Milky Way long exposures

[stevejack (Steve)]

I was observing last night (perfect night!) and thought I'd take a few long exposure shots to pass the time. The two images with foreground objects are just one single exposure but the rising Milky Way is a stack of around 20 images @ 30sec each.

First time trying these shots and it won't be the last! very addictive.

Hope you all enjoy..
Steve

[A23649 (Nathan)]

very very cool!

[Stu Ward]

They are just gorgeous ! What Exp for the single shots ?

Stu

[stevejack (Steve)]

Thanks guys.
Stu - the one with me in it is 152 seconds, f/5, 800 ISO @10mm.
The last image with the longer star trails is 792 sec, f/5, 400 ISO @10mm.

Also got to see an excellent metor, long flaming tail and all. It broke up after maybe 5 seconds (doesn't sound like long but it is when you're watching it) and burnt away. Great to see one so spectacular.

[Stu Ward]

What were you mounted on ?

Stu

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

I love that last shot, wowee!!

[oosh (Jason)]

Great images Steve, #1 is a real cracker to me, and the star trail is great also.

[stevejack (Steve)]

Originally Posted by Stu Ward

What were you mounted on ?

Stu

I just had the DSLR mounted on the tripod for all shots - no tracking or anything that's all a bit complicated for me right now.
To get the 30sec images for stacking I set the camera to low-speed continuous shooting and locked the remote shutter down (same way you'd take an exposure on bulb mode) and it clicked away by itself while I did my own thing.

I'd love to get a tracking mount eventually.. one day

[oosh (Jason)]

Ah wow, I had just assumed you had it tracking somehow - in that case it's something even I could do if I can find skies dark enough

[stevejack (Steve)]

Originally Posted by oosh

Ah wow, I had just assumed you had it tracking somehow - in that case it's something even I could do if I can find skies dark enough

Yep - not at all easy to find dark skies! I'm just lucky we have a family property about 250km from Perth. It's a long drive and it usually means camping the night but the skies are great when there's a new moon. Not sure where I'd go without that place

[oosh (Jason)]

I'll need to improvise, just drive out of Brissie for a couple of hours and setup for the night next new moon. Did you have any issues with dew or anything, and if so any ideas of combating them?

[stevejack (Steve)]

Originally Posted by oosh

I'll need to improvise, just drive out of Brissie for a couple of hours and setup for the night next new moon. Did you have any issues with dew or anything, and if so any ideas of combating them?

No i was really lucky that dew wasn't a problem. I haven't had to think about dew so far but that will no doubt come up eventually. I did check the dew point before i left and it was below the forecast minimum. Good luck with your drive hopefully you can find a nice clearing

[oosh (Jason)]

Thanks mate!

[Ross G]

Great photos Steve.

Very original.


Thanks.


Ross.

[FlashDrive (Poppy)]

They are nice shots Steve .... good color to.

[Markaus]

wow..wow...great pictures...Question, is the Milky way visible/clear without too many issues from Sydney?

[jjjnettie (Jeanette)]

Originally Posted by Markaus

wow..wow...great pictures...Question, is the Milky way visible/clear without too many issues from Sydney?

No chance Mark. Too many lights.
You have to put at lease 100km between you and the big smoke, before the Milky Way start to really glow.

[Markaus]

Not even a glimmer of hope from The cherryBrook areas?

[oosh (Jason)]

Probably not mate, I think you're in for a long drive

[Ross G]

Hi Mark,

Go up the road to Arcadia and you might get an ok view.


Ross.