Olive Trees from the Universe
EN: The Milky Way, our own galaxy as seen from Earth and Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve, above an olive tree in a tonal nuance that characterizes different nights of the year, allowing to show that the same celestial object is never seen in the same way, without losing the particular beauty that characterizes it and makes us dreaming with the magic and charm of a scenario under the stars | Mourão and Barrancos, Sky of Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve
PT: A Via Láctea, a nossa própria galáxia vista a partir da Terra e da Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva, acima de uma oliveira, com as nuances tonais que caracterizam as diferentes noites do ano, permitindo que o mesmo objecto celeste nunca seja visto da mesma forma, sem nunca perder a particular beleza que o caracteriza e nos faz sonhar com a magia e encanto de um cenário à luz das estrelas | Mourão e Barrancos, Céu da Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva
Olive Trees and Milky Way above Noudar Park
EN: The Milky Way above the Noudar Park | Sky of Barrancos
PT: A Via Láctea acima do Parque de Noudar | Céu de Barrancos
Dragged Milky Way above the Historical Tower of Esporão
EN: Milky Way from the Esporão Tower, considered one of the most important towers built during the transition from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age | Sky of Reguengos de Monsaraz
PT: A Via Láctea a partir da Torre do Esporão, considerada como uma das mais importantes torres construídas na passagem da Idade Média para a Idade Moderna | Céu de Reguengos de Monsaraz
Endovelicus Startrail
EN: Endovelicus sanctuary of Rocha da Mina, in a winter sky by the moonlight, which highlights the constellation of Orion and the star Sirius, the brightest of the celestial sphere (left image) and a startrail pointing north (right image). Endovelicus was a solar healing supreme god, thus a god of Medicine.
PT: Santuário Endovélico Rocha da Mina num céu de inverno ao luar, de onde se destaca a constelação de Orion e a estrela Sirius, a mais brilhante da esfera celeste (imagens esquerda) e um rasto de estrelas a norte (imagem direita). Endovélico é uma divindade da Idade do Ferro venerada na Lusitânia pré-romana, deus da medicina, tinha um carácter simultaneamente solar | Céu do Alandroal
Esporão – A Land of Vineyards in a Starry Sky
EN: Being one of the country’s largest wine producers, and also a huge attraction for the Wine Tourism the Esporão homestead displays a plantation with over 450 hectares of vineyards. Endless fields of grape paralely dotted by an endless veil of stars, only supplanted by the overwhelming presence of the Milky Way | Sky of Reguengos de Monsaraz
PT: Sendo um dos maiores produtores de vinho do país, e uma grande atracção para o Enoturismo, a Herdade do Esporão exibe uma plantação com mais 450 hectares de vinha. Campos infindáveis de uva, paralelamente salpicados por um manto infindável de estrelas, unicamente suplantado pela a arrebatadora presença da Via Látea | Céu de Reguengos de Monsaraz
The Cult of Fertility
EN: Crescent moon against a twilight in Menhir Rocha dos Namorados, a natural granite outcrop mushroom-shaped, where single women throw back a stone which aims to fall on top of it, a cult related to fertility | Sky of São Pedro do Corral
PT: Lua crescente de um crepúsculo no Menir da Rocha dos Namorados, um afloramento natural de granito em forma de cogumelo, onde as mulheres solteiras lançam de costas uma pedra que tem por objectivo cair em cima do mesmo, num culto relacionado com a fecundidade | Céu de São Pedro do Corval
Orion in the Moonlight above Endovelicus Sanctuary of Rocha da Mina
EN: Endovelicus sanctuary of Rocha da Mina, in a winter sky by the moonlight, which highlights the constellation of Orion and the star Sirius, the brightest of the celestial sphere (left image) and a startrail pointing north (right image). Endovelicus was a solar healing supreme god, thus a god of Medicine.
PT: Santuário Endovélico Rocha da Mina num céu de inverno ao luar, de onde se destaca a constelação de Orion e a estrela Sirius, a mais brilhante da esfera celeste (imagens esquerda) e um rasto de estrelas a norte (imagem direita). Endovélico é uma divindade da Idade do Ferro venerada na Lusitânia pré-romana, deus da medicina, tinha um carácter simultaneamente solar | Céu do Alandroal
Feeling the power of being in contact with the wild side of nature
EN: Feeling the power of being in contact with the wild side of nature, in the middle of cows, bulls, hay, cork oaks and olive trees, under a shy starry sky on a clear moonlit night | Sky of Telheiro.
PT: Sentindo o poder de estar em contato com o lado mais puro e selvagem da natureza, no meio de vacas, touros, feno, sobreiros e oliveiras, sob um tímido céu estrelado numa clara noite de luar | Céu do Telheiro.
Nautical Twilight in the Nautical Center of Monsaraz
EN: With the entrance in nautical twilight, the first stars and planets starts to appear in the sky | Nautical Center, Sky of Monsaraz
PT: Com a entrada no crepúsculo náutico, aparecem as primeiras estrelas e planetas no céu | Centro Náutico, Céu de Monsaraz
Dark Sky Lodging – Relaxing in the nightime
EN: Starry sky in a clear night of Moonlight, illuminating one of the suites room of Rural Hotel Herdade Naveterra | Sky of Alandroal.
PT: Céu estrelado numa noite clara de luar, iluminando exteriormente uma das suites do Hotel Rural Herdade Naveterra | Céu do Alandroal.
Outside of Earth
EN: An “All Sky” view of Moonlit scene forming the appearance of a little planet Earth.
PT: Uma visão “All Sky” de um cenário enluarado formando a aparência de um pequeno planeta Terra.
A Meteor tearing the sky of Alandroal
EN: One of the many meteors that sometimes show up tearing the skies of Alqueva, mostly visible in evenings of “meteor showers” | Sky Alandroal
PT: Um dos muitos meteoros – popularmente designados de “estrelas cadentes”- que regularmente rasgam os céus do Alqueva, principalmente em noites de “chuva de estrelas” | Céu do Alandroal
A moonlit scene where stone, sand, and water merge into a perfect combination
EN: The beauty of inhospitable landscape, a scene in the moonlight where stone, sand, and water merge into a perfect combination to celebrate the union between the starry Sky and the damp Earth of Alqueva Lake | Sky of Mourão
PT: Paisagem inospitamente bela, num cenário à luz do luar onde pedra, ar e água, se fundem numa combinação perfeita para celebrar a união entre o Céu estrelado e a Terra húmida do lago Alqueva | Céu de Mourão
“Boat of Fire” – The Battle Against Light Pollution
EN: The effects of light pollution can be dramatically noticeable, when there are clouds around. Using lighting and proper intensity is one of the most effective ways, to fight it. Before starting the programme of Dark Sky Alqueva reserve, and his fighting against light pollution, the castle of Monsaraz could be seen from far away looking like if it was a boat of fire, suspended in the clouds above
PT: Os efeitos da poluição luminosa podem ser drasticamente perceptíveis quando existem nuvens por perto. Usar iluminação e intensidade apropriada é uma das forma mais eficazes de a combater. Antes de se iniciar o programa da reserva Dark Sky Alqueva, e a sua luta contra a poluição luminosa, o castelo de Monsaraz, podia ser visto a dezenas de quilómetros de distância sendo apelidado de “barco de fogo”, pela sua forma característica e quantidade excessiva de luz projectada para as nuvens | Captado a partir de Mourão
A nostalgic view of the full moon
EN: A nostalgic view of the full moon shrouded in the thick fog that is felt in certain cold mornings of Alentejo winter | Sky of Monsaraz
PT: Uma visão nostálgica da lua cheia envolta no nevoeiro cerrado que se faz sentir em certas madrugadas frias do inverno alentejano | Céu de Monsaraz
Wine Tourism – 450 hectares of vineyards under the Milky Way
EN: Being one of the country’s largest wine producers, and also a huge attraction for the Wine Tourism the Esporão homestead displays a plantation with over 450 hectares of vineyards. Endless fields of grape parallely dotted by an endless veil of stars, only supplanted by the overwhelming presence of the Milky Way | Sky of Reguengos de Monsaraz
PT: Sendo um dos maiores produtores de vinho do país, e uma grande atracção para o Enoturismo, a Herdade do Esporão exibe uma plantação com mais 450 hectares de vinha. Campos infindáveis de uva, paralelamente salpicados por um manto infindável de estrelas, unicamente suplantado pela a arrebatadora presença da Via Látea | Céu de Reguengos de Monsaraz
Olive Trees under the Milky Way
EN: An “All Sky” view revealing the arm and center of Milky Way above the olive trees, that so well characterizes the Alentejo region as well as the quality of its olive oil | Sky Barrancos
PT: Um “All Sky” revelando o braço e centro da Via Láctea acima das oliveiras que tão bem caracterizam a região do Alentejo e a qualidade do seu Azeite daí proveniente | Céu de Barrancos
The Colors of Alentejo Even in the Night
EN: Vertical vision of the Milky Way, our own galaxy as seen from Earth and Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve in a tonal nuance that characterizes different nights of the year, allowing to show that the same celestial object is never seen in the same way, without losing the particular beauty that characterizes it and makes us dreaming with the magic and charm of a scenario under the stars | Mourão and Barrancos, Sky of Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve
PT: Visão vertical da Via Láctea, a nossa própria galáxia vista a partir da Terra e da Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva nas nuances tonais que caracterizam as diferentes noites do ano, permitindo que o mesmo objecto celeste nunca seja visto da mesma forma, sem nunca perder a particular beleza que o caracteriza e nos faz sonhar com a magia e encanto de um cenário à luz das estrelas | Mourão e Barrancos, Céu da Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva
ISS above the lake of Dark Sky Alqueva
EN: The Earth is surrounded by satellites, which appear” as apparent stars fixed in brightness” transiting the sky of dawn and dusk. But one of these stars is really special, for having humans on board at all times, is this the International Space Station (ISS), the more evident by its intensity, moving at a speed of 28.000 km/h, gives a complete turn around earth every 90 minutes | Nautical Center, Sky of Monsaraz.
PT: A Terra está cercada de satélites, que se revelam como “estrelas aparentes de brilho fixo” e que ao entardecer ou amanhecer aparecem transitando o céu. Mas uma dessas estrelas é realmente especial, por levar seres humanos a bordo em permanência, é a Estação Espacial Internacional (ISS), a mais evidente pela sua intensidade, deslocando-se a uma velocidade de 28,000 km/h, dá uma volta completa à terra a cada 90 minutos | Centro Náutico, Céu de Monsraz.
Milky Way dragged above the historical chapel of Esporão
EN:A milky dragged in the sky that rises above the chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, in the historic part of Esporão homestead | Sky of Reguengos de Monsaraz
PT: Uma via láctea arrastada no céu que se ergue acima da Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, na zona histórica da Herdade do Esporão | Céu de Reguengos de Monsaraz
In Touch with the wild side of nature when the night falls
EN: In contact with animals and nature in there night environment | Sky of Monsaraz
PT: Em contacto com os animais e a natureza num ambiente nocturno | Céu de Monsaraz
Planets in the Quite Alqueva Lake
EN:With the entrance in nautical twilight, the first stars and planets starts to appear in the sky | Nautical Center, Sky of Monsaraz
PT: Com a entrada no crepúsculo náutico, aparecem as primeiras estrelas e planetas no céu | Centro Náutico, Céu de Monsaraz
The Dark Sky “Planet”
EN: An “All Sky” view revealing the arm and center of Milky Way above the olive trees, that so well characterizes the Alentejo region as well as the quality of its olive oil | Sky Barrancos
PT: Um “All Sky” revelando o braço e centro da Via Láctea acima das oliveiras que tão bem caracterizam a região do Alentejo e a qualidade do seu Azeite daí proveniente | Céu de Barrancos
Milky Way Arm in the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve
The beauty of the entire arched arm of Milky Way as seen from the northern hemisphere, a panoramic view that rises above the lands included on the route of Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve. Nature Park of Noudar | Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – Portugal
Galactic center above megalithic monument of Xerez
Central region of the Milky Way in the background of Cromeleque do Xerez, a megalithic monument consists of 50 granite menhirs erected between the 3rd and 4th millennium BC. 21/04/2015. Monsaraz | Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – Portugal!
Earthshine sequence in Alentejo
Sequence of the Earthshine phenomenon until the moonset in the Alentejo horizon of a hot evening in Herdade do Esporão | Sky of Reguengos de Monsaraz. 18/06/2015 | Reguengos de Monsaraz | Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – Portugal.
Milky Way Arch above Xerez Cromlech
Panoramic view of our own galaxy, the Milky Way arm as a background of Cromeleque do Xerez. 18/06/2015. Monsaraz | Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – Portugal
The evolution of man from prehistoric times
View from inside the Dolmen of Olival da Pega, a human silhouette represents the evolution of man from prehistoric times, the heavens contemplation and the importance of astronomy, as the oldest science in the world. 21/04/2015. Telheiro | Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – Portugal
ISS above the vineyards
The Earth is surrounded by satellites, which appear” as apparent stars fixed in brightness” transiting the sky of dawn and dusk. But one of these stars is really special, for having humans on board at all times, is this the International Space Station (ISS), the more evident by its intensity, moving at a speed of 28.000 km/h, gives a complete turn around earth every 90 minutes. 18/06/2015. Reguengos de Monsaraz | Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – Portugal
A natural sundial
The megalith menhir of Bulhoa projecting its shadow in the lands of Telheiro, against a sunlight, which seems to function as a natural sundial. 18/06/2015. Telheiro | Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – Portugal
Learning the beauty of shooting the nightscape
Astrophotography workshop by Fotonature during a moonlit night in Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve. 23/05/2015 – Nature Park of Noudar | Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – Portugal
Revealing the nature of Alentejo
The full moon is the natural flash of a landscape photographer, the night turns to day, revealing details, colors and nuances that allow you to enjoy peace in the silence of the night, in harmonious contact between nature and animal life. 29/06/2015 – Monsaraz | Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – Portugal
Inhospitable landscape
The beauty of inhospitable landscape, a scene in the moonlight where stone, sand, and water merge into a perfect combination to celebrate the union between the starry Sky and the damp Earth of Alqueva Lake. 13/09/2014 – Mourão | Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – Portugal
Cork trees – shadow oasis in Alentejo
Cork trees are leafy trees that can be found in Alentejo, functioning almost as “shadow oasis” in a hot region where few degrees less will make the difference. Its size is large enough to allow access to a good region of the sky when we look from their trunk, visible in this image are the colored stars from the winter constellation of Orion (right), while above the horizon we can enjoy the birth of planet Jupiter. 16/12/2014 – Alandroal | Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – Portugal
Colorful Sagittarius Boket and the Louro Wines
Behind this vinous scene in the foreground, you can clearly distinguish the colored bokeh resulting from the blur stars of Sagittarius constellation, revealing the real color temperature of its stars. More bluish they are, more hottest their temperature. The orange-red stars are coldest | Sky Monsaraz
Wine & The Milky Way
The excellence quality of the wines from this territory, producer of some of the best wines in the world, was a vital contribution that allowed Reguengos de Monsaraz, the international recognition that raised the “European Wine City of 2015”. In the background starry sky of Milky Way, there will be better company than an exquisite glass of wine? | Sky of Monsaraz
Lunar Earthshine and the ancient olive tree
Lunar Earthshine in nautical twilight behind an ancient olive tree, with an age estimated between 2000 to 3000 years. 20/04/2015 Monsaraz | Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – Portugal
Monochrome vision from Olival da Pega dolmen
Anta of Olival da Pega, a megalithic monument dating from 3500-3000 BC, a monochrome vision similar to the perception that the human eye has, when it is under the stars | Sky of Monsaraz.! 21/04/2015- Telheiro | Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – Portugal!
1% of Crescent Moon above the Medieval Village of Monsaraz
The Crescent Moon with 1% of light, lying behind the castle and medieval village of Monsaraz. 19/04/2015 Monsaraz | Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – Portugal
Supermoon 2015 from Medieval Village of Monsaraz
Image of the first biggest and brightest full Moon of the year 2015, captured on August 29. Astronomers call it a perigee moon, but the popular term is “supermoon.” The image was captured in Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, Portugal, at a distant of about 4km from the medieval village and castle of Monsaraz on 29/08/2015. Two combined exposures taken at approximately the same time with a Canon 6D – ISO2000; Exp. 1/125 secs. f/7 at 560mm ( Astro Professional APO ED80).
The Precession of Earth – New Photo Technique showing a Vega Polar Startrail.
Featured as NASA´s Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD).
Since the very first moment I read and learned about the Precession of Earth that I was fascinated with the possibility of having a different star than Polaris, pointing to north, although in that time, few years ago, I didn’t had the right technology and even the chance to could show in a real image how it would be…how would be the sky of my land if I had another star in the place of the well known, Polaris ?
After a long time of burning my mind with some new ideias, I figured out how I could do it, developing what I think is, a totally new astrophotographic technique never applied before, and where I can show in real time the sky rotating around another star, simulating the shifting of Earth Axis even being inside our Earth.
In astronomy, axial precession is a gravity-induced, slow, and continuous change in the orientation of an astronomical body’s rotational axis. In particular, it refers to the gradual shift in the orientation of Earth’s axis of rotation, which, similar to a wobbling top, traces out a pair of cones joined at their apices in a cycle of approximately 26,000 years.
A consequence of the precession is a changing pole star. Currently, Polaris is extremely well suited to mark the position, as Polaris is a moderately bright star located about 0,7º degrees from the pole. But with the crescent light pollution is Increasingly difficult to distinguish the few bright stars in the middle of cities, so near the year 14 000, the brilliant Vega in the constellation Lyra, is touted as the best north star. Although, it never comes closer than 5° to the celestial pole.
When Polaris becomes the north star again around 27,800, due to its proper motion it then will be farther away from the pole than it is now, while in 23,600 BC it came closer to the pole.
What I did to create the both startrails and time lapse images, was to use 2 mountings Vixen Polarie, one to pointing to the actual Polaris Axis and making all the stars staying fixed, but using another Polarie attached to the first one, I could simulate again the Earth Axis Rotation using the sideral motion inverted (I mean, like if I was in the south pole, near the batteries you can switch the button to (N) north or (S) south motion).
But I had special carefully with some things. I have waited until Vega star reach the same altitude I had in my observing latitude, in my case 38º, to have the same distance to the horizon that I have when looking to Polaris.
Very Important: The second condition to give the right movement, was to align carefully the star Vega near the center of the image (my new Earth Axis – now a Vixen Polarie Axis), to create the axis rotation simulating the 5º separation of the celestial north in +14000 (year). I also used the Live View magnifier with the grid option to have a more precise result.
*Important Note: Precession changes the direction of the Earth axis from Polaris to Vega on the celestial sphere, but the positions where the axis crosses the surface of Earth will not change by precession. So the north on the Earth from the observation point will not change, and the latitude of the observation point will not change too. Although, I choose the option that includes “apparently” almost the same landscape field view and where fits both Polaris (at left) and Vega (center), because if I had putting the Polaris in the same central framing position, as I did with Vega ( remembering that is the only possible way – as a condition – to simulating the Earth Axis rotation using the Vixen Polarie sideral motion, and show nowadays, the motion of the stars around Vega in a real Time Lapse movie sequence), I would loose the same landscape field of view with the Castle Tower, and this was also important to give people the notion that the image was really made in the same place. Vega is about 51º away from Polaris, so it means a big change in the field of view towards another position in the sky and consequently, in the landscape, in this case towards left, to Azimuth 0º – North, where stand the Polaris star.
As this technique induces movement, the landscape will move a bit from the first frame to the last one, but in the final startrail “still image”, I made a mask merging the landscape with the first frame again to have a more pleasant result.
All the images were taken from inside the Mourão Castle, in the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, the First Starlight Tourism Destination in the world, in Alentejo, Portugal.
Technical info:
Polaris Startrail starts in 19/04/2015 at 23h48 and Vega startrail starts in 20/04/2015 at 1:07
Canon EOS 6D – Canon EF 8-15 f/ 4L Fishseye USM at 8mm (All Sky). Exp. 30 sec. ISO 2500
Sharing the Passion of Shooting the Beauty of the Night Sky
Sharing the Passion of Shooting the Night Sky- Image captured in the land of Museu da Luz, Mourão – Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve. Canon EOS 60da- ISO1600, Exp. 30 sec 11mm at f/2.8. Taken in 13/09/2014 23.40
Dark Sky Alqueva Time Lapse – The First Starlight Tourism Destination in the World
This time lapse sequence shows the beauty of the night sky as a world heritage of the human kind, making the perfect connection with Earth elements from the vantage point of Alqueva region, in Alentejo Portugal. A place that was created to preserve the darkness of the sky that only our ancestors had access few hundred years ago. The “Dark Sky® Alqueva” (darkskyalqueva.com) reserve, was created also thinking in the two thirds of the worlds population that never had the opportunity to observe with their naked eyes, the stunning views of our own Galaxy…the impressive presence of the Milky Way against a starry sky of about 4500 stars, suspended in each half of our celestial sphere!
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource.
The region of the Great Lake Alqueva in Alentejo, Portugal is a wonderful place to see the stars, constellations and distant galaxies such as the Milky Way. The unique characteristics of the night sky with a very low rate of light pollution, in the municipalities of Alandroal, Reguengos, Monsaraz, Mourão, Barrancos, Portel and Moura ensure the ideal conditions for an excellent observation of the dark sky. In Alqueva the sky has good atmospheric conditions for stargazing most of the year. Such skies are disappearing in Europe, where most of the population has no longer the privilege to observe an unpolluted sky.
Its low level latitude (38degN), minimal light pollution and impressively clear skies provide the astronomy beginner and the expert with unparalleled opportunities to explore the magic and mystery of the night sky.
For the beginner the clarity of the night sky (average of 286 clear nights a year) makes it easier to recognize all the constellations, identify the stars and even spot some deep sky objects with the naked eye. Telescopes and binoculars are also available at key locations to enhance the visual experience and expert guides are on hand to provide information and advice.
For the more experienced observer and expert deep sky objects (galaxies, nebulas and star clusters) are visible down to 52 deg south declination. The low light pollution and clarity of the sky provides a unique opportunity to observe the dimmest deep sky objects and to see the moon and planets in sharp focus. Astrophotography too can be pursued successfully and dramatically here.
Credit: Time Lapse Images and Editing by @ Miguel Claro – The official astrophotographer of the great Dark Sky Alqueva reserve. Music: Ultimate Chillstep #9 ‘Into The Wild’
Sponsors:
Dark Sky Alqueva | darkskyalqueva.com | facebook.com/Alqueva | Vixen Europe – vixen-astronomie.de | LR Time Lapse – lrtimelapse.com
A Starsphere in Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve
In this “starsphere” we can see the movement of celestial sphere around the northen star Polaris, as it seen from our Earth during a long exposure shot (the perception of this star trails is not visible in real time with our own eyes). The image also shows a dragged part of the winter Milky Way captured from the Rural Hotel Naveterra, in the Alqueva Dark Sky reserve.
Colorful paths around Polaris in Juromenha
EN: A long and colorful startrail pointing to north, above the Rural Hotel Herdade Naveterra | Sky of Alandroal.
PT: Longo e colorido rasto de estrelas apontando a norte, acima do Hotel Rural Herdade Naveterra | Céu do Alandroal
Moonrise in Monsaraz Castle
EN: Full Moonrise behind the medieval village and castle of Monsaraz | Sky of Monsaraz
PT: Nascer da lua cheia por detrás da vila e castelo medieval de Monsaraz | Céu de Monsaraz
Polar Startrail in the Arms of a Noudar Tree
EN: Tracking deeply the stars simultaneously revealing the different brightness intensity and color of each star that lies around the North Star Polaris, which is 0.7 degrees fom the true north. If our ancestors who braved storms in uncharted waters to prove that the earth was really round, had the opportunity to make a simple photograph like that, then would have the living proof that the Earth was round without having run that risk, thus prove the curvature of stellar trails | Sky of Barrancos
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve: Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
PT: Rasto de estrelas profundo, revelando simultaneamente as diferentes intensidades de brilho e cor de cada uma das estrelas que se encontra a circundar a Estrela Polar, que se encontra a 0,7 graus do Norte real. Se os nossos antepassados que enfrentaram intempéries nos mares nunca dantes navegados para provar que a terra era redonda, tivessem a oportunidade de fazer uma simples fotografia destas nessa altura, teriam a prova viva que a Terra era redonda sem precisar de ter corrido esse risco, assim comprova a curvatura dos traços estelares | Céu de Barrancos
Lying on the Milky Way Arms
A tree lying on the Milky Way arm. Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
PT: Uma árvore que se percepita sobre os braços da Via Láctea | Parque de Noudar, Céu de Barrancos
Dragged Milky Way in the Church of Noudar
A dragged Milky Way behind the Church of Noudar Castle, called: Igreja Nossa Senhora do Desterro.
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve: Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
* This “comet effect” in the stars is not natural and not visible in the sky and it is only showed here for an artistic purpose.
PT: O arrasto da Via Láctea na igreja de Noudar, numa última aparição em forma de despedida antes de dar início o inverno | Céu de Barrancos
The Milky Way behind an Olive Tree in Noudar Park
EN: Our own galaxy as seen from the land of Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve, behind an Olive Tree from Noudar Park, in a tonal nuance that characterizes different nights of the year, allowing to show that the same celestial object is never seen in the same way, without losing the particular beauty that characterizes it and makes us dreaming with the magic and charm of a scenario under the stars | Mourão and Barrancos, Sky of Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve: Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
PT: Visão da Via Láctea, a nossa própria galáxia vista a partir da Terra e da Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva nas nuances tonais que caracterizam as diferentes noites do ano, permitindo que o mesmo objecto celeste nunca seja visto da mesma forma, sem nunca perder a particular beleza que o caracteriza e nos faz sonhar com a magia e encanto de um cenário à luz das estrelas | Mourão e Barrancos, Céu da Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva
A Short Journey from the Heavens of Dark Sky Alqueva up to the Comet Lovejoy
In the movie sequence below, resulting in the final still picture above, we can dip into a short journey that starts in the land of Juromenha, in Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, Alentejo, with a stargazer trying to find with their own eyes and binoculars the glowing green head of Comet Lovejoy. After a few seconds we will zoom in, entering in a real time lapse sequence capturing the slowly movement of the comet and their ion blue tail, made by ionized gas – gas energized by ultraviolet light from the Sun and pushed outward by the solar wind – while it is crossing some stars of Taurus constellation. Finally, we will zoom out in a final still photograph that shows the strong and huge green head of diatomic carbon (C2) – gas fluorescing in sunlight that produces the coma’s green color – as well as a wide view of the entire fainter bluish tail, with more then 5 million kilometers at the comet’s estimated distance of 75 million kilometers from Earth.
Captured in the land of Hotel Naveterra, the sky of Juromenha, Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, Portugal in 11/01/2015 at 20h52m – Canon EOS 6D; ISO 2000, Exp: 56s. at f/2.8 with a Canon telephoto lens serie L at 200mm + Travel mount Vixen Polarie. Sum of 7 pictures combined in Maxim DL 5 with a total time integration of 6,5 minutes. To find the first still landscape picture, click here: Stargazing the Comet Lovejoy!
PT: Passagem em 2015 do Cometa Lovejoy (C/2014 Q2) na constelação do Touro, a uma distância estimada de 75 milhões de quilómetros da Terra, exibiu uma cauda de mais de 5 milhões de quilómetros | Céu do Alandroal, Hotel Rural Nave Terra.
Note: We advise to watch it in HD Mode, to do so, simply click here on Vimeo with the “HD” button turned blue.
Stargazing the Comet Lovejoy
Captured in the land of Juromenha, Hotel Naveterra, in Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, we can see in the picture a stargazer trying to find with their own eyes and binoculars the glowing green head of Comet Lovejoy, located near the center of the image, in the constellation of Taurus. Canon EOS 6D; ISO 2500, Exp: 15s. with 35mm at f/2 taken in 11/01/2015 at 23h29m | for more pictures and time lapse about Comet Lovejoy, click here: A Short Journey from the Heavens of Dark Sky Alqueva up to the Comet Lovejoy!
PT: Observando com binóculos o cometa Lovejoy | Céu do Alandroal.
Reaching the Sky above the Land
EN: The small size of our human presence against the greatness of the Cosmos, in a game of scales in which the loftiness of the Milky Way rises steeply above the Noudar Castle | Sky of Barrancos.
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
PT: A pequena dimensão das nossa presença humana diante a grandeza do Cosmos, num jogo de escalas em que a imponência da Via Láctea se ergue vertiginosamente acima do Castelo de Noudar | Céu de Barrancos
The Arm of Milky Way behind an Olive Tree in Noudar Park
EN: Vertical vision of the Milky Way, our own galaxy as seen from Earth and Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve in a tonal nuance that characterizes different nights of the year, allowing to show that the same celestial object is never seen in the same way, without losing the particular beauty that characterizes it and makes us dreaming with the magic and charm of a scenario under the stars | Mourão and Barrancos, Sky of Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve: Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com | Canon 60Da – ISO2500 Exp. 30 Secs. 11mm at f/2.8 – Taken in 19/10/2014 at 22h23m.
PT: Visão vertical da Via Láctea, a nossa própria galáxia vista a partir da Terra e da Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva nas nuances tonais que caracterizam as diferentes noites do ano, permitindo que o mesmo objecto celeste nunca seja visto da mesma forma, sem nunca perder a particular beleza que o caracteriza e nos faz sonhar com a magia e encanto de um cenário à luz das estrelas | Mourão e Barrancos, Céu da Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva
Around the Tower of Noudar Castle
A northen startrail around the Tower of Noudar Castle. The Polaris is hiden behind the walls of the Castle.
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Milky Way from the Noudar Castle
Milky Way as viewed from the Noudar Castle. | Canon 60Da – ISO2500 Exp. 30 Secs. 11mm at f/2.8 taken in 20/10/2014 at 20h50m
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Starry Sky in the Backyard of Casa do Monte in Noudar
Startrail from Orion sky region in the Backyard of Casa do Monte in Noudar
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Milky Way above a Watermills in Múrtega Creek
Milky Way above a Watermills in Múrtega Creek | Canon 60Da – ISO2000 Exp. 30 Secs. 11mm at f/2.8 taken in 18/10/2014 at 20h57
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Silhouette of Noudar Church in a Starry Trail Background
Silhouette of Noudar Church in a Starry Trail Background
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Waning Crescent Moon above Noudar Castle Church
Waning Crescent Moon above Noudar Castle Church
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Startrails Reflected in the Calm Water of Múrtega Creek
Startrails reflected in the calm water of Múrtega Creek
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Orion Stars above Noudar Castle
Orion Stars above Noudar Castle
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Startrail Tree in Noudar Park
Startrail with a Milky Way dragged behind an Olive Tree in Noudar Park
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Castle Tower of Noudar and a Deep View of Milky Way
Castle Tower of Noudar and a Deep View of Milky Way | Canon 50D – ISO2500 Exp. 20 Secs. 35mm at f/2 taken in 20/10/2015 at 22h07
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Orion Startrail above the Noudar Castle
Orion Startrail above the Noudar Castle
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Startrail in the Church of Noudar
A startrail with comet effect* in the sky region of Milky Way behind the Church of Noudar Castle, called: Igreja Nossa Senhora do Desterro.
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
* This “comet effect” in the stars is not natural and not visible in the sky and it is only showed here for an artistic purpose.
Noudar Choça and Milky Way in Black & White
Noudar Choça and Milky Way in Black & White
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
“Choças” and “malhadas” are old agricultural structures used by shepherds of the Herdade da Coitadinha estate. The “choças”, small shacks built with stone or mud walls and thatched roofs, were designed to shelter shepherds and their families – many large families spent nights or even actually lived in these small spaces. “Malhadas”, usually located nearby, were stone fences used for keeping cattle.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Sky View of Múrtega Creek in Noudar Park
Sky View of Múrtega Creek in Noudar Park
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Lodging Gate to the Noudar Starry Sky
A startrail in the Orion sky region, above the Lodging gate of the Noudar starry sky Park.
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Venus at Dawn above Noudar Castle
Venus at Dawn above Noudar Castle
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
California and Pleiades at Noudar Park House
California and Pleiades at Noudar Park House
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Church of Noudar and Milky Way Stars
Milky Way behind the Church of Noudar Castle, called: Igreja Nossa Senhora do Desterro.
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Panoramic view of Múrtega Creek and Milky Way in Noudar Park
Panoramic view of Múrtega Creek and Milky Way in Noudar Park | Canon 60Da – ISO2000 Exp. 30 Secs. 11mm at f/2.8 taken in 18/10/2014 at 21h27
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Ardila River and the Sky of Noudar
Ardila River and the Sky of Noudar | Canon 60Da – ISO2500 Exp. 30 Secs. 11mm at f/2.8 taken in 19/10/2014 at 21h26
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
Milky Way Arc above Noudar Park
Milky Way Arc above Noudar Park, a view from Eira area. | Canon 50D – ISO1600 Exp. 20 Secs. 35mm at f/2 Mosaic picture taken in 18/10/2014 at 00h18.
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
The Lagoon and Trifid Nebulae from Alentejo Sky
At the left side of the image we can see the The Lagoon Nebula (catalogued as Messier 8 or M8, and as NGC 6523) is a giant interstellar cloud in the constellation of Sagittarius. It is classified as an emission nebula and as an H II region. The Lagoon Nebula is estimated to be between 4,000-6,000 light years from the Earth. At the right corner of the image we can find the M20 or NGC 6514, well known as The Trifid Nebula, also located in Sagittarius, lieing at a distance of approximately 5000 light years from earth. This object is an unusual combination of an open cluster of stars; an emission nebula (the lower, red/violet portion), a reflection nebula (the upper, blue portion) and a dark nebula (the apparent ‘gaps’ within the emission nebula that cause the trifid appearance; these are also designated Barnard 85). This deep sky picture was captured in Alentejo, Portugal, where stands the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, the first “Starlight Tourism Destination” in the world.
Captured in 05/08/2014 at 1:20 AM – Canon 60Da; ISO 1600, Exp. 10x 151 seconds at f/7 with a focal 570mm + mount Vixen GP2 + Astro Professional ED 80. Sum of 10 pictures combined in Maxim DL 5. Total time integration: 25 minutes
ISS transiting the Summer Triangle
ISS crossing the arm of Milky Way reaching a magnitude of -3.2 above the land of Vila Boim, in Alentejo. In the top of the image, the path of International Space Station is transiting between the stars that forming the well known Summer Triangle, in that moment as seen from Earth, the ISS was reaching the Zenith, the point above our heads, the moment when it is also more close to us..
Canon 60Da – ISO 200, Exp.208 Secs at f/4 with a 11mm lens and a Vixen Polarie travel mount. Taken in 02-08-2014 at 22h30, during an exposure of consecutive 3.4 minutes.
Comet Jacques from Dark Sky Reserve
Image of the comet Jacques, visible in the image as a green diffuse dot, at left. Canon 60Da – ISO 2000, Exp.30 Secs at f/2.8 with a 200mm lens and a Vixen Polarie travel mount.
Tracking the Night Sky
Tracking the trails of the night sky with the Telescope. Image taken in Alentejo. Canon 50D – ISO1600; f/2.8 at 11mm; Exp. 30 sec. Taken in 05/08/2014 at 4h49m AM.
Alqueva Dark Sky Party 2014
Sky panorama of the last Alqueva´s Dark Sky Party, a star feast near “Xarez Cromlech”, a megalithic monument in Monsaraz, one of the main places from Dark Sky Reserve, in Portugal. Canon 60Da – ISO2000; 11mm at f/2.8; Exp. 30 secs. in 24/08/2014 at 0:58 AM. Croped Mosaic of 18 images.
A colorful life, full of stars!
In this picture captured in Alentejo, we can see the main stars of Big Dipper, Ursa Minor and Cassiopeia, scratching the colorful skies of a celestial blue in a twilight of moonlight. In the land, a house full of life, space and water, is the ideal spot for a skygazer who loves to appreciate the beauty of Alentejo skies.
Canon 50D – f/4 ISO 800 Exp. 20 Secs 11mm. Taken in 07-08-2014 between 22:17 and 1:04 Sum of 466 images with a total time of 2.6h.
A Perseids shooting star
A shooting star coming from the Perseids meteor shower with the peak occurring on Monday 11th August, captured in Alentejo, Portugal! Canon 50D – ISO1600 Tokina 11mm at f/2.8 Exp. 25 secs. taken in 06/08/2014 at 2:37 AM
A Summer Moonbath
Preparing for a “Moonbath” in the warm summer nights of Alentejo, Portugal. Canon 50D – ISO2000; 11mm at f/10; Exp. 30 secs. Taken in 06-08-2014 at 23:45
Andromeda Galaxy M31 with a Vixen Polarie
The Andromeda Galaxy is a spiral galaxy approximately 2.5 million light-years from Earth in the Andromeda constellation, captured in this wide view with a Canon 200mm lens f/2.8 and a travel and portable Vixen Polarie mount.
Also known as Messier 31, M31, or NGC 224, it is often referred to as the Great Andromeda Nebula in older texts. The Andromeda Galaxy is the nearest spiral galaxy to our Milky Way galaxy, but not the nearest galaxy overall. It gets its name from the area of the sky in which it appears, the constellation of Andromeda, which was named after the mythological princess Andromeda. The Andromeda Galaxy is the largest galaxy of the Local Group, which also contains the Milky Way, theTriangulum Galaxy, and about 30 other smaller galaxies. The 2006 observations by the Spitzer Space Telescope revealed that M31 contains one trillion (1012) stars:[8] at least twice the number of stars in the Milky Way galaxy, which is estimated to be 200–400 billion. At 3.4, the apparent magnitude of Andromeda Galaxy is one of the brightest of any Messier objects,[15] making it visible to the naked eye on moonless nights even when viewed from areas with moderate light pollution. Although it appears more than six times as wide as the full Moon when photographed through a largertelescope, only the brighter central region is visible to the naked eye or when viewed using binoculars or a small telescope. (Text source – Wikipedia)
Captured in the sky of Monsaraz, Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, Portugal in 27/07/2014 at 4:10AM – Canon 60Da; ISO 2000, Exp: 45s. at f/2.8 with a Canon telephoto lens serie L at 200mm + Travel mount Vixen Polarie. Sum of 51 pictures combined in Maxim DL 5 with a total time integration of 38 minutes.
Alqueva All Sky
This “all sky view” was captured in Monsaraz, in the back of Orada Convent, one of the regions covered by the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve. Besides the yellow light visible near the 360º horizon, coming from the villages around, we also can see the pale green tone from a smooth airglow presence. Near the center of the image, where the sky reaches the Zenith 90º, it´s clearly visible the North America Nebula, in Cygnus constellation. Below, between the palm trees, we find the central region of our Galaxy. The Milky Way is actually crossing the entire sky from horizon to horizon, with an arm of gas, dust and stars, with more then 180 degrees.
Canon 60Da – ISO2000; 11mm at f/2.8; Exp. 30 secs. in 27/07/2014 at 1:45 AM. All sky mosaic of 23 images.
North America and Pelican Nebulae with Vixen Polarie
In this deep sky wide field image, taken with a very portable “travel mount” called Polarie from Vixen, with a Canon 60Da camera and a Canon telephoto lens L at 200mm f/2.8. we can see the well known North America Nebula (NGC7000) and the nearby Pelican Nebula, (IC 5070), both emission nebulae located in constellation Cygnus, are part of the same interstellar cloud of ionized hydrogen (H II region). Covering an area of more than four times the size of the full moon, NGC7000 cannot be seen with the unaided eye, because it is normally faint, but its prominent shape and especially, its reddish color (from the hydrogen Hα emission lines) can easily show up in the photo camera sensor, that is much more sensitive than our human eyes. Cygnus’s Wall is a term for the “Mexico and Central America part” of the North America Nebula. The Cygnus Wall exhibits the most concentrated star formations in the nebula. In the right side and above the center of the image, we can see the Pelican Nebula, also known as IC 5070 and IC 506, located at about 1,500 light-years away. This region, rich of emission nebulae and dark nebulae, is an active area of star formation powered by the light from young stars, very energetic indeed. In the left side of this picture, we can see the dark nebulae region called Barnard 253, above the left side of the reddish North America Nebula, discovered in 1786 by William Herschel
Note: The shape of the North America Nebula it´s not immediately recognized in this image, because the author as prefered to use a landscape framing. Captured in the sky of Monsaraz, Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, Portugal in 31/05/2014 at 3:45 AM – Canon 60Da; ISO 2000, Exp: 30s. at f/2.8 with a Canon telephoto lens serie L at 200mm + Travel mount Vixen Polarie. Sum of 31 pictures combined in Maxim DL 5 with a total time integration of 15.5 minutes.
A Sky Full of Stars in a Land Full of Olive Trees
A short black and white startrail showing the earth rotation, above the land full of olive trees, captured in front of the Dark Sky Alqueva advertising outdoor, in Monsaraz. Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource.
The region of the Great Lake Alqueva in Alentejo, Portugal is a wonderful place to see the stars, constellations and distant galaxies such as the Milky Way. The unique characteristics of the night sky with a very low rate of light pollution, in the municipalities of Alandroal, Reguengos, Monsaraz, Mourão, Barrancos, Portel and Moura ensure the ideal conditions for an excellent observation of the dark sky. In Alqueva the sky has good atmospheric conditions for stargazing most of the year. Such skies are disappearing in Europe, where most of the population has no longer the privilege to observe an unpolluted sky.
Canon 60Da – ISO1600; 11mm at f/3.2; Exp. 30 secs. Taken in 29-06-2014 at 21:45 Sum of 24 images.
A Straight Galactic Arm in Monte Bravo
Our own galaxy as seen from Earth, occupies a considerable area across the sky, with several tens of degrees. In this peacefull view from Monte Bravo, Alentejo, the Milky Way can be seen as a straight galactic arm in the direction of Zenith, due to the low perspective captured with an ultra wide angle lens. The orange tone coming from the village light of Mourão, is spreading through the low clouds, although, does not affect to much the imposing presence of our Milky Way, for being captured in a Dark Sky Reserve, in Alqueva.
Canon 50D – ISO2500; 11mm at f/2.8; Exp. 30 secs. Taken in 29-06-2014 at 3:15 AM
Olive Tree and the Milky Way
The central region of Milky Way is setting behind Monsaraz region, Portugal. In the foreground, we can see the most typical tree of Alentejo, the Olive tree, in portuguese well known as “Oliveira”. Canon 60Da – ISO1600; 11mm at f/2.8; Exp. 30 secs. Taken in 28-06-2014 at 3:14
Milky Way in Monte Falperras
In this view captured in Monte Faperras, Mourão, one of the regions belonging to the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve, we could appreciate the great Milky Way above the Lake Alqueva. In this “strong” arm of our galaxy (from left to right) be present the swan (Cygnus), with its North America nebula (NGC7000) clearly visible. Down to the right, we still find the constellation of Sagittarius with many nebulas like: M16, M17, M24, M20; M8 and Scorpios, with the brilliant super giant star, Antares. In the top of the image, the bright star is Vega, from Lyra constellation, also forming the well known “Summer Triangle” with Deneb and Altair too. In the left edge of the image, between “Milky arc” and horizon, can be seen the Andromeda Galaxy M31. Canon 60Da – ISO2000; 24mm f/2 Exp 20 secs. In 15/07/2013 at 00:38 AM. Mosaic of 36 images
The Sparrow, the Moon and the Awning
At first sight and due to this particular “comet” shape, we could imagine that the long “white to orange” tail in the left center of the image, would be from the century´s comet, the ISON. At least, all of us have already heard that the most optimistic predictions, seems to pointing to a comet with a brightness as strong as the Moon. Well, either or not, it will be a great sky show indeed, providing good opportunities for images like that.
In the left top corner – clearly visible in the still single shot picture – we could find in the arms of this dead tree, a sleepy sparrow, the perfect model for a night long exposure shot. Below right, the great trail with a “comet shape” isn´t from the ISON yet, but actually the path of the moon against a starry sky. As it goes down, the brightness drops below and the color of the moon stays more yellow and near the horizon, can even reach a red tone. At right, the strange white shape, is from a awning of the Monte Falperras rural hotel, in Mourão, one of the great places to rest in the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, in Portugal. This startrail image composed by 195 images from 30 seconds each, was capturing in 15th July 2013 at 23h11, during the moonset, as we could appreciate in this 13 seconds Time Lapse sequence.
Still image: Canon 50D – ISO640; 10mm f/4 Exp 30 secs. In 15/07/2013 at 23:11 AM
Below is the short time lapse sequence:
Air Glow, Milky Way and the Great Lake Alqueva
This serene view, captured on the great lake Alqueva, near the “Ermida de São Pedro” in Mourão, one of the regions belonging to the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, we find several scientifically interesting things. In the center of the picture we can see the natural colors of the most central region of the Milky Way, located near the Scorpio and Sagittarius constellation, where is it possible to recognize many deep sky objects like the Lagoon Nebula (M8) and the Trifid Nebula (M20). In the image was also possible to register a strong presence of Air Glow (Atmospheric Chemiluminescence) , the further thing I have seen similar to an Aurora, which crossed ahead the region of scorpion, with yellow light, by emissions from sodium atoms in a layer at 92 km. Above it, we could see the green light from oxygen atoms in a layer 90-100 km high. This emission layer is clearly visible from earth orbit.
Reflected in the peaceful lake and due to the polarization effect of water, we could clearly see the entire constellation of Scorpius with the real color of each star naturally saturated, due to this polarization and blurred effect, caused by the slowly movement of water during the long exposure. The orange color of the Red Supergiant Antares could be easily distinguished from the blue color of the Subgiant star, Shaula, in the end of tail. Canon 60Da – ISO 1600; 35mm lens at f/2; Exp. 15 secs. Mosaic of 23 images, taken in 15/06/2013 at 02:35 AM
Below is the annotated version of the image:
Finding Polaris Star in Falperras Hill
This “self portrait” startrail was taken in Falperras Hill, a rural hotel in Mourão, one of the regions covered by the Alqueva Dark sky Reserve, in Portugal. In this polar startrail we could easily identify the Polaris star – who indicates the North – not only because the “star vortex” seems to spin around this central star, but also due to the light path left by a satellite (not ISS), that seems to point to this same star. Below right in the sky picture, is also visible a strong flare left by satellite Iridium 66, with a magnitude of -4.5. In the land, we could see the Monte Falperras hotel, Myself enjoying this beautiful and peaceful moment – full of meaning – as well as two olive trees, the much typical tree available in the fields of Alentejo region. Canon 50D – ISO1600; 10mm f/4 Exp 30 secs. Sum of 344 images taken in 14/07/2013 between 22:53 and 01:59 AM.
Summer Triangle and Milky Way above Monte Bravo
In this view captured in Monte Bravo, Mourão, one of the regions belonging to the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, we could appreciate the great Milky Way with the presence of the well known “Summer Triangle”, an astronomical asterism on the northern hemisphere’s celestial sphere, with its defining vertices at, Deneb, Vega and Altair, the brightest stars in the three constellations of, Cygnus, Lyra, and Aquila, respectively. But we also could see many infrared emissions coming from nebulas like the great North America Nebula NGC7000, clearly visible at the left side of Dened star, in Cygnus constellation.
Canon 60Da – ISO 2000; 10mm lens at f/4; Exp. 120 secs. Using Vixen Polarie Mount. Mosaic of 6 images, taken in 1~6/06/2013 at 03:34 AM
Below is the annotated version of the image:
Cassiopeia and Andromeda Galaxy in the Air Glow
This serene view, captured on the great lake Alqueva, near the “Ermida de São Pedro” in Mourão, one of the regions belonging to the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, we find several scientifically interesting things. In the left top corner of the image, we could find the Cassiopeia constellation and below the double cluster NGC 884 and 869. Almost in the center image, is clearly visible the great Andromeda Galaxy M31, in Andromeda constellation, the neighbor of Pegasus. Above the Alqueva Lake, is visible the strong presence of Air Glow (Atmospheric Chemiluminescence) , the further thing I have seen similar to an Aurora, with yellow light, by emissions from sodium atoms in a layer at 92 km. Above it, we could see the green light from oxygen atoms in a layer 90-100 km high. This emission layer is clearly visible from earth orbit.
Canon 60Da – ISO 1600; 35mm lens at f/2; Exp. 15 secs. Mosaic of 7 images, taken in 15/06/2013 at 03:45 AM
Below is the annotated version of the image:
The North America Nebula and Sadr region (IC1318)
In this deep sky wide field view taken with a 70mm lens, we could appreciate a sky of endless colored stars, surrounding The North America Nebula (NGC 7000), an emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus, close to Deneb (the blue brightest star in the image center). At its right, we also could see the Sadr region, or IC 1318, a diffuse emission nebula surrounding Sadr or Gamma Cygni star (the second brightest star in the picture).
But why we can find this colorful diversity of stars ? “Astronomers came to understand that bluer stars are intrinsically brighter because they are more massive than white or red stars, and more massive stars burn much faster and hotter than less massive stars. The bluish type-O stars, for example, are only 30-50 times more massive than yellow-white stars like our sun. But O stars burn a million times brighter, so they have far shorter lifetimes. O and B stars only last a few million years before they die in spectacular supernova explosions, while cooler and less massive K and M stars burn steadily for billions of years”. Canon 60Da – ISO1600; 70mm f/4 Exp. 119 secs. + Vixen Polarie mount travel. In 5/07/2013 at 3:30 AM (sinlge frame).
The Startrails above Monte Alerta Trees
A deeply startrail above Monte Alerta trees. Canon 50D – ISO2000; 24mm f/2 Exp 15 secs. Sum of 120 images taken in 05/07/2013 at 03:14 AM
From Monte Alerta to North America
In this image we could see two pictures taken at about the same time, day and place, but with a different focal lens, showing a deep travel from Monte Alerta, in Monsaraz (Alqueva Dark sky Reserve – Portugal) to a close approach to North America – not the country on itself – but the well known NGC7000 nebula with North America shape, near the Deneb star, in Cygnus constellation.
In the right picture, we could see part of the milky way region above a tree located in Monte Alerta, taken with a 24mm lens, and where it is visible the nebula IC 1396 and above it, near the Deneb star (top center), the NGC7000.
In the left Deep sky wide field photo, taken with a 70mm lens, we could appreciate a sky of endless colored stars, surrounding “The North America Nebula” (NGC 7000), an emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus, close to Deneb (the blue brightest star in the image center). At its right, we also could see the Sadr region, or IC 1318, a diffuse emission nebula surrounding Sadr or Gamma Cygni star (the second brightest star in the picture).
But why we can find this colorful diversity of stars ? ”Astronomers came to understand that bluer stars are intrinsically brighter because they are more massive than white or red stars, and more massive stars burn much faster and hotter than less massive stars. The bluish type-O stars, for example, are only 30-50 times more massive than yellow-white stars like our sun. But O stars burn a million times brighter, so they have far shorter lifetimes. O and B stars only last a few million years before they die in spectacular supernova explosions, while cooler and less massive K and M stars burn steadily for billions of years”.
Left Picture: Canon 60Da – ISO1600; 70mm f/4 Exp. 119 secs. + Vixen Polarie mount travel. In 5/07/2013 at 3:30 AM (sinlge frame)
Right Picture: Canon 60Da – ISO1600; 35mm f/2 Exp 74 secs. + Vicen Polarie Travel Mount. In 5/07/2013 at 2:07 AM
Below is a special image with the identification of all deep sky objects that can be seen, and the relation with the different focal distances.
Deep Milky Way above the Tree
Image of the milky way region above a tree located in Monte Alerta, Monsaraz, and where it is visible the nebula IC 1396 and above it, near the Deneb star (top center), the North America Nebula NGC7000. For 70mm close up view of the NGC7000 area, revealing a lot of colorful stars as well as the Sadr region, just click here.
Canon 60Da – ISO1600; 35mm f/2 Exp 74 secs. + Vicen Polarie Travel Mount. In 5/07/2013 at 2:07 AM
Big Dipper, Air Glow and Gravity Waves in Mourão Dark Sky
In this picture captured in the great lake Alqueva, near the “Ermida de São Pedro” in Mourão, one of the regions belonging to the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, we cloud see the strong presence of Air Glow (Atmospheric Chemiluminescence) involving the Big Dipper constellation (Ursa Major) with the green light from oxygen atoms in a layer 90-100 km high. This emission layer is clearly visible from earth orbit. In the image, is also visible the gravity waves effect. “These waves (internal gravity or buoyancy waves) abound in the stable density layering of the upper atmosphere. Their effects are visibly manifest in the curls of the stratosphere’s nacreous clouds, in the moving skein-like and billow patterns of the mesosphere’s noctilucent clouds and in the slowly shifting bands of the thermosphere’s airglow, as we could see in this picture and in the annotated version of this same image.
Canon 60Da – ISO 1600; 35mm lens at f/2; Exp. 15 secs. Mosaic of 2 images, taken in 15/06/2013 at 04:04 AM
Below is the annotated version of the image:
