A Celestial Spectacle from the Urban Jungle

Even under the oppressive embrace of Bortle 9 skies – the epitome of light pollution – beauty can still be found. This incredible photograph showcases a piece of our very own Milky Way, meticulously captured from the heart of São Paulo, Brazil.

The Challenge and the Triumph

Photographing celestial wonders from an urban environment presents a unique set of challenges. The sheer amount of artificial light can wash out even the brightest deep-sky objects. However, through dedication and a precise technical approach, this astrophotographer has managed to extract a remarkable view of our galaxy.

The Technical Breakdown

This stunning image is the result of a carefully planned acquisition and processing workflow:

• Acquisition:

  • 32 lights and 13 dark frames were used to build the image data.
  • Each exposure was 13 seconds long at ISO 1600, a balance to capture enough light without excessive noise.
  • The equipment used was a modified Canon t2i camera with an 18mm f4 lens, demonstrating that professional-grade equipment isn't always necessary for impressive results.

• Processing:

  • The raw data was aligned and stacked using Siril, a powerful open-source astronomical image processing software.
  • StarNet was employed to remove stars, allowing for detailed processing of the nebulae and galactic core.
  • Further enhancements were achieved with Graxpert and Adobe Lightroom, bringing out the subtle colors and details of the Milky Way.

This effort highlights the dedication and skill required to push the boundaries of astrophotography, proving that even from the most light-polluted locations, the universe can still put on a show.