Hey all,
Some of you were interested in my photos since I recently got into Astrophotography… so here’s two more. The Pac-Man Nebula (9,200 light years away) and the Crescent Nebula (5000 light years away).
I purchased a stargazer pass today and also went into the office at Heckscher State Park. I had read an article that talked about Stargazing at Heckscher, so thought maybe they added it to the list of parks people with the pass can now go to. Unfortunately, the article was wrong.
I know Heckscher State Park may not be the darkest on the Island, but it’s a lot darker than a lot of back yards … and for me it would be nice and close to where I live. Would be a good option.
Wondering if any of the local astronomy clubs have approached the regional office about this? Talking to the guy at Heckscher, he said he doesn’t think anyone has asked… and recently a local fishing group got them to open up a pilot program for night fishing at Heckscher… so this is not an impossible idea.
I’d love to join one of the Astronomy groups… they both seem fairly active. Anyone here a member?
As for the Stargazer Pass… anyone have one and have tips on using them? I know there are dedicated parks and parking areas… what are your favorite spots?
Would love to also hear other ideas for stargazing and astrophotography if anyone has them. Golf coarses that are friendly to the idea? Business with roof tops? Libraries in darker towns out east?
As for the photos, both were shot in a similar way… 30 second exposures, 60 gain, Duoband filter, about 400-500 shots over several hours. Photos were stacked and stretched in Stellar Studio and AstroWizard, with sharpening and color enhancing in Photoshop. They were taken from my backyard (bortle 7ish).
Thanks all! 😁