Just back from Mauna Kea Observatory

[bht-kevin]

I was in Hawaii last week and went to the Mauna Kea Observatory one night. It was incredible! I wish I would have done more research before going as I've never tried to capture the sky before (the moon yes, but thats a much different beast).

I had my ISO too high, didnt take dark frames / bias frames / etc... didnt take ENOUGH frames, etc... Oh well, I know now! :D

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3570039519_2077ccc147.jpg
Click to see it large (http://www.flickr.com/photos/huntingdesigns/3570039519/sizes/o/)

This was taken hand held through a telescope they had setup.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/3570029407_7612ddf1b3_o.jpg



I have another star field capture with a nice star cluster in it that I will post tonight. If you ever get to head to the Big Island of Hawaii, DONT MISS the Mauna Kea Observatory. It was magnificent.

[Adrena1in]

I know a lot of people on here post pictures of the moon, or lovely close-up nebulae and galaxies, but there are times when a decent star-field photo are just a joy to look at. (Shame I can't see the large image...says it's private!) Between hopping from galaxy to galaxy last night I was also taking pictures of areas of sky with a few bright stars, and I find the images just as pleasing sometimes.

[bht-kevin]

Oh crap! I uploaded from work and didnt realize that was the default setting on this laptop. You should now be able to see it.

I was amazed how much fun it is to take pictures of the stars, and I am getting interested in deep space stuff also. Gonna have to start looking into getting some equipment for sure.

This is from the peak of Mauna Kea, it was a helluva view as the sun dropped behind the clouds. I have MANY more pictures to look through so I'll post some of the good ones over the next few days.

My friend Luke snapping away at the sunset...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3571260650_cfb5fe6a35.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/huntingdesigns/3571260650/sizes/o/)

I like this one because of the people on the ridge...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3571289808_f2ce5cd1bf.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/huntingdesigns/3571289808/sizes/o/)

[ebann]

I love wide-field shots! It's fun looking up a star chart and checking all those stars and constellations on the image.

[Catanonia]

I love wide-field shots! It's fun looking up a star chart and checking all those stars and constellations on the image.

yeah to make sure they are still there in thier positions and no-one has moved them :) Well spose just me :)

[Elphaba]

I was up there in mid-March... most of the week I was there the road to the summit was closed due to snow/snow storms... finally got up there the Friday before I left. I love how clear the sky is, up there: to the point that you even have a hard time making out constellations because the clarity opens the eye up to so many celestial objects. Your wide-field rocks! :D

If you get the chance to go back, one place to shoot is near the Baseline Array (3 miles down from the summit)... the dish makes for an awesome object to have in a horizon shot.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1839287&l=93af7f62dc&id=508874347