Journey to the Namibian Night Sky: My First H-Alpha Milky Way Capture
Just days after receiving my H-alpha modded A7R III back from Spencer’s Camera, I found myself in the unparalleled darkness of Namibia. What a privilege it was to test out this new gear in such an incredible location.
As a first-timer with H-alpha modification, this endeavor was certainly a learning curve. Plenty of mistakes were made, but the resulting images, I believe, tell a story of perseverance and discovery.
The Imaging Process
This ambitious project involved capturing 10 panels to cover a wide expanse of the Namibian heavens, with 20 stacked images per panel. Both the awe-inspiring sky and the rugged foreground were captured with the very same A7R III camera.
Acquisition Details:
- Camera: Sony A7R III (H-alpha modified)
- Tracking: Untracked
- Stacking Software: StarryLandscapeStacker
- Stitching Software: PTGui
- Editing Software: Capture One (a departure from my usual Affinity)
Choosing Capture One for my first H-alpha edit was a deliberate choice to push my boundaries and add an extra layer of challenge to an already complex process. It was a deep dive into new workflows, and the learning experience was invaluable.
Behold the Namibian Milky Way
This image is a testament to the unique beauty of the Milky Way, enhanced by the added sensitivity of the H-alpha filter. The vibrant reds of ionized hydrogen gas are brought to life against the backdrop of countless stars, all set against the dramatic landscape of Namibia.
It's moments like these, under skies so clear they feel painted, that truly make the challenges of astrophotography worthwhile. I'm excited to share more of my journey and the lessons learned along the way.
