VLBA at Owens Valley Radio Observatory: A Single Shot Under the Stars
The universe offers some truly awe-inspiring sights, and sometimes, you get the incredible opportunity to witness them up close. I was recently granted special permission to be on-site overnight at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory, and what I experienced was nothing short of surreal: seeing the majestic Milky Way rise directly behind one of the powerful Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) dishes.
Standing Beneath Giants
The VLBA, a crucial part of Caltech's network of radio telescopes, is an impressive feat of engineering. Standing there, under these colossal dishes with the vast expanse of the night sky stretching out behind them, was a humbling and deeply moving experience. It's a potent reminder of humanity's quest to understand the cosmos.
The Power of a Single Shot
What makes this particular image even more remarkable is that it's a single exposure. No star tracker, no complex stacking – just one perfectly timed shot. The foreground presented a challenge, with too much complexity to blend seamlessly with multiple exposures. So, the decision was made to keep it simple and time the shot for that magical moment.
This photograph is a testament to the fact that you don't always need the most advanced or specialized gear to capture the beauty of the night sky. With careful planning, understanding your equipment, and a bit of luck, incredible results are achievable with more accessible setups.
This was my first attempt at a single exposure with this specific composition, and I'm absolutely thrilled with how it turned out. It's a beautiful blend of human ingenuity and natural wonder.
Gear Used:
- Sony A7iii (astro modified)
- Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM
Acquisition Details:
- Focal Length: 24mm
- Aperture: f/2.0
- Exposure: 20 seconds
Location:
- Owens Valley Radio Observatory
- Big Pine, CA
