D0-8B3F-0EA71CE1FDEF.jpeg Wildsmith - Make it stand out From Wildsmith Skin’s Instagram