Algol Loc: Georgia

This coming winter I will be traveling to Namibia, Africa to photograph the southern sky at night. I have been practicing with a new mount and my Canon T2i using various lenses. This image is a stack of one 30 second exposure and two 20 second exposures taken with a 50mm EF f/1.8 at f/3.2
Sky conditions that night were horrible, I couldn't even see the Milky Way plus very high humidity.
I have some color halos which are distracting on excessive enlargements.

The first image is of the constellation Lyra and was almost straight overhead, hence the dark sky. The second is of the Milky Way Star Cloud in constellation Scutum. It is a stack of 14 images same lens and setup but 15 second exposures. Skyglow is terrible this low to the horizon and shows up as a mottling appearance. The reddish stars in the left part of photo is real. They are stars shining through dust clouds, same process that gives us our red sunsets. However, the purple cast at lower left is not, I suspect it may be due to,light pollution from Atlanta

I would appreciate any comments, critiques, helpful suggestions etc.

Constellation Lyra


Scutum Star Cloud

tg-adrian Loc: Jacksonville, FL

I don't have any suggestion for you, just wanted to let you know these are stunning shots! Very nice work.

Algol Loc: Georgia

Thank you very much. I'm my own worst critic and I see plenty of mistakes, that's why I'm practicing with this setup BEFORE my arrival in Namibia, lol.

Shaka Loc: Brisbane, Australia

If you haven't been to Namibia before you'll enjoy it immensely. Beware that it'll be as hot as Hades. I'm off to South Africa and Botswana in December. Hope to be able to take some memorable photos and sincerely hope that you do too.

Algol Loc: Georgia

Thank you Shaka, same here on your trip to South Africa. I spent a year in Vietnam during 1968 and it was HOT! HOT! HOT! and in more ways than one. I was up in I Corps area near the DMZ among that blazing white sand near the coast. Spent the remainder of my time in III Corps area in War Zone D. It was jungle down there but just as miserable hot. I weighed a respectable 150 pounds when I arrived and weighed in at 114 when I left.

Shaka Loc: Brisbane, Australia

The Namibian heat is a dry heat, much better than a humid heat, like Vietnam. With your background you'll handle it like a pro, that you are. Thank you for being a Vietnam Vet. You may have met an Australian or two while there? :thumbup: :thumbup:

Algol Loc: Georgia

I took my R&R in Australia, have always wanted to go back. I've never met a more friendlier folk than I did when I was there. Went scuba diving and hung out with a great family that treated me to some home cooked meals. It was needless to say, a lovely seven days.

Shaka Loc: Brisbane, Australia

Jerry, glad that you enjoyed our hospitality. No doubt, were you to come back, you'll notice many changes. Hope that you get the opportunity to travel down memory lane in Australia. Best of luck with everything. Brian