The Arduous Quest for Double Arches: A Big Bend Astrophotography Chronicle

This March, I embarked on a three-night expedition to Big Bend National Park with a very specific, and as it turns out, incredibly frustrating goal: to photograph the park's iconic double arches under the vast expanse of the night sky. The vision was to capture the Milky Way in two distinct phases – winter in the early evening and summer towards the end of the night – blended together to create a singular, awe-inspiring panorama.

The Dream vs. The Reality

Let me be upfront: I hate these. I absolutely do not recommend this endeavor to anyone seeking an easy or enjoyable astrophotography experience. The blending process was a tedious, soul-crushing affair. I encountered an overwhelming amount of misaligned star overlap, resulting in jarring and unnatural-looking blends. While I can see how this technique could yield stunning results in specific scenarios, such as having a distinct foreground element that separates the two celestial bodies, for me, this was a one-and-done experiment. I won't be undertaking this challenge again.

The Technical Arsenal

To even attempt such a feat, a considerable amount of specialized gear was necessary:

• Cameras: Sony A7rV and A7rIV, both modified for astrophotography.
• Lenses: Sigma 14mm f1.4 and Sony 14mm GM f1.8.
• Tracking Mounts: iOptron & MSM Nomad.

The Shooting Process

The sky acquisition involved long exposures, with exposures ranging from 5 to 10 minutes for each frame. Individual subs were either 30 seconds or 1 minute in duration. For the ultimate panorama on night three, I captured up to 33 frames, equating to over 300 individual subs. In contrast, night one's summer sky panorama required a mere 4 frames.

Post-Processing Challenges

Following the capture, the post-processing journey was equally arduous. Tools like BlurX, StarX, and Photoshop were employed, but none could entirely mitigate the inherent difficulties in perfectly aligning and blending the distinct starry skies. The result, while visually striking to some, felt to me like a compromise, a testament to the technical hurdles rather than a seamless artistic vision.

A Word of Caution and Admiration

For those who might be inspired by the idea of capturing such dual-sky phenomena, be prepared for a significant investment of time, patience, and troubleshooting. The raw beauty of Big Bend's night skies is undeniable, and the challenge of capturing such a unique perspective is immense. While my personal experience was one of frustration, the pursuit itself is a testament to the dedication of astrophotographers pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

It's worth noting that some viewers have appreciated the result and the color balance, which is encouraging. But for this particular photographer, the double arch Milky Way panorama remains a conquered, yet unwelcomed, frontier.