Portugal’s Dark Sky® Alqueva Observatory Where you Can Enjoy the Stargazing Experience of a Lifetime
Sometimes people ask me what is the best time of the year to watch the stars… and I say: at Dark Sky® Alqueva the stars are shining all year round! The summer sky has its charms but it’s not far behind the beauty of the winter sky, where the most brightest stars are shining among wonderful nebulae such as Orion, allowing a deep magical visual experience. And for those who haven’t had the chance to have the Stargazing Experience of a Lifetime, there’s nothing better than book it now on Dark Sky® Alqueva.
PT: Por vezes perguntam-me qual é a melhor altura do ano para ver as estrelas…e eu digo: no Dark Sky® Alqueva as estrelas brilham todo o ano! O céu de Verão tem os seus encantos mas não fica atrás do céu de Inverno, onde cintilam as estrelas mais bonitas e brilhantes do firmamento e a nebulosa mais rica para uma experiência visual profunda e mágica. E para quem ainda não teve a possibilidade de ter a “Stargazing Experience of a Lifetime”, nada melhor que fazer já a sua reserva no Dark Sky® Alqueva.
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You can choose the best style of print do you preffer to decorate in a fashion way your walls. Metal Prints with durable and vivid colors, Acrylic, Canvas or the highest quality Gallery Print – a 6 colour UV direct printing on acrylic glass (2mm) including light colours and reinforced by an aluminium dibond plate (3mm). Those type of Prints can highlight the final work in an artistic way, showing the photograph as a piece of art. I work with two high quality specialized Labs in US and in Europe, using Kodak Professional Endura Premier Metallic papers and Fujifilm Crystal Archive DP II Professional. You can select the image above or freely navigate to more than 800 photographs available in my gallery – each one with their own story and magic – and choose the photograph you would love to have in your home or office.
How to Order – Simple and easy, just “copy and paste” the link of this page or the image you choosed and fill it in the form below, with the size you want and any detail you wish to include on the message, like your country, name and postal address. Free Shipping included to all prints (except frames). For US and Europe the delivery is 4-8 working days, while to Portugal and Spain is normally 2-6 working days. After submitting the order through the form, I will contact you for the payment method (Paypal available or bank transfer) and with other questions related to your print(s) or requests. Once payment is confirmed, your order is shipped within 24h. In case you wish, I can send you separtely with no additional cost, a postcard autographed and numbered of the same image you have just bought, as a seal and proof of art work authenticity from the author. Let me know what is your wish.
Capturing With Passion the Heart of Milky Way While Shinning above a Rocky Formation in Lut Desert
More than 12h distance from Tehran, capital of Iran, stands an impressive, magical and pristine place, called Lut Desert. Besides being beautiful and one of the hottest places on the Earth surface, it shows that the sky above us has no boundaries and must be preserved as a Human Heritage. This is probably one of the best skies I’ve been shooting so far around the world, a unique moment shared with new friends I met there. The image shows the core of Milky Way above a rocky formation. By accident, my friend Mauricio was visible in the field while controlling his camera in one of the time lapse shots I did. I think it end up with a perfect light and aligned with a scene don’t you think ?!
PT: A mais de 12h de distância de Teerão, capital do Irão, fica um lugar impressionante, mágico e intocado, chamado Deserto de Lut. Além de lindo e um dos lugares mais quentes da superfície terrestre com o record de 70º registado, mostra que o céu acima de nós não tem fronteiras e deve ser preservado como Património da Humanidade. Este é provavelmente um dos melhores céus que fotografei até hoje em todo o mundo, um momento único compartilhado com novos amigos que conheci lá. A imagem mostra o núcleo da Via Láctea acima de uma formação rochosa. Por acaso, meu amigo Mauricio estava visível no campo enquanto controlava sua câmara em uma das fotos da sequência time lapse que fiz. Felizmente penso que resultou numa luz perfeita e alinhada com o cenário em pano de fundo!
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Buy a Fine Art Print or Wall Decor of this Image – Make your order Now!
You can choose the best style of print do you preffer to decorate in a fashion way your walls. Metal Prints with durable and vivid colors, Acrylic, Canvas or the highest quality Gallery Print – a 6 colour UV direct printing on acrylic glass (2mm) including light colours and reinforced by an aluminium dibond plate (3mm). Those type of Prints can highlight the final work in an artistic way, showing the photograph as a piece of art. I work with two high quality specialized Labs in US and in Europe, using Kodak Professional Endura Premier Metallic papers and Fujifilm Crystal Archive DP II Professional. You can select the image above or freely navigate to more than 800 photographs available in my gallery – each one with their own story and magic – and choose the photograph you would love to have in your home or office.
How to Order – Simple and easy, just “copy and paste” the link of this page or the image you choosed and fill it in the form below, with the size you want and any detail you wish to include on the message, like your country, name and postal address. Free Shipping included to all prints (except frames). For US and Europe the delivery is 4-8 working days, while to Portugal and Spain is normally 2-6 working days. After submitting the order through the form, I will contact you for the payment method (Paypal available or bank transfer) and with other questions related to your print(s) or requests. Once payment is confirmed, your order is shipped within 24h. In case you wish, I can send you separtely with no additional cost, a postcard autographed and numbered of the same image you have just bought, as a seal and proof of art work authenticity from the author. Let me know what is your wish.
A Stargazer Taking Care of the Bluish Brightest Star Sirius
The image features a stargazer holding the hot bluish star Sirius in his hand while the silhouette of the tree seems to hold other colorful bright stars from the winter constellations, like Orion, which dominates the background of the natural scene captured in Pampilhosa da Serra, resembling a Christmas Feeling.
PT: A imagem mostra uma observadora de estrelas amparando em sua mão a estrela azulada Sirius, enquanto a silhueta da árvore parece conter outras estrelas coloridas brilhantes das constelações de Inverno, como Orion, que domina o plano de fundo desta cena de paisagem natural, captada na Pampilhosa da Serra e que nos deixa com uma sensação de espírito natalício.
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Buy a Fine Art Print or Wall Decor of this Image – Make your order Now!
You can choose the best style of print do you preffer to decorate in a fashion way your walls. Metal Prints with durable and vivid colors, Acrylic, Canvas or the highest quality Gallery Print – a 6 colour UV direct printing on acrylic glass (2mm) including light colours and reinforced by an aluminium dibond plate (3mm). Those type of Prints can highlight the final work in an artistic way, showing the photograph as a piece of art. I work with two high quality specialized Labs in US and in Europe, using Kodak Professional Endura Premier Metallic papers and Fujifilm Crystal Archive DP II Professional. You can select the image above or freely navigate to more than 800 photographs available in my gallery – each one with their own story and magic – and choose the photograph you would love to have in your home or office.
How to Order – Simple and easy, just “copy and paste” the link of this page or the image you choosed and fill it in the form below, with the size you want and any detail you wish to include on the message, like your country, name and postal address. Free Shipping included to all prints (except frames). For US and Europe the delivery is 4-8 working days, while to Portugal and Spain is normally 2-6 working days. After submitting the order through the form, I will contact you for the payment method (Paypal available or bank transfer) and with other questions related to your print(s) or requests. Once payment is confirmed, your order is shipped within 24h. In case you wish, I can send you separtely with no additional cost, a postcard autographed and numbered of the same image you have just bought, as a seal and proof of art work authenticity from the author. Let me know what is your wish.
A Stargazer Enjoying the view in a World of Contrasting Realities
This single shot features a stargazer enjoying Andromeda galaxy, possible to se with the naked-eye from the newest territory of Dark Sky® Vale do Tua, in northern part of Portugal – a new certified Starlight Tourist Destination. Being one of the best spots to enjoy archeoastronomy, in the foreground we can see the silhouette from Forca do Freixiel, an ancient gallows from Middle Ages. The monument is believed to be unique in the Iberian Peninsula. It is formed by of 2 vertical granite pillars that supported a horizontal beam – which no longer exists – where was placed the noose. In this type of gallows, the condemned did not die by strangulation due to suspension, but by a garrote, being later on display in the gallows. The image pretends to show the contrasting reality between the morbid meaning from acts of ancient times, with our responsibility of respecting the history but evolving as better human beings while living in such a beautiful planet, we need an effort to keep preserving the beauty of the night sky. In the background, featuring the Andromeda in the middle of the scene, at left side, the orange planet Mars can be seen setting near the mountains while in the opposite direction, is visible the path of winter Milky Way against a starry sky in the presence of smooth greenish airglow.
PT: Num disparo único a imagem mostra um observador de estrelas apreciando a galáxia de Andrómeda, possível de observar a olho nu no Dark Sky® Vale do Tua, no norte de Portugal – é o mais recente destino turístico Starlight certificado. Sendo um dos melhores locais para desfrutar da arqueoastronomia, em primeiro plano, avista-se a silhueta da Forca do Freixiel, uma forca milenar da Idade Média. O monumento é considerado único na Península Ibérica. É formada por 2 pilares verticais de granito que suportavam uma viga horizontal – que já não existe – onde foi colocado o laço. Neste tipo de forca, o condenado não morria por estrangulamento por suspensão, mas por garrote, sendo posteriormente exposto na forca. A imagem pretende mostrar a realidade contrastante entre o sentido mórbido de actos da antiguidade, com a nossa responsabilidade actual em respeitar a história, mas simultaneamente evoluir como seres humanos melhores, enquanto habitantes de um planeta único, precisamos de um esforço e empenho contínuo para preservar a beleza do céu noturno. Em pano de fundo é possível ver a galáxia de Andrómeda no centro do enquadramento e à esquerda, o planeta Marte. Com a sua tonalidade alaranjada, prepara-se para desaparecer por detrás das montanhas, enquanto na direção oposta, é visível o caminho da Via Láctea de inverno contra um céu estrelado na presença de suave de airglow esverdeado.
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Buy a Fine Art Print or Wall Decor of this Image – Make your order Now!
You can choose the best style of print do you preffer to decorate in a fashion way your walls. Metal Prints with durable and vivid colors, Acrylic, Canvas or the highest quality Gallery Print – a 6 colour UV direct printing on acrylic glass (2mm) including light colours and reinforced by an aluminium dibond plate (3mm). Those type of Prints can highlight the final work in an artistic way, showing the photograph as a piece of art. I work with two high quality specialized Labs in US and in Europe, using Kodak Professional Endura Premier Metallic papers and Fujifilm Crystal Archive DP II Professional. You can select the image above or freely navigate to more than 800 photographs available in my gallery – each one with their own story and magic – and choose the photograph you would love to have in your home or office.
How to Order – Simple and easy, just “copy and paste” the link of this page or the image you choosed and fill it in the form below, with the size you want and any detail you wish to include on the message, like your country, name and postal address. Free Shipping included to all prints (except frames). For US and Europe the delivery is 4-8 working days, while to Portugal and Spain is normally 2-6 working days. After submitting the order through the form, I will contact you for the payment method (Paypal available or bank transfer) and with other questions related to your print(s) or requests. Once payment is confirmed, your order is shipped within 24h. In case you wish, I can send you separtely with no additional cost, a postcard autographed and numbered of the same image you have just bought, as a seal and proof of art work authenticity from the author. Let me know what is your wish.
Archeoastronomy in Dark Sky Vale do Tua Shows the View from Inside the Dolmen of Anta de Zedes
Captured in the newest territory of Dark Sky® Vale do Tua, in northern part of Portugal – a new certified Starlight Tourist Destination – is one of the best spots to enjoy archeoastronomy. The image feature the view from inside a dolmen entitled Anta de Zedes, where in the background is possible to see the motion of a dragged starry sky. Against it, is my shadow representing the human presence of our ancestors while being the first ones enjoying and respecting the beauty of the night sky with pureness and wisdom.
PT: Captado no Dark Sky® Vale do Tua, o mais recente Destino Turístico Starlight certificado no Norte de Portugal, é um dos melhores locais para desfrutar da arqueoastronomia. A imagem revela a vista de dentro de um dolmen intitulado Anta de Zedes, onde ao fundo é possível ver o movimento de um céu estrelado arrastado. Contra ele, está minha sombra representando a presença humana dos nossos ancestrais, os primeiros a desfrutar e respeitar a beleza do céu noturno com pureza e sabedoria.
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Buy a Fine Art Print or Wall Decor of this Image – Make your order Now!
You can choose the best style of print do you preffer to decorate in a fashion way your walls. Metal Prints with durable and vivid colors, Acrylic, Canvas or the highest quality Gallery Print – a 6 colour UV direct printing on acrylic glass (2mm) including light colours and reinforced by an aluminium dibond plate (3mm). Those type of Prints can highlight the final work in an artistic way, showing the photograph as a piece of art. I work with two high quality specialized Labs in US and in Europe, using Kodak Professional Endura Premier Metallic papers and Fujifilm Crystal Archive DP II Professional. You can select the image above or freely navigate to more than 800 photographs available in my gallery – each one with their own story and magic – and choose the photograph you would love to have in your home or office.
How to Order – Simple and easy, just “copy and paste” the link of this page or the image you choosed and fill it in the form below, with the size you want and any detail you wish to include on the message, like your country, name and postal address. Free Shipping included to all prints (except frames). For US and Europe the delivery is 4-8 working days, while to Portugal and Spain is normally 2-6 working days. After submitting the order through the form, I will contact you for the payment method (Paypal available or bank transfer) and with other questions related to your print(s) or requests. Once payment is confirmed, your order is shipped within 24h. In case you wish, I can send you separtely with no additional cost, a postcard autographed and numbered of the same image you have just bought, as a seal and proof of art work authenticity from the author. Let me know what is your wish.
Sharing Knowledge and Learning is One of the Best Pleasures in the World
Sharing knowledge and learning something we love to do, is one of the best pleasures in the world! The image features the silhouette of one of my students @joao_rosario_godinho during a workshop of astrophotography, presented in Campinho village, located in the award winning @darkskyalqueva reserve, Portugal. While he is standing against the background core of our own galaxy, – the Milky Way – a white light that shines in the same direction belongs to a giant planet, Jupiter, which reached the Opposition during June month. If you would like to join one of my WORKSHOPS, for groups or as a Private experience, please visit my page Workshops and contact me for more informations.
PT: Partilhar o conhecimento ou aprender algo que gostamos de fazer é um dos melhores prazeres do mundo! A imagem revela a silhueta de um dos meus alunos @joao_rosario_godinho durante um workshop de astrofotografia na vila de Campinho, localizada na premiada reserva @darkskyalqueva, em Portugal. Enquanto o João prepara a sua câmara – num contra-luz provocado pelo brilho da Via Láctea – é visível uma luz branca que se destaca contra o coração galáctico. Essa luz pertence a um gigante gasoso, o Magnífico Júpiter, que no passado mês de Junho atingiu a Oposição, altura mais favorável para o fotografar e observar. Se gostaria de participar num dos meus workshops, e aprender tudo sobre a fotografia nocturna e as téncias mais avançadas, seja numa experiência de grupo ou como um workshop Privado one-to-one, visite minha página WORKSHOPS e entre em contato comigo para obter mais informações.
Climb your Challenges in Life and Expect Nothing less Than the Best.
Remember that each rock that you may found in your life has not be necessarily an obstacle, but maybe the incentive you need to climb and go even further. From the top you can see the beauty of the “big picture” and how small your problems seems to be down there. Facing all challenges with a smile, a positive mind will let you feel your inner peace, and for sure you will know where to find your North and let the Stars and Nature guide the beautiful life you are suppose to live!! As a human being in this cosmic voyage in space, you deserve always, to expect nothing less than the Best. The image shows two stargazers following the Ursa Major stars, which are pointing to Polaris, the Northern Star.
PT: Lembre-se que cada pedra que encontrar em sua vida não é necessariamente um obstáculo, mas talvez o incentivo que você precisa para subir e seguir ainda mais longe. Do topo, poderá apreciar a beleza da “grande figura” e dar conta de quão pequenos parecem ser nossos problemas quando vistos, lá de cima, de um ponto de vista privilegiado. Enfrentar todos os desafios com um sorriso e uma mente positiva, vai certamente permitir-le sentir a sua paz interior, e com certeza irá saber onde encontrar o seu Norte e deixar as estrelas e a natureza guiarem a maravilhosa vida que deve viver!! Como ser humano nesta viagem cósmica no espaço, lembre-se que merece sempre esperar nada menos, que o Melhor! A imagem revela dois stargazers, que seguindo as estrelas da Ursa Maior, encontram a Estrela Polar, a que indica o Norte.
Learning How to Photograph the Night Wonders of the Summer Sky
The image shows the Arch of Milky Way while a group of photographers and stargazers are enjoying the wonders of the summer sky in the Northern Hemisphere, Campinho, in Dark Sky® Alqueva Reserve. High in the sky, we can see a “blue bright” star with an apparent magnitude of 0,0 called Vega, serving as a middle reference in the magnitude system chart created for the first time in 150 B.C.E, by the greek astronomer Hipparchus. Vega, from Lyra constellation, is forming an asterism well know as the “Summer Triangle” with stars Deneb (from Cygnus) and Altair (from Aquila) located in the center of the image. Below Deneb, a bright red emission nebula known as North America, is visible in violet hues, while in the opposite direction of the sky, the core of Milky Way galaxy is featuring many more red emission nebulae coming from deep sky objects like Lagoon, Trifid or Eagle nebula. Above Sagittarius constellation and against the galactic dusty center, Jupiter is shinning bright as a white light. Following the same line we can find the red supergiant star Antares, from Scorpius constellations. Above the horizon in the right center, is shinning the Lord of the Rings, planet Saturn. Located in Portugal, Dark Sky® Alqueva reserve was the First Starlight Tourism Destination in the World, being awarded in 2019 with a “Tourism Oscar” from World Travel Awards, as Europe´s Responsible Tourism Award 2019.
PT: A imagem mostra o Arco da Via Láctea enquanto um grupo de fotógrafos e observadores de estrelas aprecia as maravilhas do céu de verão no Hemisfério Norte, a partir do Campinho, na reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva. No alto do céu, é possível ver uma estrela azulada e brilhante com uma magnitude aparente de 0.0, de nome Vega. Serve como uma referência intermédia na tabela do sistema de magnitudes criado pela primeira vez no ano 150 A.C, pelo astrónomo grego Hiparco. Vega, da constelação de Lyra, forma um asterismo conhecido como o “Triângulo de Verão” com as estrelas Deneb (Cisne) e Altair (da Águia), localizadas no centro da imagem. Abaixo de Deneb, uma nebulosa de emissão vermelha brilhante conhecida como nebulosa North America, é visível em tons violeta, enquanto na direção oposta do céu, o núcleo da Via Láctea apresenta muitas nebulosas de emissão vermelha, provenientes de objetos do céu profundo como as nebulosas da Lagoa, Trifid ou a nebulosa da Águia. Acima da constelação de Sagitário e contra o centro galáctico de poeira cósmica, Júpiter brilha intensamente como uma luz branca. Seguindo a mesma linha, podemos encontrar a estrela supergigante vermelha Antares, da constelação do Escorpião. Acima do horizonte no centro direito, podemos encontrar o apelidado “Senhor dos Anéis”, o planeta Saturno. Localizada em Portugal, a reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva foi o primeiro destino do mundo, a receber a certificação da Fundação Starlight, tendo sido premiado em 2019 com um “Oscar do Turismo” nos World Travel Awards, como Europe´s Responsible Tourism Award 2019.
A Stargazer is Trying to Find the Big Dipper and Little Dipper in the Sky of Tua Valley
The image shows a night scene over S. Lourenço, in Tua Valley, featuring a stargazer that is trying to find Polaris, the Northern Star. Looking first to the main stars that are composing the constellation of Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear, is the easiest constellation recognisable in night time and used as a starting point, from beginners to experienced stargazers, to help localize and identify the Northern Star. To find Polaris, use the so-called “Pointer” stars in the bowl of the Big Dipper, Merak and Dubhe (at left). Then, just draw an imaginary line between these two stars and extend it out for about 5 times, and you will end up in Polaris, located on the image above the head of the stargazer.
PT: A imagem revela uma cena nocturna captada em S. Lourenço, no Vale do Tua, onde um entusiasta das estrelas tenta encontrar a estrela Polar, também conhecida por Estrela do Norte. Como ponto de partida, observa primeiramente as principais estrelas que compõem a constelação da Ursa Maior (à esquerda), visto ser facilmente reconhecível no período nocturno, é também usada como ponto de partida – desde iniciantes a astrónomos experientes – para ajudar a localizar e identificar a Estrela Polar. Para encontrar a Polaris, use as estrelas da Ursa Maior, Merak e Dubhe. Seguidamente desenhe uma linha imaginária entre essas duas estrelas e estenda-a por cerca de 5 vezes, terminará assim na Estrela Polar, localizada no na imagem mesmo acima da cabeça do observador.
Technical details | Detalhes Técnicos
A panorama captured with a Nikon D810a | 26mm at f/2,8 | ISO3200 | Exp. 20 secs.
Venus and Jupiter Shinning Together After a Long Night of Photography
After a long cold night of shooting the Total Lunar Eclipse of 2019, a stargazer and photographer stands in front of his equipment in the final stage of the Eclipse, while in the background of a twilight sky, the brightest planets Venus and Jupiter are shinning in a very close alignment, only separated by approximately 2,5 degrees. The image was captured in Mina de São Domingos, Dark Sky® Alqueva Métola, Portugal.
PT: Depois de uma longa noite fria a fotografar o Eclipse Lunar Total de 2019, um observador de estrelas e fotógrafo, pousa ao pé do seu equipamento fotográfico no estágio final do Eclipse, enquanto em pano de fundo de um céu crepuscular, os planetas mais brilhantes da esfera celeste – Venus e Júpiter – brilham alinhados e separados apenas por aproximadamente 2,5 graus. A imagem foi captada na Mina de São Domingos, Dark Sky® Alqueva Mértola, em Portugal.
Milky Way, Andromeda and a Dutch Sailboat
Visible below two galaxies, our Great Milky Way that stands bright at the top of this vertical panorama and Andromeda Galaxy, the diffuse elliptic shape shining near the center of the image, is Sem Fim boat. A Westlander sailboat built in 1913 in Holland. This type of boat, was used in the Dutch channels for the transport of goods, among them flowers. It was later transformed into house and bring it to Portugal. Now it navigates in Alqueva lake giving tourists the experience of sailing in the wind on board of a vintage boat. The image was captured during the XII edition of Dark Sky® Party Alqueva, held annually in Campinho, Dark Sky® Alqueva reserve.
Under the Nature Our Roof is the Universe
Being under a starry sky always fascinated me since I was a child. Specially, when I was trying to reach the stars, setting my foots on the floor, just extending my arm while I was feeling and thinking in the fact that there is nothing separating us from outer space. Under the nature our roof is indeed the Universe itself and the most exciting thing, is the knowledge that let us know that we are an important part of it! The image shows a Milky Way rising in the background over Noudar Park, in Alqueva Dark Sky® Reserve, Portugal.
PT: Estar sob um céu estrelado sempre me fascinou desde que eu era criança. Especialmente, quando eu tentava alcançar as estrelas colocando os meus pés no chão, e estendendo o meu braço enquanto sentia e pensava no facto de que não há nada a separar-nos do espaço sideral acima. Sob a natureza, o nosso telhado é de facto o próprio Universo e a coisa mais excitante é o conhecimento que nos deixa saber que somos uma parte importante dele! A imagem mostra uma Via Láctea a nascer em pano de fundo, acima do Parque de Natureza de Noudar, na Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva, em Portugal.
A Stargazer Shows Where to Find Polaris in the Night Sky
A night scene captured in Achada do Gamo, Dark Sky® Alqueva Mértola, shows the silhouette of a sky enthusiast that is trying to show us where to find Polaris, the Northern Star, and is not so hard. At left side are visible the colorful stars Alkaid, Mizar-Alcor, Alioth, Megrez, Phecda, Merak and Dubhe, the main stars that are composing the constellation of Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear. Probably is the easiest constellation recognisable in night time and used as a starting point, from beginners to experienced stargazers, to help localize and identify the Northern Star. To find Polaris, use the so-called “Pointer” stars in the bowl of the Big Dipper, Merak and Dubhe. The left hand of the stargazer is pointing to Merak, then just draw an imaginary line between these two stars and extend it out for about 5 times, and you will end up in Polaris, located in the upper right corner of the image.
If the Shadows Were Roots
EN: This full dome view show a blue sky filled with winter stars like Sirius or bright constellations like Orion, is illuminated by the Moonlight working as a perfect background to highlight the silhouette from the Giant Chestnut tree of Guilhafonso in Guarda, Portugal, while in the field, its projection creates the illusion like if the shadows were roots. This century-old tree is considered the largest of its kind in Europe. This is a specimen of 9.60 meters trunk circumference, 19 meters in height, average crown diameter of 25.5 meters and an estimated age of over 400 years. Residents ensure that they need at least nine people to embrace its trunk. In 2015 the giant chestnut won new liveliness after having been treated which allowed it to still giving chestnuts nowadays.
PT: Nesta imagem All Sky, um céu azul repleto de estrelas de inverno como Sirius ou constelações brilhantes como Orion, é iluminado pelo luar funcionando como o pano de fundo perfeito para destacar a imponente silhueta do Castanheiro Gigante de Guilhafonso, na Guarda, Portugal, enquanto a projecção das sombras em terra nos dá a ilusão como se as mesmas fossem as suas próprias raízes. Esta árvore centenária é considerada a maior da sua espécie na Europa. Trata-se de um espécime de 9,60 metros de perímetro de tronco, 19 metros de altura, diâmetro médio da copa de 25,5 metros e uma idade estimada em mais de 400 anos. Os residentes garantem que são precisas pelo menos nove pessoas para abraçar o seu tronco. Em 2015, depois de ter sido submetido a um tratamento, o castanheiro gigante ganhou nova vivacidade o que permitiu continuar dar nozes até aos dias de hoje.
The Giant Chestnut of Guilhafonso
EN: A blue sky filled with winter stars like Sirius or bright constellations like Orion, is illuminated by the Moonlight working as a perfect background to highlight the silhouette from the Giant Chestnut tree of Guilhafonso in Guarda, Portugal. This century-old tree is considered the largest of its kind in Europe. This is a specimen of 9.60 meters trunk circumference, 19 meters in height, average crown diameter of 25.5 meters and an estimated age of over 400 years. Residents ensure that they need at least nine people to embrace its trunk. In 2015 the giant chestnut won new liveliness after having been treated which allowed it to still giving chestnuts nowadays.
PT: Um céu azul repleto de estrelas de inverno como Sirius ou constelações brilhantes como Orion, é iluminada pelo luar funcionando como o pano de fundo perfeito para destacar a imponente silhueta do Castanheiro Gigante de Guilhafonso, na Guarda, Portugal. Esta árvore centenária é considerada a maior da sua espécie na Europa. Trata-se de um espécime de 9,60 metros de perímetro de tronco, 19 metros de altura, diâmetro médio da copa de 25,5 metros e uma idade estimada em mais de 400 anos. Os residentes garantem que são precisas pelo menos nove pessoas para abraçar o seu tronco. Em 2015, depois de ter sido submetido a um tratamento, o castanheiro gigante ganhou nova vivacidade o que permitiu continuar dar nozes até aos dias de hoje.
Enjoying the Moon above the City of London
A skygazer is enjoying the busy night of London city, from a lovely balcony view, with the crescent moon visible at the left side of “The Shard” tower. Also referred as the Shard of Glass and formerly London Bridge Tower, is a 95-storey skyscraper in Southwark, London, that forms part of the London Bridge Quarter development. Standing 309.6 metres (1,016 ft) high, the Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom, the 105th tallest building in the world, and the fourth tallest building in Europe.
Coconut Trails in Punta Cana
For many people on Earth enjoying the night sky is an holiday experience, although, the artificial lights coming from the neighbor cities can disturb this experience, but a long exposure photo can register more stars than your own eyes can see at a glance. Surrounded by coconut trees spread along Punta Cana beach, in Dominican Republic, a partly cloudy sky reflects the light of neighbor resorts, while above the path of each star can reveal their own true color.
PT: Para muitas pessoas na Terra, observar o céu noturno é uma experiência de férias. Contudo, as luzes artificiais das cidades vizinhas podem perturbar esta experiência, mas uma foto de longa exposição pode registrar mais estrelas do que seus próprios olhos podem ver num relance. Cercado por coqueiros espalhados ao longo da praia em Punta Cana, na República Dominicana, um céu parcialmente nublado reflete a luz dos resorts vizinhos, enquanto que no céu o caminho de cada estrela pode revelar a sua verdadeira cor.
Stargazing in Punta Cana
EN: Enjoying the night surrounded by coconut trees spread along Punta Cana beach, in Dominican Republic.
PT: Relaxando numa noite estrelada, cercado por coqueiros espalhados ao longo da praia de Punta Cana, na República Dominicana.
The Cult of Fertility
EN: Crescent moon against a twilight in Menhir Rocha dos Namorados, a natural granite outcrop mushroom-shaped, where single women throw back a stone which aims to fall on top of it, a cult related to fertility | Sky of São Pedro do Corral
PT: Lua crescente de um crepúsculo no Menir da Rocha dos Namorados, um afloramento natural de granito em forma de cogumelo, onde as mulheres solteiras lançam de costas uma pedra que tem por objectivo cair em cima do mesmo, num culto relacionado com a fecundidade | Céu de São Pedro do Corval
A nostalgic view of the full moon
EN: A nostalgic view of the full moon shrouded in the thick fog that is felt in certain cold mornings of Alentejo winter | Sky of Monsaraz
PT: Uma visão nostálgica da lua cheia envolta no nevoeiro cerrado que se faz sentir em certas madrugadas frias do inverno alentejano | Céu de Monsaraz
The evolution of man from prehistoric times
View from inside the Dolmen of Olival da Pega, a human silhouette represents the evolution of man from prehistoric times, the heavens contemplation and the importance of astronomy, as the oldest science in the world. 21/04/2015. Telheiro | Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – Portugal
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.
Fulldome View of Reddish Airglow Bands and Milky Way on ALMA
In the background, we can see in this fish-eye fulldome view, the arm of Milky Way full of gas and dust with the Zodiacal Light crossing the sky. In the upper left part of the image, is also visible a reddish airglow bands. In the foreground, is also visible one antenna (DV-21) of 12 meters in diameter, pointing to some place of the cold Universe. 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.
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.
Alone with ALMA
In the background we can see the arm of Milky Way full of gas and dust with the Zodiacal Light crossing the sky. In the foreground, is also visible one antenna (DV-21) of 12 meters in diameter, pointing to some place of the cold Universe. This are the first tests to experiment the largest configuration that ALMA can support, with antennas spreaded 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.
Stargazing in a Cloudy Sky – Fulldome View of VLT
In this fish-eye fulldome picture, we can see a girl stargazing in 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 shy sky is showing a strong presence of reddish airglow. In the foreground, we also can see three of four movable Auxiliary Telescopes availabe in the Very Large Telescope plataform.
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.
The First Portuguese Official Expedition to ALMA
Apolónia Rodrigues (Dark Sky Alqueva Coordinator) and Miguel Claro (Astrophotographer), during the first portuguese oficial visit to ESO – Cerro Paranal and ALMA. The picture was taken at 5000-m high, on the Chajnantor plateau in the Chilean Andes, where the European Southern Observatory (ESO), together with its international partners, are operating the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA).
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.
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.
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).
Sharing the Passion of Shooting the Beauty of the Night Sky
Sharing the Passion of Shooting the Night Sky- Image captured in the land of Museu da Luz, Mourão – Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve. Canon EOS 60da- ISO1600, Exp. 30 sec 11mm at f/2.8. Taken in 13/09/2014 23.40
Enjoying Venus corona above the Giant´s Causeway – Northen Ireland
In the image we can see a Skygazer enjoying the planet venus with a visible corona phenomenon between the Giant’s Causeway, near Bushmills, in northeast coast of Northen Ireland. Is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption, 60 million years ago. It was declared a World Heritage Site byUNESCO in 1986. Near the top edge of the image we can see the Pleiades star cluster.
Corona, is produced by the diffraction of light from either the Sun, the Moon or some bright planets by individual small water droplets and sometimes tiny ice crystals of a cloud.
ISO 2000, 30 sec, 16mm at f/2.8. In 20/03/2015 at 20:17
A Short Journey from the Heavens of Dark Sky Alqueva up to the Comet Lovejoy
In the movie sequence below, resulting in the final still picture above, we can dip into a short journey that starts in the land of Juromenha, in Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, Alentejo, with a stargazer trying to find with their own eyes and binoculars the glowing green head of Comet Lovejoy. After a few seconds we will zoom in, entering in a real time lapse sequence capturing the slowly movement of the comet and their ion blue tail, made by ionized gas – gas energized by ultraviolet light from the Sun and pushed outward by the solar wind – while it is crossing some stars of Taurus constellation. Finally, we will zoom out in a final still photograph that shows the strong and huge green head of diatomic carbon (C2) – gas fluorescing in sunlight that produces the coma’s green color – as well as a wide view of the entire fainter bluish tail, with more then 5 million kilometers at the comet’s estimated distance of 75 million kilometers from Earth.
Captured in the land of Hotel Naveterra, the sky of Juromenha, Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, Portugal in 11/01/2015 at 20h52m – Canon EOS 6D; ISO 2000, Exp: 56s. at f/2.8 with a Canon telephoto lens serie L at 200mm + Travel mount Vixen Polarie. Sum of 7 pictures combined in Maxim DL 5 with a total time integration of 6,5 minutes. To find the first still landscape picture, click here: Stargazing the Comet Lovejoy!
PT: Passagem em 2015 do Cometa Lovejoy (C/2014 Q2) na constelação do Touro, a uma distância estimada de 75 milhões de quilómetros da Terra, exibiu uma cauda de mais de 5 milhões de quilómetros | Céu do Alandroal, Hotel Rural Nave Terra.
Note: We advise to watch it in HD Mode, to do so, simply click here on Vimeo with the “HD” button turned blue.
Reaching the Sky above the Land
EN: The small size of our human presence against the greatness of the Cosmos, in a game of scales in which the loftiness of the Milky Way rises steeply above the Noudar Castle | Sky of Barrancos.
Included in the great Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve – first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification – Noudar Natural Park is located in a farm estate called Herdade da Coitadinha spreads across 1000 hectare, ‘over-the-hills’ between the winding rivers Ardila and Múrtega and lodged among hills and summits near the town of Barrancos (Alentejo, Portugal) and in the border with Spain. The road from the Park’s entrance to the Noudar Castle goes through an extensive holm oak grove (‘montado’) area, ending with a majestic view over the water lines. In Noudar, life presents itself in a state of wilderness and absolute purity.
The Castle of Noudar and the church of Nossa Senhora do Desterro is located between the Múrtega and the Ardila rivers which flow towards the West. Its construction was finished in 1307, during the reign of Don Dinis. The place was chosen because of its natural defenses, easy access and the closeness of a water spring of excellent quality – Fonte da Figueira, located roughly 250 meters to the East of the castle, under the hilltop known as Forca (“the Gallows”). Good and plentiful farming land and cattle grazing fields can also be found near the castle. This medieval fortress was very important for border defense against the kingdom of Castile during the early 14th Century.
More about Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve:
Alqueva is the first site in the world to receive the “Starlight Tourism Destination” certification. This certification, awarded by the Starlight Foundation is supported by UNESCO, UNWTO and IAC. Starlight destinations are visitable places characterized by excellent quality for the contemplation of starry skies, and the practice of tourist activities based on this resource. www.darkskyalqueva.com
PT: A pequena dimensão das nossa presença humana diante a grandeza do Cosmos, num jogo de escalas em que a imponência da Via Láctea se ergue vertiginosamente acima do Castelo de Noudar | Céu de Barrancos
Tracking the Night Sky
Tracking the trails of the night sky with the Telescope. Image taken in Alentejo. Canon 50D – ISO1600; f/2.8 at 11mm; Exp. 30 sec. Taken in 05/08/2014 at 4h49m AM.
Alqueva Dark Sky Party 2014
Sky panorama of the last Alqueva´s Dark Sky Party, a star feast near “Xarez Cromlech”, a megalithic monument in Monsaraz, one of the main places from Dark Sky Reserve, in Portugal. Canon 60Da – ISO2000; 11mm at f/2.8; Exp. 30 secs. in 24/08/2014 at 0:58 AM. Croped Mosaic of 18 images.
A 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
Milky Way in Agarez, Vila Real.
A view of the south side of Agarez waterfall, in Alvão mountain range, Vila Real, Portugal, with a skygazer contemplating the nature and the Universe, with a Milky Way appearing in the night sky after the Moonset. Canon 60D – ISO1600; 11mm at f/2.8; Exp. 30 secs. Taken in 8-06-2014 at 2:57 AM.
Titan Skygazer, More then a Passion a Life Style
In the real dark nights, the magnificent presence of our home galaxy, the Milky Way, have been a true inspiration for musicians, poets, painters, writers and artists in general. Unfortunately, two thirds of the humankind, have not yet had the opportunity to see the Milky Way with their own eyes, to let fall in love by the beauty and greatness of the Universe around us, making us realize that the Earth is so important as the sky, and our planet has been our spaceship in the life journey through the time and space. In the foreground, we can see the silhouette of a passionate skygazer, embracing the sky like an Atlas Titan from Greek mythology, holding and protecting it from the low cloudy yellow band. Condemned not by Zeus, but by the light pollution created for the entire humanity. Captured the Lake of Fire moutain hill, in Azores, the background reveals Sagitarrius constellation at left, and Scorpius stars.
Canon 60Da – ISO2500; 24mm at f/2; Exp. 20 secs. in 04/05/2014 at 4:48 AM. Below is the annotated version:
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
A Road to Big Dipper
The Big Dipper (Ursa Major) lies in the “end” of the road to Roque de Los Muchachos, where a stargazer is enjoying the great sky of La Palma. The excellent quality of the sky for astronomy in the Canaries is determined and protected by Law. As a result, the observatories of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) are an “astronomy reserve” which has been available to the international community since 1979. I´ve used a diffuse filter in the camera lens, to increase and highlight the main stars of Ursa Major.
| Canon 60Da – ISO2500; 24mm at f/2; Exp. 15 secs. in 30/09/2013 at: 06h42 AM
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
Below you will find a resume with all publications – printed and online – related to this particular photograph.
Please refer the i-frame above, generated automatically from the overview page Press.
Finding Polaris Star in Falperras Hill
This “self portrait” startrail was taken in Falperras Hill, a rural hotel in Mourão, one of the regions covered by the Alqueva Dark sky Reserve, in Portugal. In this polar startrail we could easily identify the Polaris star – who indicates the North – not only because the “star vortex” seems to spin around this central star, but also due to the light path left by a satellite (not ISS), that seems to point to this same star. Below right in the sky picture, is also visible a strong flare left by satellite Iridium 66, with a magnitude of -4.5. In the land, we could see the Monte Falperras hotel, Myself enjoying this beautiful and peaceful moment – full of meaning – as well as two olive trees, the much typical tree available in the fields of Alentejo region. Canon 50D – ISO1600; 10mm f/4 Exp 30 secs. Sum of 344 images taken in 14/07/2013 between 22:53 and 01:59 AM.
Milky Rocky
A stargazer above the rocky region of Portinho da Arrábida, Portugal, with the Milky Way behind it, visible in the dawn. Canon 60Da – ISO 1600; Exp.15 Seg; f/2.8; 24mm. In 11/05/2013 at 05h10 AM.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Two old friends sharing the same passion
Teaching my father where to point the binoculars to find the moon, at the same time, both of us we were enjoying a quiet night of sky observations and photography. What a great moment!
Canon 50D, 4 seg. a f/4, ISO 1250, Dist. Focal: 35 mm in 03/06/2012 at 22h59
Venus and the Seven Sisters
Image of the conjunction between Venus and M45 Pleiades in the middle of the trees, taken in Fonte-de-Telha, a small pine forest in Portugal facing to the Atlantic Ocean. In the image we also can see myself enjoying the star with binoculars in a peaceful moment.
Canon 50D – ISO640 F4 35mm Exp. 6″ in 04-04-2012 at 22:51
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
Sunset Sky Show
View of the conjunction between Venus, Jupiter and the Crescent Moon in a strong Earthshine effect, with the 25 April Bridge, in Lisbon as a background.
Canon 50D – ISO250 f/2.8 Exp. 2″ in 25/03/2012 at 20:38 | Canon 50D- ISO250 f/2.8 Exp. 2.5″ in 25/03/2012 at 20:51
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.
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
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
Albufeira Star Party
Imagem do rasto das estrelas obtida perto da Lagoa de Albufeira, numa Star Party em 11-09-2010 entre as 21h42 e a 23h01. Soma de 146 imagens cada uma de 30 segundos, totalizando uma integração de 73 minutos. São visíveis várias estrelas das constelações: Sagittarius, Esorpião…etc
Canon 50D -ISO1250 10mm F/4.5 Exp.30s por imagem.
Three friends of the Milky Way
A Via Láctea e contra ela, da esquerda para a direita pode ver-se a minha silhueta, a do Gernot Meiser, e do Pedro Ré. Imagem obtida no Portinho da Arrábida
Canon 50D- ISO2500 10mm F/4 Exp.30″ 08-09-10 23:52
Image above: Canon 50D- ISO2500 10mm F/4 Exp.30″ 08-09-10 23:15
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
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.
Céu Estrelado no Convento
Imagem do céu estrelado no convento do Cabo Espichel. Na imagem de baixo pode ver-se a identificação das respectivas constelações.
Canon 50D – ISO3200 10mm F/4 Exp. 25s em 05-04-10 às 23:32
