Reflections on La Palma: A Celestial Dance in Starlight
A truly remarkable capture from La Palma, where the night sky performed a breathtaking spectacle, meticulously documented by an astrophotographer. This image showcases a unique celestial alignment, with the galactic center gracefully passing beneath the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), while the northern expanse of the Milky Way finds its mirrored image in the reflective surface of a MAGIC telescope.
This stunning photograph is the result of a deliberate and skilled process, described as TRACKED / STACKED / BLENDED, a testament to the dedication required to capture such profound astronomical moments.
The Gear Behind the Vision
The equipment used to bring this vision to life speaks to the modern advancements in astrophotography:
- Camera: Sony Alpha 7II mod
- Lens: Sigma 105mm DG DN Art
- Tracker: MSM Nomad
- Remote Control: Miops remote control
Technical Details for the Curious Mind
For those interested in the technical intricacies, the following EXIF data provides insight into the capture:
- Sky Exposures: 69 frames x 30 seconds each, at f2.8 and ISO 1600
- Foreground Exposure: 1 frame x 120 seconds, at f4.0 and ISO 6400
The meticulous stacking and blending of these exposures have resulted in an image that not only captures the faint light of distant galaxies but also the subtle nuances of the terrestrial landscape.
This photograph is a beautiful reminder of the interconnectedness of our planet and the cosmos, reflecting the vastness of space back onto itself. The interplay of light and shadow, the clarity of the celestial bodies, and the innovative use of the telescope's surface as a mirror make this a truly awe-inspiring piece of astrophotography.
