This image was captured in the Adraga´s beach, in Sintra, Portugal. Here we can see a lots of dust and gas from our Milky Way Galaxy, (even without being the right month to show it up, from Portugal) as well as many nebulas, like North America Nebula, in the right corner of the image. Now more easy to capture it, thanks to new Canon EOS60Da, without the infrared filter, is a DSLR totally dedicated to this kind of images

Canon 60Da - 35mm f/2.8 13" at ISO 2500. Mosaic of 36 images, taken in 02/12/2012 between 19h32 and 19h46.

After the sunset, the sky takes fantastic colors and warm tones full of life. While waiting for the night fall to become the visible clouds of dust and gas in our galaxy, I registered a startrail a little different than usual, where are clearly distinguishable the different colors of different stars. In astronomy, the yellow/orange stars are more cold than the white/blue stars. A curiosity, is that the track nearest the rock and water, in the left area of the image, refers to the planet Mars, who was also visible when I started the session. In the atlantic ocean, the waves dragged the foam that was drawing the sand and reflecting a magnificent sky full of light and color .

Canon 50D - 16mm f/5.6 Exp. 30" at ISO800. Sum of  70 images, taken in 02/12/2012 between 18h24 and 19h02.

This image was captured in the Adraga´s beach, in Sintra, Portugal, where we could see a delicate silhouette of the Sintra´s mountain, and above it, the great Auriga constellation, as well as Taurus and near Aldebaran star, (at left side) the planet Jupiter shinning. Above it, in Taurus constellation, are clearly visible the great star cluster, Pleiades (M45).

Mosaic of 12 images taken in 02/12/2012 at 20:29

Canon 60Da, 13 seg. a f/2.8, ISO 2000, Dist. Focal: 35 mm

After the sunset, sometimes the sky takes fantastic colors with blue tones, rose or violet. In this image taken in the Adraga´s beach, in Sintra, besides the rocks, and the Atlantic Ocean, some parts of the Milky Way and stars seem to show up in a lovely moment that don´t seems to be nor either night or day.

Canon 60Da - 35mm f/2.8 Exp. 13" at ISO1600. Taken in 02/12/2012 at 18h41..

Trails in the north region of the Adraga´s beach sky, in Sintra, Portugal.

Canon 60Da - 35mm f/2.8 Exp. 15" at ISO1600. Taken in 02/12/2012 at 19h00. Sum of 15 images.

This image was captured in the land of Juromenha, near Alandroal, one of the regions covered by the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve (www.alquevadarksky.com), distinguished as the Worlds First Star Light Tourism Destination. The image reveals two bright stars of the summer triangle (Altair and Vega) low in the West horizon, just about 3 hours after the sunset, as a reminder that the summer is going away until the next year. The low clouds are also reforcing this idea, fortunately, we still could watch the Milky Way as a background layer with another kind of nebulosity, with a lots of dust, gas and star clusters. In the foreground, making a dramatic and contrasting view, are two great olive trees, the tree that really represents the landscape of Alentejo, in Portugal.

Canon 50D - 35mm f/1.8 13" at ISO 2500. Mosaic of 24 images, taken in 05/10/2012 between 22h13 and 22h25.
 

These images were the result of my last expedition in the Dark Sky Reserve, more precisely, in Juromenha region, near Alandroal, one of the locations covered by the great Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve area and that has a very deep dark sky. 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...Enjoy the trip through my images!

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.

Its low level latitude (38 deg N), minimal light pollution and impressively clear skies provide the astronomy beginner and the expert with unparalleled opportunities to explore the magic and mystery of the night sky.

For the beginner the clarity of the night sky (average of 250 clear nights a year) makes it easier to recognise all the constellations, identify the stars and even spot some deep sky objects with the naked eye. Telescopes and binoculars are also available at key locations to enhance the visual experience and expert guides are on hand to provide information and advice.

For the more experienced observer and expert deep sky objects (galaxies, nebulas and star clusters) are visible down to 52 deg south declination. The low light pollution and clarity of the sky provides a unique opportunity to observe the dimmest deep sky objects and to see the moon and planets in sharp focus.

Astrophotography too can be pursued successfully and dramatically here.

As a genuine destination rich in natural and cultural heritage the area offers far more than just star gazing. It is supported by a wide range of excellent rural hotels offering quality accommodation and great regional food.

The areas dramatic rural setting and its location around one of the world’s largest manmade lakes (250 sq km) has created an opportunity to develop and promote a wide range of nature based sporting and leisure activities including, off road cycling, canoeing, hiking, horse riding, boating and wildlife observation. Vineyards and luxury resort breaks are also available in the vicinity

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

Image of the Milky Way taken in Elvas, Alentejo. In this mosaic of 104 images we could find the arm of our galaxy the Milky Way, as well as many constellations like Cygnus, Cassiopeia, Sagittarius, Scorpius and the objects of the deep sky like Andromeda Galaxy.

Mosaic of 104 images taken in 24/07/2012 at 00:18

Canon 50D, 15 seg. a f/2.8, ISO 2000, Dist. Focal: 35 mm

Alignment between Vénus (below), Jupiter (center) and Pleiades M45, (in the top). Image taken in Vila Boim, Alentejo, Portugal, befor dawn and during the nautical twilight in 27/07/2012 at 05:00 AM

Canon 50D, 8 seg. a f/2.8, ISO 1250, Dist. Focal: 35 mm

More info about, contact: Drª. Apolónia Rodrigues: genuineland@gmail.com

w . w . w . d a r k s k y a l q u e v a . c o m

Image of the Milky Way above Cabo Espichel.

Canon 50D - ISO2500 f/1.8 Focal: 35mm Exp.10" in 23-06-2012 at 01h10 am. Vertical panorama composed by 6 images.

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 the scene, at right, is visible the strong path of planet Venus, also reflected in the calm water of the river.

Canon 50D - ISO500 f/4.5 10mm Exp.20" in 30-04-2012. Sum of 161 images taken between 21h31 and 22h59, in a total time integration of about 54 minutes.

Canon 50D - ISO500 f/4.5 10mm Exp.20" in 30-04-2012 at 21h45

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 the scene, is visible the path of Moon and above it, the orange trail of planet Mars.

Canon 50D - ISO500 f/4.5 10mm Exp.15" in 01-05-2012. Sum of 125 images taken between 00h22 and 00h57, in a total time integration of about 31 minutes.
 

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.

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

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.

Image above:

Canon 50D - ISO640 F4 35mm Exp. 8" in 04-04-2012 at 22:07

Image below:

Canon 50D - ISO640 F4 35mm Exp. 6" in 04-04-2012 at 22:51

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

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

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.

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

All the images were taken in 24 and 25 February 2012, so, in many images I have catching the conjunction between the Moon, Venus and Jupiter with the Monsaraz castle and village as a background. To view the technical details of each image, please click here.

All the images © Miguel Claro

Image obtained in Portinho Arrábida, Portugal, during a practice session of a workshop of astrophotography that I drove for about 15 students on February 17, 2012. While in the beach is possible to see many lights of different colors due to the constant movement of the photographers along the sand, in the sky, above the slope of Arrábida, facing to Southwest West, you can see the trails of well known stars as Sirius, Procyon or Betelgeuse and constellations like Canis Major and Minor, Orion or Taurus.

Canon 50D -ISO1250mm 10mm F/4 Exp.30s. Sum of 150 images in a total integration of 75 minutes.

Image with label identification.

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

Label Identification.

In this image taken in the middle of the Sintra hills, we can see through the branches of trees many stars, below left, the bright star is the planet jupiter, in the same vertical line, near the top left, we find the pleiades and in the oposite location, in the right corner of the image, the Polaris Star. Near the horizon, the orange bright lights come from Sintra´s Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on account of its 19th century Romantic architecture.

Canon 50D -ISO800 10mm F/4 Exp.25". Image taken in 12/01/2012 at 00h40.

This image was taken in the Serra de Sintra, near the solar wall, a rock with about 30 meters in height, where climbers usually make climbing and rappelling.

Canon 50D -ISO800 10mm F/4 Exp.25". Image taken in 12/01/2012 at 00h44

This image was taken in the Serra de Sintra, above the solar wall, a rock with about 30 meters in height, situated in the top of the mountain in the back of Sintra´s Castle and near the Pena´s Palace, where climbers usually do climbing and rappelling. Near the horizon we could see the dramatic effect of light pollution, but also, the beauty of Sintra Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on account of its 19th century Romantic architecture.

Above-panoramic view composed by 4 images, we could see at left, the strong light of Pena´s Palace, and at right between the forest, the beauty of Sintra Village as well as, the dramatic effect of light pollution. Canon 50D -ISO800 10mm F/5.6 Exp.15" in 11/01/2012 at 22h28.

This amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean against the Rocky cliffs from Cabo Espichel, was only possible to be photographed during the night, due, to the strong light of the Moon that was almost full and could Light up all the dramatic and beatiful scene. In the sky, during two hours I could register the path of the brightest star in the celestial sphere ( Sirius), that is visible in the middle of image. The light of the moon like a trick of magic turned the night in day, with the sky staying blue. The white clouds near the horizon gave the last fine touch, in this quite and peaceful scene.

Canon 50D- ISO640 f/5 Exp. 20" 10mm lens in 07/01/2012 between 22:56 and 00:59. Sum of 339 images.

Above- Panoramic image composed by 5 vertical photos.