Moontrail and the Palm Trees of Orada´s Convent
A Black and White image where we could see the Moon trail between the palm trees near the Orada convent, Monsaraz / Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve. Canon 50D – ISO1000; 11mm f/4.5 Exp 301 secs. Sum of 52 images taken in 30/06/2013 at 04:14 AM
Andromeda Galaxy M31 at 70mm
A wide view of Andromeda Galaxy taken from Monte Bravo, Dark Sky Reserve, with a 70mm lens and a Vixen Polarie travel mount. Canon 60Da – ISO2000; 70mm f/4 Exp. 120 secs. In 16/06/2013 at 20:46 AM + Vixen Polarie
Milky Way and the Iridium Neighbor
Image of an Iridium flare that occurred near the Milky Way, clearly visible on the left side of the image. The “Iridium Flare” is produced by the reflection of the antennas and solar panels from the Iridium satellite network. Sometimes, the increasing brightness can be 100x brighter than a star of magnitude “0”. In the image, the form of galaxy is caused precisely by increasing the brightness while moving simultaneously in the sky during the long exposure, leaving that characteristic appearance. These satellites can be observed with the naked eye, even from a big city like Lisbon.
The image was captured on Monte Bravo in Mourão, the great Dark Sky Reserve Alqueva in Alentejo, Portugal.
Canon 60Da ISO2000-10mm f / 4 Exp 120 secs. + Vixen Polarie. 16/06/2013 at 3:54 AM
The Lagoon and Trifid Nebulae
A wide-field view taken with the Polarie mount at a focal distance of 214mm, from the Lagoon Nebula (M8 – NGC 6523), the Trifid Nebula (M20 – NGC 6514) and above it, the star cluster M21.
The M20 or NGC 6514, is well known as The Trifid Nebula 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). Left above M8 is the Star cluster M21. Below the Trifid nebula is the The Lagoon Nebula (catalogued as Messier 8 or M8, and as NGC 6523) is a giant interstellar cloud also in the constellation 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.
Canon 60Da; Lens: 214mm at F/5; ISO2500; Exp. 69secs. Sum of 5 images in Maxim DL taken in 16/07/2013 at 2h00 AM.
Manivela Moonset
In the image we could see the moonset (almost like the sunset, with an orange tone) reflected in the Alqueva´s Lake water, where is located the old: “Fonte da Manivela” or in English the source crank. The image was captured in Mourão, a region of the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve. At the first sight, we could think that it wasn´t the moon, but maybe the Sun, so, how could we have sure ? First, because during the sunset we couldn´t see the stars and the sky so dark due to our atmosphere effect. And the most important, if you look carefully in full resolution, you will notice that the moon wasn´t completely full, in fact, due to an Earthshine effect, is also visible part of the moon´s left limb that is in the shadow (not directly illuminated by the sun), something that will not occur in the sun´s surface. Canon 50D – ISO1600, Exp. 10 segs. 24mm f/2.8 – 16/06/2013 00:50
After the Dark, comes the light
This is a panoramic photograph captured at dawn on the big lake Alqueva. In addition to the characteristic tones of a nautical twilight, in this case, morning, it is still possible to identify at left in the picture, the Big Dipper, lying down as it shaped farewell until next night … it is now time to rest, and give rise to the birth of the Sun King who will reign all day, filling with Life and Light, this beautiful planet that is our EARTH, from another perspective, seen as a small blue dot suspended in the Universe (the well known Pale Blue Dot).
Canon 60Da – ISO 1000, 35mm lens at f/2.8, Exp 13 secs. Panoramic of 13 images, taken in 15/06/2013 at 04:45 AM
The Alqueva´s Dawn sky
Taken just before dawn, in the region of Lake Alqueva and near the Chapel of St. Peter, in Mourão, where stars mingle with the rich tones of morning nautical twilight. On the left, the most visible reflection in the water belongs to the star Capella, as the extreme right over the horizon and through the tree, almoste hiden, is the Pleiades (M45). The upper cluster of stars in the image belongs to the central region of the constellation Perseus.
Canon 60Da – ISO1600 exp 15 seconds. 35 mm f/2.8 15/06/2013 at 04:34 AM
Black and White View of the Milky Way
Black and white view of the Milky Way in a vertical picture where prevail the clouds of gas and star dust, which rise above the huge lake Alqueva, in the region of Mourão, about 15km of Monsaraz, both of them, places from Dark Sky Reserve in Portugal. In this amazing region, the sky reveals a contrast and depth even greater, since it is away from some sources of moderate light pollution.
Canon 60Da – ISO1600 Exp 15 secs. 35mm f / 2 – Mosaic of images taken in 8 15/06/2013 at 4:26 a.m. AM
Alqueva Lake, a natural “Star Seismograph”
This startrail captured in a region of the sky facing south and where is present part of the Milky Way, thus causing a nuance of shades that blend background with well-marked trails of stars in the sky. These tracks, reflected in the lake as if they were “written” by a needle of a seismograph, also due to the effect of polarization, a characteristic effect of the water, allows accentuating the true color of the stars … well reported at the bottom of the image. The hottest stars are blue. The most blue pronounced reflection is caused by the Shaula star, which lies at the tip tail of the Scorpion, as we were able to confirm this “with the natural seismograph” better known as “Great Lake Alqueva” and part of Dark Sky Reserve.
Canon 50D – ISO1600 Exp 15 secs. 24mm f/2.8. Sum of 124 images taken between 03:32 and 15/06/2013 at 4:07 AM
Gas and Dust Up to the Zenith
A view of the Milky Way in a vertical dizzying mosaic up to the Zenith. As a photographer and book author, I’d say: maybe an image in a “tab book format” where we can still see the yellowish effect of ariglow and the area of cloudiness (gas and dust) that make up the Milky Way, with several emission nebulae visible in the image (in violet tone). The picture was taken in a region of the Hermitage of San Pedro, in Mourão. The brightest stars have left his trademark on the calm water, which mirrored again, the beauty of the universe!
Canon 60Da – ISO1600 Exp 15 secs. 35mm f / 2 – Mosaic of 9 images. Taken in 15-06-2013 at 02:51 AM
A painting of Nature
In this starry cloudy moonlit, we could watch what actually seems to be a rainy night, but, indeed, it was not rain, but a short startrail in a cloudy and windy night, above the alqueva´s lake, in a region called Albufeira de Pedrogão. Thanks to light of the moon, wind and clouds, I´ve got this peculiar result, I´ve called: “the painting of nature”.
Canon 60Da – ISO640, f/2.8; Exp. 6s ; 24mm. 27/04/2013 23h35
Cloudy Moonlit
Image of a Starry cloudy moonlit above the Pedrogão´s Albufeira, in Moura, a region of the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve. Canon 60Da – ISO640, f/2.8; Exp. 6s ; 24mm. 27/04/2013 23h21 AM
Below is a Short time lapse sequence, of a cloud formation under the moonlit and above the Pedrogão´s Albufeira, in Moura, a region of the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve.
The Big Dipper in a moonlit sky
The Big Dipper in a moonlit sky. Image captured above Pedrogão´s Albufeira, in Moura, a region of great Alqueva´s Lake, covered by the Dark Sky Reserve.
Canon 50D – ISO2000 ; f/4 ; Exp. 30s. ; 10mm. 27/04/2013 at 22h53
Lonely Canoe
Nautical Twilight and a smooth zodiacal light in the direction of Jupiter, visible near the center image, as the brightest star. Image captured in the Pegrogão´s Albufeira, a region of great Alqueva´s Lake, covered by the Dark Sky Reserve.
Canon 50D – ISO1250 ; f/4 ; Exp. 30s. ; 10mm. 27/04/2013 at 21h29
Smooth zodiacal light in the Lake
Nautical Twilight and a smooth zodiacal light in the direction of Jupiter, visible near the center image, as the brightest star. Image captured in the Pegrogão´s Albufeira, a region of great Alqueva´s Lake, covered by the Dark Sky Reserve. Canon 50D – ISO1250 ; f/4 ; Exp. 30s. ; 10mm. 27/04/2013 at 21h25
Canoeing family
A Canoeing family preparing for a moonlight ride in the lake. Canon 50D – ISO640; f/4; Exp. 1/60s; 10mm. 27/04/2013 20h58
Starry cloudy twilight
Panorama of a Starry cloudy twilight above the Pedrogão´s Albufeira, in Moura, a region of great Alqueva´s Lake, covered by the Dark Sky Reserve. Jupiter, visible near the center image and low in the horizon, is the brightest star. Above it, is visible the entire constellation of Auriga.
Canon 60Da – ISO1250, f/2; Exp. 13s ; 24mm. 27/04/2013 22h52 AM
Sunset Jupiter
After the sunset, in the begining of twilight, only the brightest stars can emerge from the blue lighted sky, normally only the planets have light enough to do this, like we can see in the upper left corner, with the planet Jupiter shining against this dramatic sky and landscape, captured in the Contenda homestead.
Canon 50D – ISO200, f/10; Exp. 20s ; 10mm. 26/04/2013 20h43
Barroca Startrail
A black and white startrail captured in the house of Barroca´s mount, in the Contenda homestead. Canon 50D – ISO2000 ; f/4 ; Exp. 30s. ; 10mm. 26/04/2013 at 21h37
Crepuscular Rays in Tomina
Image captured near Convento da Tomina region, a area inside the great Contenda homestead, near Moura and Barrancos, Portugal. In the sky we could see the dramatic effect of the phenomenon known as “Crepuscular rays, in atmospheric optics, are rays of sunlight that appear to radiate from the point in the sky where the sun is located. These rays, which stream through gaps in clouds (particularly stratocumulus) or between other objects, are columns of sunlit air separated by darker cloud-shadowed regions. Despite seeming to converge at a point, the rays are in fact near-parallel shafts of sunlight, and their apparent convergence is a perspective effect (similar, for example, to the way that parallel railway lines seem to converge at a point in the distance).”
“The name comes from their frequent occurrences during crepuscular hours (those around dawn and dusk), when the contrasts between light and dark are the most obvious. Crepuscular comes from the Latin word “crepusculum”, meaning twilight.”
Canon 50D – ISO500, f/13; Exp. 1/320s ; 10mm. 26/04/2013 19h16
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Noudar Full Moon
The Full Moon captured few hours after the partial lunar Eclipse, above the trees in the Noudar natural park, in Barrancos, Portugal. Near the center image, we could see the detail of the branch that is shining by the light of the moon.
Canon 50D – ISO1000; f/10; 1/3s; 263mm. 26/04/2013 às 5h21 AM
Black Silhouettes
The Full Moon captured few hours after the partial lunar Eclipse, hidden behind the trees of the Noudar natural park, in Barrancos, Portugal. Above it, in the sky, is visible the planet Saturn.
Canon 50D – ISO800; f/7.1; Exp.1s; 92mm. 26/04/2013 5h12 AM
Tomina´s Sunset
The landscape in the sunset captured near Convento da Tomina region, a area inside the great Contenda homestead, near Moura and Barrancos, Portugal.
Canon 50D – ISO800, f/5; Exp. 1/250s ; 10mm. 26/04/2013 at 20h09.
The Moon behind the trees
The Full Moon captured few hours after the partial lunar Eclipse, above the trees in the Noudar natural park, in Barrancos, Portugal.
Canon 50D – ISO800; f/32; 1/13s;300mm. 26/04/2013 5h06 AM
Noudar´s Moonlight
The Full Moon captured few hours after the partial lunar Eclipse, hidden behind the trees of the Noudar natural park, in Barrancos, Portugal. Canon 50D – ISO640; f/4; Exp. 8s; 10mm. 26/04/2013 04h53 AM
Noudar Castle at Night
The green landscape That surrounds the Noudar castle, in Barrancos, Portugal, iluminated by the strong light of Full Moon, turning the night in day. Canon 60Da – ISO640, f/4; Exp. 3,20s ; 24mm. 26/04/2013 01h17 AM
Startrails in a moonlit Spring field
The trails of some stars above the green spring field lighted by the full moon. Canon 50D – ISO640; f/4; Exp. 15s ; 10mm. Sum of 200 images – 26/04/2013 at 01h14 AM
Green Moonlit Field
The green landscape of Noudar´s natural Park, in Barrancos, Portugal, iluminated by the strong light of Full Moon, turning the night in day.
Canon 60Da – ISO640, f/4; Exp.5s; 24mm. 26/04/2013 01h04 AM
Flower Eclipse
The Full Moon eclipsed by a flower. Image captured in the Noudar natural Park, in Barrancos, Portugal. Canon 50D – ISO640; f/4; Exp.10s; 10mm. 26/04/2013 00h20 AM
The Moon shining like a Ray of light
Nautical twilight at dawn in Monsaraz. The moon shining in the stargazer like a cosmic ray of light.
Canon 60Da – ISO1250; 24mm; f/2.8; 13 secs. 06/04/2013 at 06h04 AM.
Spring Milky Way
With the arrival of spring, the Milky Way begins to be visible in the skies of Portugal at dawn, in this image, captured in Monsaraz, in the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve, you can watch it in plenty, thanks to this mosaic of 21 images that allows a large field of view, revealing this “arm” of our galaxy above the Convent of Orada (dated 1670).
Near the center and right of palm trees, the moon shines brightly, although not interfering with the giant arc of the Milky Way where it is possible to distinguish a lot of constellations like Ursa Minor, with the polaris star to the left of the image, until the swan (Cygnus), with its North America nebula (NGC7000) clearly visible, down to the right, we still find the constellation of Sagittarius and Scorpio, with the brilliant super giant star, Antares.
Canon 60Da – ISO1600 Lens 24mm f/2; Exp. 15 secs. Mosaic of 21 images, taken in 06/04/2013 at 5h32 AM.
Below is a special image with the identification
Twilight meteor in the Moonlite
Twilight at dawn in Monsaraz with the moonlite. In the left upper corner we could see the trail of a shooting star.
Canon 60Da – ISO1600 Lens 24mm f/2; Exp. 15 secs. 06/04/2013 at 05h47
Convent of Orada and North America Nebula
Image of the Convent of Orada and North America Nebula NGC7000. Canon 60Da – ISO1600 24mm; f/2; 15 secs. 06/04/2013 at 04h36 AM
Alqueva Polaris Startrail
A startrail around the polaris star, where we could see a lot of many trails with different colors, due to the real color of each star. The image was captured in Monsaraz, in the Dark Sky Reserve.
Canon 50D – ISO2000; 10mm; f/4, 30 secs. Sum of 157 images, with a total integration of 78.5 minutes. Taken in
Tree of Plenitude
A tree alone in the Dark Sky. A Silence moment full of plenitude. Canon 60Da – ISO1250; 24mm; f/2.8; 13 secs at 06/04/2013 00h47
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Embracing the Sky
A stargazer fascinated with a sky plenty of stars. Image taken in the Alqueva lake, in the Dark Sky Reserve, Portugal. Canon 50D – ISO1600; 24mm f/2.8; 15 secs. Taken in 06/04/2013 at 00h04.
The Orada´s Convent
Night Sky image of the Convent of Orada, in Monsaraz, with it´s great cross. Canon 50D – ISO2500; 24mm; f/4; 30 secs. 13/01/2013 at 06h35 AM.
The Convent of Orada
Night Sky image of the Convent of Orada, in Monsaraz, with it´s great cross in the left side of the image. Canon 50D – ISO2500; 11mm; f/4.5; 30 secs. 13/01/2013 at 06h25 AM.
Enjoying the Passing of a Bright Star
It´s amazing to watch the reaction of the people when for the first time, they could watch a special star moving over their heads, like happened with this small group of participants during a workshop I gave in the Dark Sky Reserve, here in Portugal. At the same time that the ISS was passing in the sky, I told the them, to watch, enjoy and imagine something fantastic, that is the fact that in this special and apparent “star”, there are humans living in permanence…
The image was taken with the ISS at a magnitude of -3.3, passing in the highest point of 77º SE.
Canon 50D – ISO2500 Exp. 30Sec. f/4 10mm. Sum of 8 images. Total time integration of 4 minutes. Taken in 13/01/2013 at 5:58 AM.
Nautical Sky
Image taken near the nautical center of Monsaraz, during the Nautical Twilight, a special moment when the first stars appear in the sky. Few moments after I took the image, I saw a strong Zodiacal Light coming from the direction of the mountain. See the short time lapse movie. Canon 50D – ISO1000; f/4; exp. 15 secs; Lens 10mm.
Twilight in the Alqueva´s Lake
Twilight in the Alqueva´s Lake, Monsaraz. Portugal. Canon 50D – IOS125; f/7.1; Exp. 2 secs; 10mm lens.
The beauty deep sky shining above the land
Image taken near a small part of the largest manmade lake in Europe (250 sq km) and one of the world’s largest, called Alqueva. Around this area, we also can find some of the darkest sky regions in Portugal, like Monsaraz, inserted in Dark Sky Reserve Alqueva, the world’s first certified ‘Starlight Tourism Destination’.
From left to right, in the land, we could see the silhouette of the photographer, Babak Tafreshi, that was also making his images of the night sky. Next to the tree, we can see the light of the Monsaraz Castle, also reflected in the calm water of the lake, 30 minutes after the moonset.
Even with some light pollution coming directly from the village castle, the sky above shows a rich variety of deep sky objects that are visible in the infrared camera, like Canon EOS 60Da, as well a lot of star clusters, one asteroid and the Planet Jupiter. From left to right, in the sky, we could identify M46 and M47, M41, and above Sirius the Seagull nebula IC2177. Near the center top image, is visible another infrared emission from Rosette Nebula. Below, the Barnard´s Loop, Horse Head and Orion nebula M42, are strongest emissions indeed. A little bit to the right making the center upper image, is the Lambda Orionis (Sh2 264), Messia. Above the star aldebaran, is visible the open cluster NGC1647 and near to the left, the Vesta asteroid, and above it another open cluster the NGC1746. Below is the brightest sky object capturing in this image, the planet Jupiter, shining near the pleiades M45. In the upper right corner, is located the last infrared brightest deep sky object, the California nebula, NGC1499.
Canon EOS60Da – F/2 15s ISO4000 35mm lens. Mosaic of 24 images. Image taken in 22/12/2012 at 2:58 AM.
The planet Jupiter shining in Taurus
In the image, taken inside the Monsaraz Castle in the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, Portugal, facing to the constellation of Taurus, is visible the planet Jupiter at the right side of Aldebaran star. Above, is also visible the open cluster NGC1647, and close to it, the Vesta asteroid. Below in the image, above the Rocks from the wall castle, is clearly visible the M45, well known as Pleiades, the 7 sisters.
Canon 60Da – 35mm F/2.8 Exp.10s ISO3200 taken in 22/12/2012 4:13 AM
The rise of a New World
Sunrise from Monsaraz Village, Portugal. Canon 60Da – ISO100 35mm f/22 Exp.1/80s in 22/12/2012 at 07h54 AM
Alqueva´s Moon Landscape
This moontrail image was captured in the last 21 to 22th December. Actually, it could be the last moonset seen from planet Earth, if the world was really end on 21th Dec. But fortunately didn´t happen and I was still photographing the entire night until the sunrise, the begining of a New Era, surronded with a lot of lovely skyscapes like this one, in Monsaraz village, a region of the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve, in Portugal, the world´s first “Starlight Tourism Destination”.
Sky Show above Monsaraz Castle
In this image taken inside the Monsaraz Castle, in the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, Portugal, we could see the Dark night with some interesting sky objects, like M46 and M47, M41, and above Sirius the Seagull nebula IC2177. Near the center top image, is visible another infrared emission from Rosette Nebula. Below, the Barnard´s Loop, Horse Head and Orion nebula M42. A little bit to the right above the star aldebaran, is visible the open cluster NGC1647 and above it another open cluster the NGC1746. Below is the brightest sky object capturing in this image, the planet Jupiter, shining near the pleaides M45, almost seting behing the wall castle. Above right, is located the California nebula, NGC1499.
Canon EOS60Da – F/2.8 Exp.13s ISO3200 35mm lens. Mosaic of 24 images. Image taken in 22/12/2012 at 4:31 AM.
The Night Like a Paiting
Image of a colorful startrail captured in the Monsaraz region, inserted in the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve.
The M45 and the Tree
The M45 Pleiades photographed above a tree in the Monsaraz region. Portugal. Canon EOS60Da – F/2.8 Exp.15s ISO1000 35mm lens. Taken in 22/12/2012 at 1:50 AM.
Dreaming scene at the morning
A dreamy panoramic view of the early morning with fog, on the big lake Alqueva, in Monsaraz. Canon EOS60Da – F/4 Exp.1s ISO125 35mm lens. Panoramic of 5 images taken in 22/12/2012 at 7:06 AM.
The Blue Sirius
In this picture captured from the walls of Monsaraz Castle, we can see the entire Canis Major constellation, the star cluster M41, and the brightest star in the celestial sphere, with -1.46 mag. In this image Sirius is shown with unusual strong sparkles, not only produced by a photo star filter attached in the front lens of the camera, but also due to the strong dew which increase the diffusion and saturation effect, showing so, the true blue color of this star, for being at a hot temperature of 25,200K.
Canon 60Da – ISO3200 35mm f/2.8 Exp.13s in 22/12/2012 at 04h18 AM
Below you will find a resume with all publications – printed and online – related to this particular photograph.
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The Moon was not alone
This image was captured in the land of Juromenha, near Alandroal, one of the regions covered by the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve (www.alquevadarksky.com), distinguished as the Worlds First Star Light Tourism Destination.However, during the two nights that I was shooting, I had the great presence of the moon to light up the landscape, creating many different blue sky tones and showing less stars than we usually see, with naked eye. The moon, let me capture the beauty of the place with incredible romantic views in a scenery full of quiet, peace and plenitude. Lakes, horses and millenar olive trees, is just an example of what we could find there…
Canon 50D – 10mm f/4 30″ ISO1000 taken in 06/10/2012 at 00h26
Signs of Winter
This image was captured in the land of Juromenha, near Alandroal, one of the regions covered by the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve (www.alquevadarksky.com), distinguished as the Worlds First Star Light Tourism Destination. The image reveals two bright stars of the summer triangle (Altair and Vega) low in the West horizon, just about 3 hours after the sunset, as a reminder that the summer is going away until the next year. The low clouds are also reforcing this idea, fortunately, we still could watch the Milky Way as a background layer with another kind of nebulosity, with a lots of dust, gas and star clusters. In the foreground, making a dramatic and contrasting view, are two great olive trees, the tree that really represents the landscape of Alentejo, in Portugal.
Canon 50D – 35mm f/1.8 13″ at ISO 2500. Mosaic of 24 images, taken in 05/10/2012 between 22h13 and 22h25. Image with annotation.
Light trails in the Lake
This image was captured in the land of Juromenha, near Alandroal, one of the regions covered by the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve (www.alquevadarksky.com), distinguished as the Worlds First Star Light Tourism Destination.However, during the two nights that I was shooting, I had the great presence of the moon to light up the landscape, creating many different blue sky tones and showing less stars than we usually see, with naked eye. The moon, let me capture the beauty of the place with incredible romantic views in a scenery full of quiet, peace and plenitude. Lakes, horses and millenar olive trees, is just an example of what we could find there…
Canon 50D – 10mm f/4 30″ ISO3200 taken in 05/10/2012 at 21h59. Sum of 11 images with a total integration of 6 minutes.
Moonrise above the Lake
This image was captured in the land of Juromenha, near Alandroal, one of the regions covered by the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve (www.alquevadarksky.com), distinguished as the Worlds First Star Light Tourism Destination.However, during the two nights that I was shooting, I had the great presence of the moon to light up the landscape, creating many different blue sky tones and showing less stars than we usually see, with naked eye. The moon, let me capture the beauty of the place with incredible romantic views in a scenery full of quiet, peace and plenitude. Lakes, horses and millenar olive trees, is just an example of what we could find there…
Canon 50D – 35mm f/4 10″ ISO1250 taken in 05/10/2012 at 22h41
Stars around Casa Saramago
This image was captured in the land of Juromenha, near Alandroal, one of the regions covered by the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve (www.alquevadarksky.com), distinguished as the Worlds First Star Light Tourism Destination.However, during the two nights that I was shooting, I had the great presence of the moon to light up the landscape, creating many different blue sky tones and showing less stars than we usually see, with naked eye. The moon, let me capture the beauty of the place with incredible romantic views in a scenery full of quiet, peace and plenitude. Lakes, horses and millenar olive trees, is just an example of what we could find there. Canon 50D – 11mm f/4.5 15″ ISO640 taken in 05/10/2012 at 1h03 Sum of 64 images with a total integration of 16 minutes.
Stars above the horses
This image was captured in the land of Juromenha, near Alandroal, one of the regions covered by the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve (www.alquevadarksky.com), distinguished as the Worlds First Star Light Tourism Destination.However, during the two nights that I was shooting, I had the great presence of the moon to light up the landscape, creating many different blue sky tones and showing less stars than we usually see, with naked eye. The moon, let me capture the beauty of the place with incredible romantic views in a scenery full of quiet, peace and plenitude. Lakes, horses and millenar olive trees, is just an example of what we could find there…
Canon 50D – 35mm f/4 5″ ISO2000 taken in 06/10/2012 at 1h55 Sum of 131 images with a total integration of 11 minutes.
Hotel Nave Terra
This image was captured in the land of Juromenha, near Alandroal, one of the regions covered by the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve (www.alquevadarksky.com), distinguished as the Worlds First Star Light Tourism Destination.However, during the two nights that I was shooting, I had the great presence of the moon to light up the landscape, creating many different blue sky tones and showing less stars than we usually see, with naked eye. The moon, let me capture the beauty of the place with incredible romantic views in a scenery full of quiet, peace and plenitude. Lakes, horses and millenar olive trees, is just an example of what we could find there…
Canon 50D – 10mm f/4 25″ ISO1000 taken in 05/10/2012 at 4h24 Sum of 46 images with a total integration of 19 minutes.
Skygazing
This image was captured in Telheiro, Monsaraz, one of the regions covered by the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve (www.alquevadarksky.com), distinguished as the Worlds First Star Light Tourism Destination.
Skygazing is one of the greatest thing we can make in group or alone, in the Alqueva Dark Sky region. The moon light up the landscape, creating many different blue sky tones and showing less stars than we usually see, with naked eye. Although, it shows the beauty of the place with incredible romantic views in a scenery full of quiet, peace and plenitude. Lakes, horses and millenar olive trees, is just an example of what we could find there. Canon 50D – 10mm f/4 20″ ISO640 taken in 05/10/2012 at 00h39
Behind the net
This image was captured in the land of Juromenha, near Alandroal, one of the regions covered by the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve (www.alquevadarksky.com), distinguished as the Worlds First Star Light Tourism Destination.However, during the two nights that I was shooting, I had the great presence of the moon to light up the landscape, creating many different blue sky tones and showing less stars than we usually see, with naked eye. The moon, let me capture the beauty of the place with incredible romantic views in a scenery full of quiet, peace and plenitude. Lakes, horses and millenar olive trees, is just an example of what we could find there…
Canon 50D – 35mm f/4 5″ ISO1250 taken in 05/10/2012 at 2h44 Sum of 82 images with a total integration of 7 minutes.
The blue moon ambience
This image was captured in the land of Juromenha, near Alandroal, one of the regions covered by the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve (www.alquevadarksky.com), distinguished as the Worlds First Star Light Tourism Destination.However, during the two nights that I was shooting, I had the great presence of the moon to light up the landscape, creating many different blue sky tones and showing less stars than we usually see, with naked eye. The moon, let me capture the beauty of the place with incredible romantic views in a scenery full of quiet, peace and plenitude. Lakes, horses and millenar olive trees, is just an example of what we could find there…
Canon 50D – 10mm f/4 30″ ISO2000 taken in 05/10/2012 at 22h54
Millennial Olive Tree
This image was captured in the land of Juromenha, near Alandroal,one of the regions covered by the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve (www.alquevadarksky.com), distinguished as the Worlds First Star Light Tourism Destination.However, during the two nights that I was shooting, I had the great presence of the moon to light up the landscape, creating many different blue sky tones and showing less stars than we usually see, with naked eye. The moon, let me capture the beauty of the place with incredible romantic views in a scenery full of quiet, peace and plenitude. Lakes, horses and millenar olive trees, is just an example of what we could find there…
Canon 50D – 10mm f/4.5 20″ ISO1250 taken in 05/10/2012 at 2h22
The Moon and a White Horse
This image was captured in the land of Juromenha, near Alandroal, one of the regions covered by the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve (www.alquevadarksky.com), distinguished as the Worlds First Star Light Tourism Destination.However, during the two nights that I was shooting, I had the great presence of the moon to light up the landscape, creating many different blue sky tones and showing less stars than we usually see, with naked eye. The moon, let me capture the beauty of the place with incredible romantic views in a scenery full of quiet, peace and plenitude. Lakes, horses and millenar olive trees, is just an example of what we could find there…
Canon 50D – 10mm f/4 15″ ISO1250 taken in 05/10/2012 at 01h58
Beatiful sky
This image was captured in the land of Juromenha, near Alandroal, one of the regions covered by the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve (www.alquevadarksky.com), distinguished as the Worlds First Star Light Tourism Destination.However, during the two nights that I was shooting, I had the great presence of the moon to light up the landscape, creating many different blue sky tones and showing less stars than we usually see, with naked eye. The moon, let me capture the beauty of the place with incredible romantic views in a scenery full of quiet, peace and plenitude. Lakes, horses and millenar olive trees, is just an example of what we could find there…
Canon 50D – 10mm f/4 30″ ISO800 taken in 06/10/2012 at 2h48 Sum of 36 images with a total integration of 18 minutes.
Alqueva a Dark Sky Full of Stars
Images taken in Portel, one of the regions inside de Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, The world’s first certified ‘Starlight Tourism Destination’. In the land, we could see one of the world’s largest manmade lakes (250 sq km). In the sky, it´s clearly visible many star clusters as well as the great Andromeda Galaxy and some part of the Milky Way.
Sum of 18 mosaic images, taken with a Canon 50D, 15 sec, at f/1.8, ISO 2500, Lens: 35mm in 16/07/2012 at 3:26AM
The Sword alignment – Venus, Moon,Jupiter and Pleiades
In the image we can see the sword of Dom Nuno Álvares Pereira, bypassing the moon. was a Portuguese general of great success who had a decisive role in the 1383-1385 Crisis that assured Portugal’s independence from Castile. He later became a mystic, was beatified by Pope Benedict XV in 1918 and was canonised by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. For the same reason, the sword is turned down, as a sign of peace.
In the sky we could appreciate the alignment between Venus, Moon,Jupiter and Pleiades.
Canon 50D, ISO 640 with 35mm at f/5.6 Exp.4″. 15/07/2012 at 4:58 Am
The Milky Way in Vera Cruz
Images taken in Vera Cruz, Portel, one of the regions inside de Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, The world’s first certified “Starlight Tourism Destination”. The image shows the Milky Way Galaxy above the ruins of the ancient Templars.
Sum of 4 mosaic images, taken with a Canon 50D, 10 sec, at f/2.8, ISO 2000, Lens: 35mm in 14/07/2012 at 00:44AM
Enjoying a Celestial View
Image taken in Vera cruz, Portel, one of the regions inside de Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve. The image was taken near the church where it is the piece wood of the Jesus Christ cross. In the land, a stargazer women is enjoying the celestial view of the sky.
Canon 50D, ISO 500 with 35mm at f/4 Exp.4″. 14/07/2012 at 2:47 Am
Startrails in the templars ruins
Image taken in Vera Cruz, Portel, one of the regions inside de Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, The world’s first certified “Starlight Tourism Destination”. The image shows a startrail in the ruins of the ancient Templars.
Alqueva´s Lake at night
Images taken in Portel, one of the regions inside de Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, The world’s first certified ‘Starlight Tourism Destination’. In the land, we could see one of the world’s largest manmade lakes (250 sq km). In the sky, it´s clearly visible many star clusters as well as the great Andromeda Galaxy and some part of the Milky Way.
Sum of 18 mosaic images, taken with a Canon 50D, 15 sec, at f/1.8, ISO 2500, Lens: 35mm in 16/07/2012 at 2:51 AM
Milky Way and the ruins
Image taken in Vera Cruz, Portel, one of the regions inside de Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, The world’s first certified “Starlight Tourism Destination”. The image shows part of the Milky Way Galaxy above the ruins of the ancient Templars.
Esporão Startrails
Startrail captured in the Tower of “Herdade do Esporão”, one of the largest wine producers in Portugal.
Monte Alerta, a rural hotel full of stars
Image from Monsaraz region, one of the locations covered by the great Dark Sky Reserve area and that had the best dark sky measures in the process of Starlight validation.
Covering 3000sq km in southern Portugal the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve is the first area in the world to be internationally certified as a Starlight Tourism Destination by the Starlight Foundation. More info at: www.darkskyAlqueva.com.
Canon 50D – ISO 2000 f/4 10mm Exp. 30″ Sum of 11 images in a total integration of 5.5 minutes. in 25-02-2012 between 23:35 and 23:43
The house and the tree
Image from Monsaraz region, one of the locations covered by the great Dark Sky Reserve area and that had the best dark sky measures in the process of Starlight validation.
Covering 3000sq km in southern Portugal the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve is the first area in the world to be internationally certified as a Starlight Tourism Destination by the Starlight Foundation. More info at: www.darkskyAlqueva.com.
Canon 50D – ISO 2500 f/1.8 50mm Exp. 8″ in 25-02-2012 at 22:05
Earthshine and the Monsaraz Village
Image from Monsaraz region, one of the locations covered by the great Dark Sky Reserve area and that had the best dark sky measures in the process of Starlight validation.
Covering 3000sq km in southern Portugal the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve is the first area in the world to be internationally certified as a Starlight Tourism Destination by the Starlight Foundation. More info at: www.darkskyAlqueva.com.
Canon 50D – ISO 1250 f/5 168mm Exp. 6″ in 25-02-2012 at 21:32
Venus and Moon Portrait
Image from Monsaraz region, one of the locations covered by the great Dark Sky Reserve area and that had the best dark sky measures in the process of Starlight validation.
Covering 3000sq km in southern Portugal the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve is the first area in the world to be internationally certified as a Starlight Tourism Destination by the Starlight Foundation. More info at: www.darkskyAlqueva.com.
Canon 50D – ISO 500 f/5.6 20mm Exp. 20″ in 25-02-2012 at 19:12
Alqueva´s Lake Startrail
Image from Monsaraz region, one of the locations covered by the great Dark Sky Reserve area and that had the best dark sky measures in the process of Starlight validation.
Covering 3000sq km in southern Portugal the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve is the first area in the world to be internationally certified as a Starlight Tourism Destination by the Starlight Foundation. More info at: www.darkskyAlqueva.com.
Canon 50D – ISO 2000 f/4 10mm Exp. 30″ Sum of 113 images in a total integration of 56.5 minutes. in 25-02-2012 between 2:43 and 3:47
Trails Above the Stones
Image from Monsaraz region, one of the locations covered by the great Dark Sky Reserve area and that had the best dark sky measures in the process of Starlight validation.
Covering 3000sq km in southern Portugal the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve is the first area in the world to be internationally certified as a Starlight Tourism Destination by the Starlight Foundation. More info at: www.darkskyAlqueva.com.
Canon 50D – ISO 1250 f/4 10mm Exp. 30″ Sum of 165 images in a total integration of 82.5 minutes. in 25-02-2012 between 0:17 and 1:46
Starry Vortex
Image from Monsaraz region, one of the locations covered by the great Dark Sky Reserve area and that had the best dark sky measures in the process of Starlight validation.
Covering 3000sq km in southern Portugal the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve is the first area in the world to be internationally certified as a Starlight Tourism Destination by the Starlight Foundation. More info at: www.darkskyAlqueva.com.
Canon 50D – ISO 1250 f/4 10mm Exp. 30″ Sum of 36 images in a total integration of 18 minutes. in 24-02-2012 between 23:37 and 23:56
Cromelech Xarez in Black and White
Image from Monsaraz region, one of the locations covered by the great Dark Sky Reserve area and that had the best dark sky measures in the process of Starlight validation.
Covering 3000sq km in southern Portugal the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve is the first area in the world to be internationally certified as a Starlight Tourism Destination by the Starlight Foundation. More info at: www.darkskyAlqueva.com.
Canon 50D – ISO1250mm 10mm F/4 Exp.30s in 24-02-2012 at 22:54
