Minas de San José: A Celestial Spectacle Over a Lunar Landscape
On the island of Tenerife, the Minas de San José present a landscape so striking, it's often described as moon-like. These unique formations are the result of millennia of volcanic activity, where ejected pumice and weathered materials have sculpted a terrain unlike any other. It was against this dramatic backdrop that an unforgettable astrophotographic endeavor took place.
The Experience: An Unbelievable Feeling
There's a profound magic in seeing the Milky Way arc across the night sky, but experiencing it rise over the stark beauty of the Minas de San José was, in the words of the photographer, an "unbelievable feeling." This celestial panorama was captured using a sophisticated combination of techniques:
- HaRGB | Mosaic | Tracked | Stacked | Composite
This array of techniques highlights the meticulous planning and execution involved in capturing such a detailed and expansive view of the cosmos.
Technical Details of the Shoot
To achieve this stunning result, a specific set of equipment and settings were employed, showcasing the dedication to capturing the night sky in its full glory:
Sky Capture:
- Camera: Sony A7III
- Lens: Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 at 28mm
- Mount: Skywatcher Star Adventurer 2i
- Settings: ISO 1000 | f/1.8 | 3x60s per Panel
- Composition: 3x3 Panel Panorama
Foreground Capture:
- Settings: ISO 2500 | f/1.8 | 75s per Panel
- Composition: 3x2 Panel Panorama
Halpha Filter Capture (45mm):
- Settings: ISO 2500 | f/2 | 10x120s
This multi-layered approach ensures both the intricate details of the Milky Way and the textured foreground of the Minas de San José are brought to life.
A Journey to the Dark Skies of Tenerife
Located in Tenerife, a destination renowned for its exceptional dark skies, the Minas de San José provided the perfect canvas for this astrophotographic masterpiece. The combination of a unique landscape and the vastness of the universe creates a scene that truly captivates the imagination.
This image is a testament to the power of astrophotography to reveal the hidden wonders of our night sky and the incredible geological history of our planet.
