Farewell to Orion: A Seasonal Goodbye from the Night Sky
As the days grow longer and the chill of winter recedes, a familiar sight begins to dip below the western horizon in the early evening – the magnificent constellation of Orion, often accompanied by its steadfast companion, Taurus the Bull.
For many stargazers and astrophotographers, the setting of these iconic constellations marks a distinct shift in the astronomical calendar, heralding the arrival of spring. It's a bittersweet farewell, a reminder that the celestial stage is ever-changing, with new actors preparing to take their turn.
This particular shot captures that poignant moment. The photographer utilized a Pentax K-3iii and a Samyang 16mm F2.0 lens to capture this stunning vista. To achieve the best of both worlds, a blend of exposures was used: a 20-second exposure for the brilliance of the stars and a longer 60-second exposure at ISO 3200 for the foreground details. Editing was expertly handled in Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) and Photoshop, with StarSpike Pro 4 adding that characteristic diffuse glow to the brighter stars.
Shot under the pristine, Bortle 4 skies of Harrington, Quebec, the image showcases the deep, dark skies that allow such celestial wonders to truly shine. While not every desired shot of this region was achieved, the anticipation for its return in October keeps the passion alive.
Until next time, Orion and Taurus, we'll be watching the skies for your grand reappearance!
