My Local Observatory: A Spooky Open Night Spectacle

There's something inherently magical about an observatory. Usually a beacon of scientific discovery, this past open night, my local observatory took on a decidedly different aura. With visitors exploring the grounds, the scene transformed into something almost otherworldly.

This wide-field image captures the observatory bathed in its own light, with the silhouettes of people wandering through the scene. The longer exposure, while beautiful, gives the impression of lingering spirits or a gathering of the cosmic unseen. It's a playful twist on what's typically a serious place of astronomical research.

The Technicals Behind the Eerie Glow

Capturing this atmospheric shot involved a specific approach to gear and processing:

• Camera: Canon 650D
• Lens: Kit lens, set to 18mm for that wide-field perspective.
• Exposure: 5-second shots were used to gather enough light and allow for some subtle motion blur.
• Processing: The images were combined in PixInsight. Notably, star trails were blended to create those striking streaks of light, and curves were adjusted to enhance the mood and contrast of the scene.

It's fascinating how a familiar place can be reinterpreted through the lens of photography, especially when combined with a bit of creative processing and a touch of the unexpected. This image certainly makes you wonder what stories the observatory holds on nights when the doors are open to all.

What do you think? Does this shot give you the spooky vibes it gave me?