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Ft. Davis, TX and Night Sky Photos
Jun 9, 2016 19:11:06 #
Anybody familiar with the Ft. Davis area who could point me in the right direction for some good night sky shots?
Jun 9, 2016 19:57:49 #
Drive southwest of Ft Davis on Texas state highway 17 23 minutes to Marfa. Turn left on U.S. 67. drive 8.8 miles east to the Marfa Mystery Lights viewing center.
Jun 9, 2016 20:05:24 #
oneillj wrote:
Anybody familiar with the Ft. Davis area who could point me in the right direction for some good night sky shots?
I'm not familiar with the area, but after a quick look at dark site finder, WOW!
Once you get past Alpine (South) you'll have the whole Big Bend National Park to give you dark skies! Ojinaga/Presidio will give you some glow, but shouldn't hurt Milky Way photos.
If you wanted to do some star field and or trails with the North star, you could head over to Area Natural Protegida Canon y Sierra del Peguis.
I'm looking forward to hearing what others that are familiar with the area have to offer.
Good luck and have fun!
GT
Jun 10, 2016 06:10:20 #
McDonald Observatory is located just a few miles from Ft Davis with several programs that should not be missed. During daylight hours, take a couple of hours to take a "loop" around Ft Davis and the observatory.
http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/
http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/
Jun 10, 2016 07:47:17 #
Thanks all. I'll take a trip down to the observatory (or call) and see if they know of any scenic night time areas I could set up a shot.
Jun 10, 2016 08:19:38 #
oneillj wrote:
You're down in the Big Bend area, one of the best dark sites. McDonald Observatory has Star watching parties after 9pm on Tuesdays (confirm with ranger station). Just about 45 minutes away you can be in the middle of Big Bend National Park, so dark you won't see your hand in front of your face. I took this last summer (first attempt at night skies)Anybody familiar with the Ft. Davis area who could point me in the right direction for some good night sky shots?
Jun 10, 2016 08:29:55 #
wkocken
Loc: McGregor, MN
There is a VLBA radio dish antenna across from the Sproul ranch (google it) which would make an interesting foreground. They also run the Harvard Lodge in downtown Fort Davis. The ranch is only about 5 miles out of town, but it is very dark there. I stayed at the Sproul for a week a few years ago specifically to do astronomy. You might need their permission to be on the property, but the radio dish would be pretty cool in a photo. Here is my attempt. I'm sure you can do better.
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Jun 10, 2016 10:20:52 #
oneillj wrote:
Anybody familiar with the Ft. Davis area who could point me in the right direction for some good night sky shots?
Up?
Jun 10, 2016 10:24:40 #
tkeegan
Loc: North Texas
Some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 are in the Big Bend area from the Rio Grande north to Marathon. The only reason Big Bend is not visited more is because it is so remote, but that's also the reason it's so enjoyable. Anytime other than the spring break period is a good time to visit, and there are great astrophotography sites all over. The winters are mild with only a rare dusting of snow in the higher Chisos Basin, over 7800 feet. Like was mentioned earlier, Fort Davis and McDonald Observatory are only a short drive (by Texas standards) away. It's one of my favorite areas in the country.
http://darksky.org/idsp/finder/#marker3
http://darksky.org/idsp/finder/#marker3
Jun 10, 2016 11:44:26 #
Jun 10, 2016 12:54:04 #
There is also a hummingbird festival in Ft. Davis, this August, which you might check out.
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Jun 10, 2016 20:27:14 #
mikeroetex wrote:
....I took this last summer (first attempt at night skies)
Great shot! I really love this photo. Looks like you nailed it the first time.
Jun 11, 2016 00:15:08 #
oneillj referenced "dropping down" to the McDonald Observatory from Ft. Davis. You'll enjoy driving up the mountain if you do it before sunset.That mountaintop has about the darkest sky within a thousand miles or so. heck the observatory website for schedules of public programs.
Jun 11, 2016 20:58:34 #
Forest wrote:
Many thanks!Great shot! I really love this photo. Looks like you nailed it the first time.
Jun 13, 2016 23:39:00 #
mikeroetex wrote:
You're down in the Big Bend area, one of the best dark sites. McDonald Observatory has Star watching parties after 9pm on Tuesdays (confirm with ranger station). Just about 45 minutes away you can be in the middle of Big Bend National Park, so dark you won't see your hand in front of your face. I took this last summer (first attempt at night skies)
Wow! Was that a Pano?
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