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
Earthshine above Antu VLT Telescope
Lunar Earthshine above Antu VLT Telescope, during the nautical twilight. The Very Large Telescope (VLT) is a telescope operated by the ESO – European Southern Observatory on Cerro Paranal in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The VLT is the world’s most advanced optical instrument, consisting of four Unit Telescopes with main mirrors of 8.2m diameter, which are generally used separately but can be used together to achieve very high angular resolution. The four separate optical telescopes are known as Antu, Kueyen, Melipal and Yepun, which are all words for astronomical objects in the Mapuche language, with optical elements that can combine them into an astronomical interferometer (VLTI), which is used to resolve small objects. The interferometer is complemented by four movable Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs) of 1.8 m aperture.
The 8.2m diameter Unit Telescopes can also be used individually. With one such telescope, images of celestial objects as faint as magnitude 30 can be obtained in a one-hour exposure. This corresponds to seeing objects that are four billion (four thousand million) times fainter than what can be seen with the unaided eye. The telescopes can work together, to form a giant ‘interferometer’, the ESO Very Large Telescope Interferometer, allowing astronomers to see details up to 25 times finer than with the individual telescopes. The light beams are combined in the VLTI using a complex system of mirrors in underground tunnels where the light paths must be kept equal to distances less than 1/1000 mm over a hundred metres. With this kind of precision the VLTI can reconstruct images with an angular resolution of milliarcseconds, equivalent to distinguishing the two headlights of a car at the distance of the Moon.
Image taken taken in 15/10/2015 from Cerro Paranal, Atacama desert, Chile.
A Romantic Scene in a Lovely Sky
In this colorful lovely scene captured at the twilight, we can see two skywatchers enjoying his passion about the Universe, with a Crescent Moon shining between the clouds and above the Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs) of VLT.
The Very Large Telescope (VLT) is a telescope operated by the ESO – European Southern Observatory on Cerro Paranal in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The VLT is the world’s most advanced optical instrument, consisting of four Unit Telescopes with main mirrors of 8.2m diameter, which are generally used separately but can be used together to achieve very high angular resolution. The four separate optical telescopes are known as Antu, Kueyen, Melipal and Yepun, which are all words for astronomical objects in the Mapuche language, with optical elements that can combine them into an astronomical interferometer (VLTI), which is used to resolve small objects. The interferometer is complemented by four movable Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs) of 1.8 m aperture. The 8.2m diameter Unit Telescopes can also be used individually. With one such telescope, images of celestial objects as faint as magnitude 30 can be obtained in a one-hour exposure. This corresponds to seeing objects that are four billion (four thousand million) times fainter than what can be seen with the unaided eye. The telescopes can work together, to form a giant ‘interferometer’, the ESO Very Large Telescope Interferometer, allowing astronomers to see details up to 25 times finer than with the individual telescopes. The light beams are combined in the VLTI using a complex system of mirrors in underground tunnels where the light paths must be kept equal to distances less than 1/1000 mm over a hundred metres. With this kind of precision the VLTI can reconstruct images with an angular resolution of milliarcseconds, equivalent to distinguishing the two headlights of a car at the distance of the Moon.
Image taken taken in 16/10/2015 from Cerro Paranal, Atacama desert, Chile.
Skygazing on Cerro Paranal Observatory
A guide from ESO is relaxing and enjoying the beautiful and impressive sky of Cerro Paranal while is waiting for a better condition in the weather forecast. In the Background, an unusual cloudy sky is hiding part of the Milky Way, while the moon shines behind the moving clouds, illuminating the closed dome of the Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs) of 1.8 m aperture.
The Very Large Telescope (VLT) is a telescope operated by the ESO – European Southern Observatory on Cerro Paranal in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The VLT is the world’s most advanced optical instrument, consisting of four Unit Telescopes with main mirrors of 8.2m diameter, which are generally used separately but can be used together to achieve very high angular resolution. The four separate optical telescopes are known as Antu, Kueyen, Melipal and Yepun, which are all words for astronomical objects in the Mapuche language, with optical elements that can combine them into an astronomical interferometer (VLTI), which is used to resolve small objects. The interferometer is complemented by four movable Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs) of 1.8 m aperture. The 8.2m diameter Unit Telescopes can also be used individually. With one such telescope, images of celestial objects as faint as magnitude 30 can be obtained in a one-hour exposure. This corresponds to seeing objects that are four billion (four thousand million) times fainter than what can be seen with the unaided eye. The telescopes can work together, to form a giant ‘interferometer’, the ESO Very Large Telescope Interferometer, allowing astronomers to see details up to 25 times finer than with the individual telescopes. The light beams are combined in the VLTI using a complex system of mirrors in underground tunnels where the light paths must be kept equal to distances less than 1/1000 mm over a hundred metres. With this kind of precision the VLTI can reconstruct images with an angular resolution of milliarcseconds, equivalent to distinguishing the two headlights of a car at the distance of the Moon.
Image taken taken in 16/10/2015 from Cerro Paranal, Atacama desert, Chile.
Reddish Airglow in a Fulldome view of Very Large Telescope
In this fish-eye fulldome picture, we can see a partial cloudy sky, that can promote sometimes the appearance of a beautiful show. Specially, if we have a night of Moonlight that can illuminate and show a strange game of ghostly shapes in the clouds. In the background a starry sky with a shy Milky Way is showing a strong presence of reddish airglow in the opposite direction of the Very Large Telescope.
The Very Large Telescope (VLT) is a telescope operated by the ESO – European Southern Observatory on Cerro Paranal in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The VLT is the world’s most advanced optical instrument, consisting of four Unit Telescopes with main mirrors of 8.2m diameter, which are generally used separately but can be used together to achieve very high angular resolution. The four separate optical telescopes are known as Antu, Kueyen, Melipal and Yepun, which are all words for astronomical objects in the Mapuche language, with optical elements that can combine them into an astronomical interferometer (VLTI), which is used to resolve small objects. The interferometer is complemented by four movable Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs) of 1.8 m aperture. The 8.2m diameter Unit Telescopes can also be used individually. With one such telescope, images of celestial objects as faint as magnitude 30 can be obtained in a one-hour exposure. This corresponds to seeing objects that are four billion (four thousand million) times fainter than what can be seen with the unaided eye. The telescopes can work together, to form a giant ‘interferometer’, the ESO Very Large Telescope Interferometer, allowing astronomers to see details up to 25 times finer than with the individual telescopes. The light beams are combined in the VLTI using a complex system of mirrors in underground tunnels where the light paths must be kept equal to distances less than 1/1000 mm over a hundred metres. With this kind of precision the VLTI can reconstruct images with an angular resolution of milliarcseconds, equivalent to distinguishing the two headlights of a car at the distance of the Moon.
Image taken taken in 16/10/2015 from Cerro Paranal, Atacama desert, Chile.
Stunning view of the Milky Way above ALMA along with the Moonset
In the background we can see the heart of our Galaxy full of gas and dust, star clusters and emission nebulae, as well as the orange star Antares from Scorpius constellation and the dark dust that connects this region to the main arm of Milky Way. Below at right, a faint white light called the Zodiacal Light is very well visible, coming up as a backlight behind the antenna of ALMA (DV-21) with12 meters in diameter, is capturing the wavelengths from vast cold clouds in the interstellar space. Above the horizon we also can see an orange glow coming from the moonset. This are the first tests to experiment the largest configuration that ALMA can support, with antennas spread over distances up to 16 km. The array thus simulates a giant, single telescope much larger than any that could actually be built. In fact, ALMA has a maximum resolution which is even better than that achieved, at visible wavelengths, by the Hubble Space Telescope.
The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is an astronomical interferometer of radio telescopes in the Atacama desert of northern Chile. Since a high and dry site is crucial to millimeter wavelength operations, the array has been constructed on the Chajnantor plateau at 5,000 meters altitude, near Llano de Chajnantor Observatory and Atacama Pathfinder Experiment. Consisting of 66 12-meter (39 ft), and 7-meter (23 ft) diameter radio telescopes observing at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths, ALMA is expected to provide insight on star birth during the early universe and detailed imaging of local star and planet formation. ALMA is a single telescope of revolutionary design, composed initially of 66 high-precision antennas, and operating at wavelengths of 0.32 to 3.6 mm. Its main 12-metre array has fifty antennas, 12 metres in diameter, acting together as a single telescope — an interferometer. An additional compact array of four 12-metre and twelve 7-metre antennas complements this. The 66 ALMA antennas can be arranged in different configurations, where the maximum distance between antennas can vary from 150 metres to 16 kilometres, which will give ALMA a powerful variable “zoom”. It will be able to probe the Universe at millimetre and submillimetre wavelengths with unprecedented sensitivity and resolution, with a vision up to ten times sharper than the Hubble Space Telescope, and complementing images made with the VLT Interferometer. Light at these wavelengths comes from vast cold clouds in interstellar space, at temperatures only a few tens of degrees above absolute zero, and from some of the earliest and most distant galaxies in the Universe. Astronomers can use it to study the chemical and physical conditions in molecular clouds — the dense regions of gas and dust where new stars are being born. Often these regions of the Universe are dark and obscured in visible light, but they shine brightly in the millimetre and submillimetre part of the spectrum. ALMA is the most powerful telescope for observing the cool Universe — molecular gas and dust. ALMA will study the building blocks of stars, planetary systems, galaxies and life itself. By providing scientists with detailed images of stars and planets being born in gas clouds near our Solar System, and detecting distant galaxies forming at the edge of the observable Universe, which we see as they were roughly ten billion years ago, it lets astronomers address some of the deepest questions of our cosmic origins.
Image taken taken in 14/10/2015 from Chajnantor plateau, Atacama desert, Chile.
Twilight Above the interferometer VLTI
Nautical twilight, above the Very Large Telescope platform. Near the horizon the bright moon is shining above the Antu telescope, the first one near the center. At his left, above the horizon are visible some of the Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs) of 1.8 m aperture. At the right side of Antu, is the telescope Kueyen, with a mirror of 8.2m diameter. Both, are opening and preparing for a night of observations. This telescopes are generally used separately, but can be used together to achieve a very high angular resolution. Looking from outside, they are reflecting a silver color coming from the moon reflection on its metalic surface. In the ground, at the left side of the image, we can see part of the interferometer (VLTI) complex, where the movable Auxiliary Telescopes can be placed.
The Very Large Telescope (VLT) is a telescope operated by the ESO – European Southern Observatory on Cerro Paranal in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The VLT is the world’s most advanced optical instrument, consisting of four Unit Telescopes with main mirrors of 8.2m diameter, which are generally used separately but can be used together to achieve very high angular resolution. The four separate optical telescopes are known as Antu, Kueyen, Melipal and Yepun, which are all words for astronomical objects in the Mapuche language, with optical elements that can combine them into an astronomical interferometer (VLTI), which is used to resolve small objects. The interferometer is complemented by four movable Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs) of 1.8 m aperture. The 8.2m diameter Unit Telescopes can also be used individually. With one such telescope, images of celestial objects as faint as magnitude 30 can be obtained in a one-hour exposure. This corresponds to seeing objects that are four billion (four thousand million) times fainter than what can be seen with the unaided eye. The telescopes can work together, to form a giant ‘interferometer’, the ESO Very Large Telescope Interferometer, allowing astronomers to see details up to 25 times finer than with the individual telescopes. The light beams are combined in the VLTI using a complex system of mirrors in underground tunnels where the light paths must be kept equal to distances less than 1/1000 mm over a hundred metres. With this kind of precision the VLTI can reconstruct images with an angular resolution of milliarcseconds, equivalent to distinguishing the two headlights of a car at the distance of the Moon.
Image taken taken in 15/10/2015 from Cerro Paranal, Atacama desert, Chile.
Very Large Telescope Platform in the Twilight
Nautical twilight, above the Very Large Telescope platform. Near the horizon the bright moon is shining above the Antu telescope, the first one near the center. At his left, above the horizon are visible some of the Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs) of 1.8 m aperture. At the right side of Antu, the telescopes Kueyen, Melipal and Yepun, with mirrors of 8.2m diameter, are opening and preparing for a night of observations. This telescopes are generally used separately, but can be used together to achieve a very high angular resolution. Looking from outside, they are reflecting a silver color coming from the moon reflection on its metalic surface. In the ground, at the left side of the image, we can see part of the interferometer (VLTI) complex, where the movable Auxiliary Telescopes can be placed.
The Very Large Telescope (VLT) is a telescope operated by the ESO – European Southern Observatory on Cerro Paranal in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The 8.2m diameter Unit Telescopes can also be used individually. With one such telescope, images of celestial objects as faint as magnitude 30 can be obtained in a one-hour exposure. This corresponds to seeing objects that are four billion (four thousand million) times fainter than what can be seen with the unaided eye. The telescopes can work together, to form a giant ‘interferometer’, the ESO Very Large Telescope Interferometer, allowing astronomers to see details up to 25 times finer than with the individual telescopes. The light beams are combined in the VLTI using a complex system of mirrors in underground tunnels where the light paths must be kept equal to distances less than 1/1000 mm over a hundred meters. With this kind of precision the VLTI can reconstruct images with an angular resolution of milliarcseconds, equivalent to distinguishing the two headlights of a car at the distance of the Moon.
Image taken taken in 15/10/2015 from Cerro Paranal, Atacama desert, Chile.
Stargazing with Passion – Twilight and Crescent Moon on VLT
In this colorful lovely scene captured at the twilight, we can see two skywatchers enjoying his passion about the Universe, with a Crescent Moon shining between the clouds and above the Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs) of VLT.
The Very Large Telescope (VLT) is a telescope operated by the ESO – European Southern Observatory on Cerro Paranal in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The VLT is the world’s most advanced optical instrument, consisting of four Unit Telescopes with main mirrors of 8.2m diameter, which are generally used separately but can be used together to achieve very high angular resolution. The four separate optical telescopes are known as Antu, Kueyen, Melipal and Yepun, which are all words for astronomical objects in the Mapuche language, with optical elements that can combine them into an astronomical interferometer (VLTI), which is used to resolve small objects. The interferometer is complemented by four movable Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs) of 1.8 m aperture. The 8.2m diameter Unit Telescopes can also be used individually. With one such telescope, images of celestial objects as faint as magnitude 30 can be obtained in a one-hour exposure. This corresponds to seeing objects that are four billion (four thousand million) times fainter than what can be seen with the unaided eye. The telescopes can work together, to form a giant ‘interferometer’, the ESO Very Large Telescope Interferometer, allowing astronomers to see details up to 25 times finer than with the individual telescopes. The light beams are combined in the VLTI using a complex system of mirrors in underground tunnels where the light paths must be kept equal to distances less than 1/1000 mm over a hundred metres. With this kind of precision the VLTI can reconstruct images with an angular resolution of milliarcseconds, equivalent to distinguishing the two headlights of a car at the distance of the Moon.
Image taken taken in 16/10/2015 from Cerro Paranal, Atacama desert, Chile.
Milky Way Arc above the Yepun and VST Telescopes
Milky Way arc of gas and dust lying behind the Yepun (UT4) VLT Telescope, in the foreground, while it is capturing the light coming from deep space. Below left we can see the bright light of the moon and above it, the planet Saturn. At the right edge of the image, we can see the VLT Survey Telescope (VST), that is the latest telescope to be added to ESO’s Paranal Observatory in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. Above the VST is shinning the bright star Vega, forming in the upper right area, the well known asterism as The Summer Triangle.
The Very Large Telescope (VLT) is a telescope operated by the ESO – European Southern Observatory on Cerro Paranal in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. The VLT is the world’s most advanced optical instrument, consisting of four Unit Telescopes with main mirrors of 8.2m diameter, which are generally used separately but can be used together to achieve very high angular resolution. The four separate optical telescopes are known as Antu, Kueyen, Melipal and Yepun, which are all words for astronomical objects in the Mapuche language, with optical elements that can combine them into an astronomical interferometer (VLTI), which is used to resolve small objects. The interferometer is complemented by four movable Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs) of 1.8 m aperture. The 8.2m diameter Unit Telescopes can also be used individually. With one such telescope, images of celestial objects as faint as magnitude 30 can be obtained in a one-hour exposure. This corresponds to seeing objects that are four billion (four thousand million) times fainter than what can be seen with the unaided eye. The telescopes can work together, to form a giant ‘interferometer’, the ESO Very Large Telescope Interferometer, allowing astronomers to see details up to 25 times finer than with the individual telescopes. The light beams are combined in the VLTI using a complex system of mirrors in underground tunnels where the light paths must be kept equal to distances less than 1/1000 mm over a hundred metres. With this kind of precision the VLTI can reconstruct images with an angular resolution of milliarcseconds, equivalent to distinguishing the two headlights of a car at the distance of the Moon.
Image taken taken in 15/10/2015 from Cerro Paranal, Atacama desert, Chile.
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
The Red Moment of the Totality
The total lunar eclipse of 28th september was very unusual because coincided to the moon perigee (supermoon). A close-up view of the same moment, showing its dark red color. Because of its closeness to Earth, a supermoon passes deeper into the shadow of our planet.
Taken in Canary Island in 28/09/2015 at 4h AM. Canon 60Da – 400mm at F/5.6 Exp. 1 sec – ISO 2500. Vixen Polarie – Tracking mount.
Total Lunar Eclipse of 2015
As seen as Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD), the total lunar eclipse of 28th september was very unusual because coincided to the moon perigee (supermoon). At left, Capturing the sequence of the totality in the Canary island of La Palma, this little planet shows also the approximate size of our Earth when compared to the Moon, that can be seen at the right side of the image, in a close-up view of the same moment, showing its dark red color. Because of its closeness to Earth, a supermoon passes deeper into the shadow of our planet.
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).
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
The Cathedral of Évora with a Moon Green Flash
In this picture captured from Évora, we can see the Moon rise one day after it reach is fullness. This first Full Moon of the year is well known as the Wolf Moon. At the left and in comparing with this big Moon captured with a 560mm telescope 2.4km away from the local, we can see the top of Évora´s Cathedral (Portuguese: Sé de Évora), that is one of the oldest and most important monuments in the city of Évora, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. Dated from 12th century, It is the largest of the mediaeval cathedrals in Portugal, and one of its best examples of Gothic architecture. Regarding this almost Full Moon, we can see a top dispersion that creates normally a green rim. But a more powerful mirage seems to vertically magnified the rim into a green flash, visible in the top limb of the Moon.
More info about a Green Rim: http://www.atoptics.co.uk/atoptics/gf15.htm | Canon 50D – ISO1600; Exp. 1/10 secs. f/7 at 560mm ( Astro Professional APO ED80) single exposure taken in 05/01/2015 at 18h14m.
Biggest & Brightest Full Moon of the Year 2014
Image of the biggest and brightest full Moon of the year 2014, captured on August 10. Astronomers call it a perigee moon, but the popular term is “supermoon.” The image was captured from Alqueva, Dark Sky Reserve, Portugal on 10/09/2014 at 20:39. Canon 50D – ISO640; Exp. 1/400 secs. f/7 at 560mm ( Astro Professional APO ED80).
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
Moon and Mars above the lake
Image taken in a small lagoon of Cimeira dam, in the top of Alvão mountain range, Vila Real, Portugal, situated in a height of about 1060 meters above the sea level. In the sky, is visible the full moon between the clouds, and the bright orange planet Mars. Canon 60D – ISO800; 16mm at f/2.8; Exp. 8 secs. Taken in 9-06-2014 at 00:10 AM.
Crescent Moon and Jupiter in the Twilight of Fonte-de-Telha
Sequence of a Crescent Moon Earthshine, captured in the nautical twilight until the moon sets behind the trees of a small pine forest in Fonte-de-Telha, Almada. Portugal, facing to the Atlantic Ocean. Above the Moon and the treetop, is visible the disc of planet Jupiter, accompanied with two of its main moons (Ganymede and Europa).
Canon 50D – ISO640; Exp. 4 secs. f/3.5 at 70mm. In 31/05/2014 at 21:37. Sequence of 858 images.
“Honey Moon” in Lisbon
Canon 60Da – ISO1000; Exp. 1/40s; f/2.8 at 200mm Canon L lens (f/2.8). In 13/06/2014 at 21:33
The Full Moon of June – Friday 13th – 2014, well know as “Honey Moon”, was captured in Lisbon, from Algés region. “With the sun’s path across the sky at its highest during this month of the summer solstice, the moon is at its lowest, which keeps the lunar orb close to the horizon and makes it appear more amber than other full moons this year.” (NG). In the foreground we can see the Christ the King monument, in Lisbon, in a clifftop 133 metres above the sea, and behind it, the full moon rising in the east horizon.
The study predictions for this particular position have been kindly maded by my friend and portuguese author of many astronomy books, Dr. Guilherme de Almeida. Thank you Guilherme for the great spot you found. Image below: Canon 50D – ISO2000; Exp. 1/15 secs. f/7 at 560mm ( Astro Professional APO ED80). In 13/06/2014 at 21:34
See below the poster with the entire sequence image, made this night. More image here
A Monumental Full Moon
Canon 50D – ISO2500; Exp. 1/20 secs. f/7 at 560mm ( Astro Professional APO ED80). In 13/06/2014 at 21:38
The Full Moon of June – Friday 13th – 2014, well know as “Honey Moon”, was captured in Lisbon, from Algés region. “With the sun’s path across the sky at its highest during this month of the summer solstice, the moon is at its lowest, which keeps the lunar orb close to the horizon and makes it appear more amber than other full moons this year.” (NG). In the foreground we can see the Christ the King monument, in Lisbon, in a clifftop 133 meters above the sea, and behind it, the full moon rising in the east horizon.
The study predictions for this particular position have been kindly maded by my friend and portuguese author of many astronomy books, Dr. Guilherme de Almeida. Thank you Guilherme for the great spot you found.
See below the poster with the entire sequence image, made this night. More image here.
Ferry Moon
The May´s Moon captured in the twilight and 34 minutes after reaching their total fullness, with the disk 100% illuminated by the Sun, rising above Barreiro city, in Setúbal, Portugal, visible in the horizon with one of its Ferry boats crossing the Tagus River in the foreground. Canon 60Da – ISO400; Exp. 1/125s; f/4.5 at 200mm Canon L lens (f/2.8).
The Moonlight from Miradouro de Santa Iria – Azores
In this Moonlight scene captured in Miradouro de Santa Iria, Azores, facing to west , the moon is bright enough to light up the green mountain hill and the Atlantic Ocean. Between the clear and cloudy sky we can find in the left corner, the star Procyon, next and above the moon, shines the light of planet Jupiter. In the center is visible Capella star. Above the horizon the light pollution are coming from Ribeira Grande, as well from Lagoa and Ponta Delgada.
Azores, is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal, composed of nine volcanic islands situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, is located about 1,360 km west of continental Portugal, about 880 km (550 mi) northwest of Madeira, and about 1,925 km southeast of Newfoundland.There are nine major Azorean islands and an islet cluster, in three main groups. These are Flores and Corvo, to the west; Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial in the centre; and São Miguel, Santa Maria, and the Formigas Reef to the east. They extend for more than 600 km and lie in a northwest-southeast direction.
Canon 50D – ISO1600; 10mm at f/4; Exp. 55 secs. in 03/05/2014 at 23:25. Captured with Travel Mount Vixen Polarie.
A colorful Moontrail above S. Miguel island – Azores
In this full star/moon trail, we can see the different colors from each type of star. This scene captured in Miradouro de Santa Iria – Azores, shows a long exposure (integration) starting at the nautical twilgiht until the moonset behind a the cloudy sky, reflecting the light pollution coming from Ribeira Grande, as well from Lagoa and Ponta Delgada. The strong small path near the moon in the top edge of the image, belongs to planet Jupiter.
Azores, is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal, composed of nine volcanic islands situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, is located about 1,360 km west of continental Portugal, about 880 km (550 mi) northwest of Madeira, and about 1,925 km southeast of Newfoundland.There are nine major Azorean islands and an islet cluster, in three main groups. These are Flores and Corvo, to the west; Graciosa, Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, and Faial in the centre; and São Miguel, Santa Maria, and the Formigas Reef to the east. They extend for more than 600 km and lie in a northwest-southeast direction.
The vast extent of the islands defines an immense exclusive economic zone of 1,100,000 km2 (420,000 sq mi). The westernmost point of this area is 3,380 km (2,100 mi) from the North American continent. All the islands have volcanic origins, although some, such as Santa Maria, have had no recorded activity since the islands were settled. Mount Pico, on the island of Pico, is the highest point in Portugal, at 2,351 m. The Azores are actually some of the tallest mountains on the planet, measured from their base at the bottom of the ocean to their peaks, which thrust high above the surface of the Atlantic.
Canon 60Da – ISO1000; 24mm at f/2.8; Exp. 15 secs. in 02/05/2014. Sum of 314 images taken between 22:47 and 00:17 AM. Total time integration of 79 minutes.
The Passion of night sky photography
My friend and TWAN photographer Babak Tafreshi, practicing his passion for astronomy and photography, capturing the beauty of the night sky in a moonlight scene over the Atlantic Ocean, in Miradouro de Santa Iria, Azores island. Canon 50D – ISO800; 24mm at f/4; Exp. 13 secs. in 02/05/2014 at 23:37
Worm Moon in the Lighthouse
This March Full Moon, well known as “Worm Moon”, for signaling the coming of spring in the northern hemisphere, was captured near the top of Cape Espichel lighthouse. Opened in 1790, in 1865 was powered by olive oil, changing to fuel in 1886, when its light began to be fueled by glowing vapor of oil, much later in 1926 by electricity. Measures 32 meters high and lies at an altitude of 168m above the see level. Presently, its luminous range is 42 nautical miles, about 67 km.
Canon 50D – Two combined exposures taken at approximately the same time. ISO 1000; 1/4 sec plus ISo 640; 1/80 sec with an ED80 APO refractor Astro Professional 560mm at f/7 in 16/03/2014 at 20:22. Cabo Espichel, Sesimbra, Portugal.
Full Worm Moon Sequence in the Lighthouse
The full Moon in this sequence, well known as “Worm Moon”, for signaling the coming of spring in the northern hemisphere, was captured in Cape Espichel lighthouse. Opened in 1790, in 1865 was powered by olive oil, changing to fuel in 1886, when its light began to be fueled by glowing vapor of oil, much later in 1926 by electricity. Measures 32 meters high and lies at an altitude of 168m above the see level. Presently, its luminous range is 42 nautical miles, about 67 km.
Canon 60Da – 35mm at f/4 ISO500; 1/5 sec. Sequence of 93 images with 2-minute intervals each other, taken in 16/03/2014 between 19:16 and 20:42. Cabo Espichel, Sesimbra, Portugal.
The First Quarter Moon
Image of the Moon one day before reaching the “First Quarter”, with the disc 44% illuminated by the sun, the moon was at a distance of about 396.512km from Earth, with an apparent diameter of 30.27´arc minutes. In this phase, we could see a lot of craters due to the game of light and shadows on its surface. Canon 50D + Maksutov telescope F=1250 mm in a Vixen GP2 Photo Guider S tracking mount. ISO 1000; f/ 13.8; Exp: 1/80 sec. in 07/03/2014 at 23:08. Median Sum of 10 images in Maxim DL.
Below is the annotated version to help identifying some of them, as well as the Apollo II mission base.
The Moonset over the Ocean
Picture of the Moonset facing to the Atlantic Ocean, captured from Fonte-de-telha pine forest, in Portugal. Below is a Short time lapse movie of the scene. Taken in 13/02/2013 between 21h34 and 21h59. The motion during the sequence was made with the use of Vixen Polarie travel mount, following the Crescent Moon. Canon 60Da ISO500 f/4; Exp:10 sec. 35mm.
Moon Earthshine – The Leonardo Da Vinci phenomenon
Seems that this February 1st, the Moon was almost Full and the calendar were wrong…or maybe not ? Actually it was right, in this smile view of the moon captured from Almada, Portugal, I could see the night side of the Moon very well illuminated by the Earth reflected light, like if it was Full Moon. This impressive phenomenon known as Earthshine, was described and drawn for the first time, by the great Leonardo Da Vinci about 500 years ago on his book Codex Leicester. Leonardo da Vinci explained the phenomenon in the early 16th century when he realized that both Earth and the Moon reflect sunlight at the same time. Light is reflected from the Earth to the Moon and back to the Earth as earthshine.
To increase the faint details, I had to made a long exposure of about 6 seconds with a Vixen GP2 Photo Guider S tracking mount, using a Astro Professional ED80 APO telescope with 570mm f/7 and a Canon 50D – ISO 400; Exp: 6 sec. in 01/02/2014 at 19:17
UFO Moon in Los Andenes
This “UFO” view of the Moon above the rocks between Los Andenes and Roque de Los Muchachos, in La Palma Canary island, shows a stargazer that seems to come down from another planet. Above the moon – In the middle of the sky – the brightest star is actually the planet Jupiter that is in conjunction with the star Wasat, from Gemini constellation. The brightest star in the right top corner of the image, is Betelgeuse, from Orion constellation.
| Canon 50D – ISO2500; 10mm at f/4; Exp. 30 secs. in 30/09/2013 at: 5h00 AM
A Quiet Moon Scene in La Palma
This picture shows a quiet moon scene viewed from Mirador de Las Ventas, in La Palma, the Canary islands, while some photographers are enjoying and capturing his own views of the moon between the clouds, and reflected in the Atlantic Ocean.
Canon 50D – ISO1000; 24mm at f/4; Exp. 8 secs. in 26/09/2013 at: 1h28 AM
Lost in the Beach – Planets Alignment wiht Crescent Moon
I could be “lost in the beach” on the evening of 7 September, but actually I was claiming such a beautiful peaceful moment, enjoying the alignment between planets, Saturn (in the top left corner), Venus and Spica star (in the center image), and as it we following down this imagined diagonal line, we can finally find the Crescent Moon above the horizon.
Canon 50D – ISO160; f/4; Exp. 1.30 seconds for each sequence “startrail” image; at 24mm. Picture taken in 07-09-2013 at 20h38
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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:
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
The Super Full Moon of 2013
Picture of the Largest Moon of 2013. This “Super Moon” was 14% bigger and 30% brighter than other full Moons of 2013, was captured 2 km away from the subject, the Sesimbra´s Moorish castle. This huge Full Moon could be seen in the picture rising above the church Nossa Senhora do Castelo. It stands on the spot where king Sancho I built a Romanesque chapel in the early 13th century.
Canon 50D – ISO640; 1/80 sec. + ED80 APO refractor Astro Professional 560mm at f/7 taken in 23/06/2013 at 21h22
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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
From Moon to the Planets
Panoramic view over Almada City and Lisbon at the Nautical Twilight, with the Full moon rising above the Eastern horizon (right side of the image), while at the same time but in the opposite direction, the planets Venus, Mercury and Jupiter, are aligned in a triangle formation, setting in the Western horizon (left side of the image).In this panoramic picture is also visible the smooth light transition in the sky, with the end of Nautical Twilight and the beginning of Astronomical Twilight (almost night), at right. Facing to North, is visible the great lighted Monument Christ the King and at the left side of it, part of the 25 April Bridge that connects Almada to Lisbon.
Canon 50D – ISO200; f/4; Exp. 1,6 Sec; 35mm. Panoramic of 10 images with about 200º, taken at 21h42 in 25/05/2013. Below is the image with identification:
Photographing a beautiful twilight
Self portrait of the conjunction between Jupiter (the Brightest star in the image) and Crescent Moon with the disc only 3% illuminated by the Sun. Near the horizon, is visible the city of Lisbon.
Canon 50D – ISO400; Exp. 1,6sec. F/4; 35mm. 11/05/2013 21h48
A “Macro” Picture of the Moon – Planets Alignment
Self portrait of the conjunction between Jupiter (the Brightest star in the image) and Crescent Moon with the disc only 3% illuminated by the Sun, and where is visible the Earthshine effect. Venus, also in conjunction, was covered by the cloudy band in the Lisbon horizon. While I was enjoying this beautiful and gold moment, holding my camera, I remembered to take a “Macro photo of the moon, maybe the first macro-moon shot from planet earth :=) “, but is it possible ?, yes it is, just take a look to the second picture, I only have to approach my lens camera, to the lunar limb :=) Images taken from Capuchos, Almada, Portugal.
Canon 50D – ISO400; Exp. 2sec. F/4; 35mm. 11/05/2013 21h41 and 21h43.
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Jupiter, Moon Earthshine and Venus, Aligned in Capuchos
Alignment between Jupiter, Crescent Moon and Venus, captured from Capuchos village, in Almada, Portugal. Jupiter is the bright star in the left upper corner. Venus is the bright star near the yellow/orange sky, and the cloudy band. Near the horizon is visible the city of Lisbon.
Canon 50D – ISO200; Exp. 1.3sec. f/4 at 35mm. In 11/05/2013 at 21:24
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
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
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
Capturing the Earthshine and Pleiades above the bridge
During one of my astrophotography workshops, I had the opportunity to catch the moment when one participant was photographing the Earthshine and Crescent Moon in conjunction with the open clusters Pleiades (M45), above the 25 April bridge, in Lisbon.
Canon 50D – ISO800, f/2.8; Exp. 1s ; 24mm. 13/04/2013 at 21h51.
Lisbon Moonset
Short sequence of the moon while the Earthshine effect is visible on its surface, the moon is passing behind the 25 April Bridge, until it sets behind the Lisbon city, after the passing of a huge cargo boat moving across Tagus river.
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”.
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
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
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
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
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
Big Full Moon
Imagem da maior lua cheia de 2012. Fotografada em 5 de Maio. Canon 50D -ISO1250 a 1250mm F/13.8 Exp.1/40s
A Moon magical moment, in Almourol Castle
The castle of Almourol is one of the more emblematic and cenographic medieval military monuments of the reconquest, and the best representation of the influence of the Knights Templar in Portugal. Located on a small islet in the middle of the Tagus River, in Vila Nova da Barquinha, in the centre region of the country. The castle was conquered in 1129 and it was part of the defensive line controlled by the Knights Templar, and a stronghold used during the Portuguese reconquest.
In this magical black and white scene, is visible the Moon and above it, the planet mars.
Canon 50D – ISO500 f/4.5 12mm Exp.20″ in 01-05-2012 at 2h06 am.
The Bridge Between Moon and Jupiter
Image of the Crescent Moon with only 1% of the disc iluminated by the Sun, and where it is clearly visible the Earthshine effect. Below the bridge we can see the Planet Jupiter. The image was taken from Almada, facing to Lisbon and to the 25 April bridge.
Canon 50D – ISO500 F/4.5 133mm Exp. 2″ in 22/04/2012 at 21h20
The Spring Moon
The Full Moon between a great formation of clouds, seen from Portugal. This first full Moon of northern spring, is called the “Egg Moon” for being associated with Easter.
Sum of 3 images, taken at the same time but with differents exposures to get detail in the moon as well as in the clouds around it. 06-04-2012 at 20:40
For clouds:
Canon 50D ISO800 f/8 500mm Exp. 0.6″
For Moon:
Canon 50D ISO500 f/8 500mm Exp. 1/100s
Bridge Night Show
Conjunction between Jupiter and Crescent Moon, with the 25 April Bridge, in Lisbon as a background.
Canon 50D- ISO200 f/2.8 Exp. 2.5″ in 25/03/2012 at 21:12
Diana´s Temple Moon – Évora
The Roman Temple of Évora (Portuguese: Templo romano de Évora), also referred to as the Temple of Diana (Diana, was the ancient Roman goddess of the moon, the hunt, and chastity) is an ancient temple in the Portuguese city of Évora.Specialists believe that the temple as been constructed around the first century A.D. in homage to Augustus who was venerated as a god during and after his rule. The temple is part of the historical centre of the city, which was included in the classification by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.It represents one of the most significant landmarks relating to the Roman and Lusitania civilizations of Évora, in Portuguese territory. In the sky we could see the path of the Moon and above it, the bright trail of planet Mars.
Canon 50D – ISO125 f/10 15mm Exp.20″ in 08-03-2012. Sum of 307 images taken between 21h47 and 23h39, in a total time integration of about 102 minutes.
Super Full Moon 2012
Imagem da maior lua cheia de 2012. Fotografada em 5 de Maio. Mosaico de 9 imagens, com uma distância focal de 2500mm a f/27.6. Canon 50D -ISO1600 + Meade ETX90 1250mm F/13.8 + Barlow Celestron 2x Exp.1/60s
Full Moon Cathedral – Évora
Full Moon behind the Cathedral of Évora situated in the historical centre of the city, which was included in the classification by UNESCO, as a World Heritage Site.
Canon 50D – ISO640 f/10 92mm Exp.5″ in 08-03-2012 at 21h11
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
Venus, Jupiter and Moon in the Nautical Twilight
In this image obtained in the nautical twilight, from Almada, Portugal, we can see at left, the path of planet Venus and a few degrees of the Moon, more precisely on it´s left, the path of the planet Jupiter. The photography sequence is the result of the sum of 111 images at intervals of 3 minutes between each, and for about 5 hours, from 18h45 until 00h13, when the moon disappears behind the city buildings.
Canon 50D -ISO400 20mm F/5.6 Exp.2″. Image taken in 29/01/2012
Two friends in the Sky, two friends on Earth
In this lovely night after Christmas, Me and my old friend José Formiga went outside to watch a great conjunction between our crescent Moon and planet Venus. To enjoy the show, we choose a small pine forest at Fonte-de-Telha, facing to the Atlantic Ocean. At left, I point to Venus, at my right, José point his finger to the Moon.
Canon 50D- ISO640 f/5 Exp. 8″ 14mm lens in 26/12/2011 at 18h20.
Crescent Moon and Venus at the Ocean
In the image we could see the Crescent Moon in the Sagittarius constellation, and below them, 3º above the horizon, the planet Venus. The Moon shows a strong Earthshine effect, for being just 9% directly iluminated by the Sun. The image was taken in Costa da Caparica beach, facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Canon 50D- ISO640 f/2.5 Exp. 3.2″ 50mm lens in 27/11/2011 at 18h25.
Last Quarter Moon
Imagem da Lua em quarto minguante cerca de 50% iluminada, obtida a partir de Almada, no passado dia 20 de Outubro de 2011 pela 01h24. Canon 50D -ISO800 + Meade ETX90 1250mm F/13.8 Exp.1/80s
Moon and Saturn falling in the Ocean
Rasto da Lua e do planeta Saturno a pôr-se na região do Oceano Atlântico. Imagem obtida na Fonte-de-Telha em 03-08-2011 entre as 21h38 e as 22h42. Soma de 331 imagens cada uma de 10 segundos, totalizando uma integração de 55 minutos. São visiveis diversas estrelas como Spica, Porrima, Denebola, Vindemiatrix, Alula Australis e Borealis e o Planeta Saturno.
Canon 50D -ISO400mm a 17mm F/5.6 Exp.10s por cada imagem.
Total Lunar Eclipse 2011
Eclipse Total da Lua, visto a partir do Portinho da Arrábida. Em Portugal, a lua já nasceu eclipsada e na fase da totalidade, sendo possível ver a mudança de tom no rasto à medida que a Lua sai do cone de sombra da Terra, até ao termino do Eclipse. 15-06-2011 entre as 21h43 e as 22h49. Soma de 357 imagens cada uma de 10 segundos, totalizando uma integração de 59.5 minutos.
Canon 50D -ISO200 16mm F/5 Exp.10s por imagem.
Capuchos Crescent Moon
Lua Crescente com o disco apenas 1% iluminado. Imagem obtida nos Capuchos, em Almada. É possível ver ainda a Costa da Caparica e parte de Lisboa, assim como do Oceano Atlântico.
Canon 50D- Exp.3.2″ F/5 ISO500 a 50mm 04-04-11 20h54
Panoramic Full Moon
Panoramic Full Moon image when was at perigee, or closest orbital zone of planet Earth. This was the biggest full moon of the last 20 years, 14% bigger and 30% brighter. The images were obtained at Cape Espichel, Sesimbra, on 19-03-2011.Canon 50D – ISO800 15mm F/6.3 Exp. 25″ às 20:07
Canon 50D – ISO800 15mm F/6.3 Exp. 25″ às 20:07
Jupiter and Crescent Moon
Jupiter e a Lua em fase Crescente junto ao Oceano Atlântico. Imagem obtida na zona da Nato, na Fonte-de-Telha.
Canon 50D -ISO1600 20mm F/5.6 Exp.13s
A Special Full Moon
Imagens de uma Super Lua Cheia no momento em que esta se encontrava no perigeu, ou seja, na zona orbital mais próxima do planeta Terra. Esta é a maior Lua cheia dos últimos cerca de 20 anos, 14% maior e 30% mais brilhante. As imagens foram obtidas no Farol e região do Cabo Espichel, Sesimbra, em 19-03-2011.
Above : Canon 50D – ISO640 92mm F/5 Exp. 2″ às 19:35
Above: Canon 50D – ISO800 16mm F/5 Exp. 20″ às 20:00
Crescent Moon and Earthshine
Imagem da Lua em fase Crescente, com apenas 3% do disco iluminado e onde é visível um forte Earthshine lunar, tornando visível a parte da Lua que nesta fase não se encontra directamente exposta aos raios solares, mas que se torna visível devido à luz reflectida na sua superfície, pelo próprio planeta Terra, que ilumina assim a parte escura da Lua, claramente visível, nesta imagem obtida no Feijó, Almada, em 04-02-2011 às 18h50.
Imagem above: Canon 50D -ISO400 300mm F/5.6 Exp. 2.5″ às 18:50
Image above: Canon 50D -ISO800 300mm F/5.6 Exp. 2″ às 18:58
The other face of the Moon
Lua Cheia por detrás do monumento católico Cristo Rei situado em Almada. Inaugurado em 17 de Maio de 1959 e inspirado no Cristo Redentor do Brasil. Foi mandado construir pelo presidente Salazar. A base de 75 metros de altura foi desenhada pelo arquitecto António Lino e o Cristo de 28 metros de altura, desenhado pelo escultor Francisco Franco de Sousa. Na base do Cristo Rei econtra-se um miradouro a 168 metros do nível da água com uma vista panorâmica sobre Lisboa, o rio Tejo e a ponte 25 de Abril.
Canon 50D-ISO320 214mm F/8 Exp1/20s 23-10-10 21:03h
Crescente Moon and Venus Star Party
Lua Crescente e Vénus na Lagoa de Albufeira, no início da noite de uma Star Party.
Canon 50D-ISO250 50mm F/2 Exp.13s em 11-09-10 20:50
Alinhamento entre Saturno, Marte, Vénus e Lua
Alinhamento entre os planetas Saturno, Vénus, Marte e a Lua. Mercúrio não é visível na imagem por já estar demasiado baixo no horizonte. Imagem obtida na Costa da Caparica.
Canon 50D- Exp.13″ F/5.6 ISO400 20mm 12-08-10 21h3
Iridium Flares 58 e 95
Imagem de dois Iridum Flares o 58 e 95, captados em Vila Boim, no Alentejo. Iridium Flare – Reflexo das Antenas dos satélites artificias.
Iridium58: Canon 50D -ISO800 20mm F/5.6 Exp.30s em 25-07-10 às 23:49
Iridium 95: Canon 50D -ISO800 16mm F/5.6 Exp.29s em 23-07-10 às 23:52
Moon and Jupiter Show
Conjunção entre o planeta Jupiter e a Lua. Imagem obtida na Serra da Arrábida em 04-07-2010 1h32 e 1h38.
Above – Canon 50D – ISO1000 F-5 Exp.-20″ 10mm Lens.
Above – Canon 50D – ISO1000 F-5.6 Exp.-20″ 20mm Lens.
Crescent Moon and Venus over the Lisbon Bridge
Conjunção entre o planeta Vénus e a Lua crescente, sobre a Ponte 25 de Abril, em Lisboa, em 15-06-2010 às 22h02
Canon 50D – ISO500 F-5.6 Exp.-4″ 20mm.
The Moon and Jupiter between the Lighthouse
Alinhamento horizontal entre a Lua e Jupiter. Imagem obtida de madrugada antes do Sol nascer junto do famoso farol do Cabo Espichel. Inaugurado em 1790, em 1865 era alimentado por azeite, mudando de combustível em 1886, quando a sua luz passou a ser alimentada por incandescência de vapor de petróleo e, muito mais tarde em 1926 por electricidade. Mede 32 metros de altura e encontra-se a uma altitude de 168m. Presentemente o seu alcance luminoso é de 42 milhas náuticas, cerca de 67 km.
Canon 50D – ISO400 F-5 Exp.-2.5″ 13mm em 7-06-2010 às 5h31 AM
The Espichel Skygazer
Imagens do Luar numa noite estrelada e simultaneamente enevoada, obtidas na zona rochosa do Cabo Espichel a 168m de altitude.
Above: Canon 50D -ISO800 F/5.6 Exp-30″ 20mm : 02-06-10 às 02h22.
Above: Canon 50D -ISO800 F/5 Exp-30″ 10mm : 02-06-10 às 02h18.
Full Moonrise behind the Castle
Nascer da Lua Cheia por de trás das muralhas do Castelo de Sesimbra no dia 27-05-2010.
Above: Img2037-Canon 50D – ISO400 F-5 Exp-1/3″ 100mm às 21:25
Above: Img1959-Canon 50D – ISO400 F-6.3 Exp-1/15″ 300mm às 21:11
Above: Img2023-Canon 50D – ISO400 F-4.5 Exp-1/6″ 149mm às 21:2
São Jorge Castle´s Skyshow
Imagens obtidas nas muralhas do Castelo de São Jorge, apanhando parte da cidade de Lisboa. No céu, pode ser apreciado um Earthshine lunar numa conjunção entre Vénus e a Lua. Leia mais sobre o Castelo, datado da idade medieval. – Clique aqui.
Above: Canon 50D – ISO400 F-5.6 Exp-5″ 20mm em: 15-05-10 às 21:56
Above: Canon 50D – ISO400 F-5 Exp-4″ 14mm em: 15-05-10 às 21:53
Conjunção entre Vénus e a Lua sobre Lisboa
magens obtidas nas muralhas do Castelo de São Jorge, apanhando parte da cidade e baixa de Lisboa. No céu, pode ser apreciado um Earthshine lunar numa conjunção entre Vénus e a Lua..
Leia mais sobre o Castelo, datado da idade medieval. – Clique aqui.
Canon 50D – ISO400 F-6.3 Exp-4″ 20mm em: 15-05-10 às 21:42
Full Moon Island
Imagem da Lua Cheia nascendo por detrás de uma pequena ilha situada a uma centena de metros do Portinho da Arrábida.
Canon 50D – ISO400 70mm F/4 Exp. 1/160s 27-04-10 às 20:23.
Lua Cheia no Portinho da Arrábida
Imagens da Lua Cheia obtidas no Portinho da Arrábida, uma zona de praia e rochas localizada na Serra da Arrábida, Setúbal. Na sequência de imagens pode ver-se a Lua Cheia e várias estrelas envolventes. As imagens foram captadas durante a noite de 26-04-10 entre as 21h05 e as 21h35, utlizando uma Canon 50D, com uma lente Sigma de 10mm, ISO 400, F4, foram usadas diversas velocidade de disparo.
Lisbon view from the Castle
Panorâmica de 3 imagens a partir do Castelo de São Jorge, apanhando toda a cidade e baixa de Lisboa, a ponte sobre o Tejo e o Cristo Rei. No céu, pode ser apreciado um Earthshine lunar numa conjunção entre Vénus e a Lua.
Leia mais sobre o Castelo, datado da idade medieval. – Clique aqui.
Canon 50D – ISO400 F-5.6 Exp-2.5″ 20mm em: 15-05-10 às 21:33
Lua Selvagem
Lua em fase minguante. Imagem obtida no pinhal da Fonte-da-Telha,
Canon 400D ISO 400 F-5.6 Exp.- 2.5″ a 20mm em 14-12-09. Imagem da direita exposição de 6″. Obtida às 6h51
Halo-Win Moon – Halo Lunar difuso
Halo-Win Moon – Imagem de um halo lunar provocado devido à presença de cristais de gelo na atmosfera, que refractam a luz da Lua. Imagem obtida na noite de Halloween. Canon 400D – ISO400 70mm F/4.5 Exp. 1/4 em 31-10-09 às 20:10 + ISO400 70mm F/22 Exp. 1/10 em 31-10-09 às 20:13.
Conjunção entre a Lua, Mercúrio ,Vénus e Saturno
Conjunção entre a Lua, Mercúrio ,Vénus e Saturno, junto à Fragata D. Fernando II e Glória, atracada em Cacilhas junto ao Rio Tejo. Canon 400D ISO 400 45mm F/14 Exp. 5 ” em 16-10-09 às 7:08
Lua Cheia sobre a Capela do Pragal
Lua Cheia sobre a Capela do Pragal, construída no Sec. XVIII. Canon 400D ISO 400 238mm F/5.6 Exp. 1/8 em 4-10-09 às 20:25
“Harvest Moon” sobre a Ponte 25 de Abril
Lua Cheia fotografada sobre a Ponte 25 de Abril no dia em que é apelidada de “Harvest Moon”, por ser encontrar mais próximo do Equinócio de Outono. Imagem obtida em Almada junto ao Rio Tejo.
Canon 400D ISO 400 22mm F/4.5 Exp. 8 ” em 3-10-09 às 6:07
Romantic Moon Earthshine…
Romantic Moon Earthshine…Imagem obtida no Alentejo. Canon 400D – ISO 400 50mm F/2.5 6.0Sec. 25-07-09 22:02
Climb the stairs and bring me the Moon…
When I took this picture I was in the middle of a farm field, in Alentejo, Portugal. In that moment, I was accompanied by my little niece Debóra, who was eager to see the moon … asked me if the moon was too far from us, and I answered her, depends my baby, the distance could be apparent and relative, but in astronomical terms, the moon is very near us. I will show you… do you want to see? Yes, and i said: So, you just need to climb the stairs and bring me the Moon.
Canon 400D – ISO 200 55mm F/5.6 0.8sec. 24-07-09 21:29
