Independence Day Milky Way

[Kirscovitch]

After the skies darkened from the hoopla of setting off fireworks, I took a 20 minute ride to a new dark site I was thinking about. Clouds were threatening so I didn't set up the scope, just my 1100D and tripod.

Single 20 sec exposure. 18mm F/3.5 3200 ISO 

[Pete Presland]

excellent especially for a 20 sec exposure!

[Kirscovitch]

Thank you! Advantage to the fact that it is so dark there that even after turning on a flashlight or looking at the LCD screen, as soon as you look back up the milky way is right there. No adjustment needed for the eyes.

[robbie c]

Cracking image you got there well done 

[Sandancer10]

Well done. Image looks amazing and it must have been beautiful seeing the real thing.  

[Kirscovitch]

I can not express the feeling of seeing the milky way like that with the naked eye. Just a sense of awe and complete insignificance. 

I have been interested in the stars and astronomy for awhile and got my first scope last November. Since then I always look up at night. Clouds or not. Makes me feel like no matter what my personal problems may be I am small. But at the same time I know that everyone of us is made of star stuff so I feel huge. 

I try to convey these feelings with others but I don't really think they could comprehend what I really feel.