Latest news with #JoshDury
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Did the Chinese Government ruin your astrophotography?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. China recently launched the Zhuque-2E rocket, deploying 6 satellites into low-Earth orbit and dumping experimental fuel into space, creating a massive luminous streak visible across at least 7 US states. If you were one of the astrophotographers who ventured out last Saturday, May 17, you might have witnessed this unexpected light show in the sky around 01:24 EST. It may have ruined your long-awaited astrophotography shots of the beautiful night sky, as the bright streak overshadowed the stars. Saying this, you might instead have found yourself captivated by this unexpected happening – like photographer Mike Lewinski, who captured the scene and also created a time-lapse video of the light streak from Crestone, Colorado. You can discover this footage on his Flickr account or website. The bright streak lasted for about ten minutes and, according to it was visible in Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Missouri, Nebraska, Washington and New Mexico. This giant luminous streak was caused by the Zhuque-2E single-use orbital launch rocket, created by Chinese company LandSpace, which released a series of satellites into orbit and dumped a new type of fuel into space. Speculation surrounds the reason for this massive light streak. Representatives from suggested it might have been a de-orbit burn or a circularization burn for the deploying satellites. An astronomer at the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics said on X, 'Yes, that's it. Fuel dump from the upper stage, at about 250 km altitude'. This isn't the first time unnatural luminous objects have appeared in the night sky. If you're an astrophotographer, you may already be aware of this; if not, here's some context: the number of satellites is on the rise. According to the European Space Agency, in 2022 some 6,800 satellites were active. In May 2025 that number nearly doubled, with over 11,500 satellites orbiting our planet. In 2019, SpaceX deployed 60 Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. Shortly after, observers witnessed a linear string of light across the sky. It's not just American astrophotographers who have seen these unnatural light appearances; just this May, a luminous vortex was spotted in the UK night sky. I spoke with award-winning astrophotographer Josh Dury to gain further insights and discuss concerns around satellites and fuel dumps in space. "Above the United Kingdom on March 25 2025, a somewhat alien-esque object was sighted in the night sky. If anything, the definition of what is 'alien' goes far and few between. ABOVE: See the light pollution from Starlink satellites "This was the presence of a Starlink satellite launch; ejecting a new type of fuel, used to power these missions to launch contributing satellites into a 'mega constellation' in low Earth orbit. "Methalox, liquid oxygen and methane, is the fuel used to launch these satellites up into orbit, freezing as ice crystals high up in the Earth's atmosphere, which reflect sunlight and are visible at night. "The situation now is, these missions are powered to launch tens of thousands of satellites to provide a solution to global internet. The double-edged sword is… they are now outnumbering the amount of visible stars in each hemisphere. "An alarming statistic that not only affects professional astronomical observations, but also astrophotography and our connection with the natural world. "The new concept is how these fuel dumps are effectively degrading our atmosphere and contributing to pollution in our upper atmosphere and thus climate change. Already very worrying especially with evidence for future government decisions to dim sunlight." You can learn more about astrophotography and discover Josh's work on his website and in his new book: 52 Assignments: Night Photography, published by Ammonite Press. Capturing stunning images of the night sky and space starts with having the right gear. Check out our guides to the best cameras for astrophotography and the best lenses for astrophotography. You might also enjoy our feature on Josh Dury, a pro landscape and astrophotographer, who shared why he considers the Sony A7S III a true "powerhouse" for astrophotography and more insider night sky tips.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Venus, Saturn and the moon dazzle at dawn in 'romantic' photo from Chew Valley Lake (photo)
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Astrophotographer Josh Dury captured a stunning celestial scene early Friday morning (May 23), as the planets Venus and Saturn aligned with the thin waning crescent moon above the still waters of Chew Valley Lake, Somerset, U.K. The image was taken at 4 a.m. BST (11 p.m. EDT / 03:00 GMT) and showcases a fleeting "celestial triangle" that appeared just before sunrise. "The planets Saturn, Venus and the waning crescent moon formed a beautiful cosmic display," Dury told in an email. This cosmic meetup unfolded in the quiet moments before dawn, with Venus shining brightly just below the moon and Saturn positioned higher in the sky. The peaceful lake and early morning mist offered the perfect foreground. "For this scene, I had drawn attention to a simple, natural composition," Dury said. "Picture the scene at dawn break; rolling mist over the Great Lake, the sound of a distant cuckoo fills the air and water so still — it was like a mirror. All together, making for an overly romantic scene that lasted only for a matter of minutes before the light of dawn emerged." Image 1 of 2 Image 2 of 2 Dury used a Sony A7S II camera with a Sigma 85mm F/1.4 Art lens mounted on a Benro Tortoise Tripod to capture the shot. If you missed this early morning display, don't worry: You still have a chance to catch a similar view early Saturday (May 24), when the crescent moon shifts to Venus' left, with Saturn positioned higher to the right. If you're looking for a telescope or binoculars to observe the night sky, our guides for the best binoculars deals and the best telescope deals now can help. Our best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography can help you get ready to capture the next stunning skywatching event. Editor's Note: If you snap an awesome astrophoto and would like to share it with readers, send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Newly discovered Comet C/2025 F2 (SWAN) captured in stunning photo blazing across UK skies
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The newly discovered comet, now designated Comet C/2025 F2 (SWAN) is making a striking debut in the early morning skies — and astrophotographer Josh Dury had front-row seats to capture it this morning. "Amazing to witness such a newly discovered comet just several hours after its official designation," Dury told Dury captured Comet C/2025 F2 (SWAN) soaring over the Mendip Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Somerset, U.K. at approximately 4:50 a.m. local time. Equipment used: Sony A7S II Sigma 150-600mm sport at 369mm focal length "Comets are a great celestial attraction — as these are opportunities to capture dirty snowballs; the oldest objects from the far edges of our solar system," Dury told "Each takes on unique characters of their own in appearance and color, providing signals from the early formation of our place in the universe." Related: New comet SWAN25F is turning heads — and telescopes — toward the morning sky The comet was discovered in late March by Australian amateur astronomer Michael Mattiazzo, using imagery from the SWAN instrument aboard the sun-watching SOHO spacecraft, which maps hydrogen in the solar wind. Enough observational data has now been collected and the discovery confirmed by the International Astronomical Union's Minor Planet Center, it is now designated Comet C/2025 F2 (SWAN). Related stories: — Solar eclipse shines over Stonehenge in stunning photo from Astrophotographer Josh Dury — Astrophotographer captures 'rare' planetary parade as 7 planets align in the night sky (photo) — Photographer captures rare Comet G3 ATLAS from UK in dramatic 'once-in-a-lifetime' image If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the comet yourself, you'll need to act quickly. It will remain visible until around April 14, after which it moves into the constellation Andromeda and becomes lost in the twilight as it approaches the sun. The comet reaches perihelion — its closest point to the sun — on May 1, after which it will become visible from the southern hemisphere. "With weather and moon prospects, this was our best chance to observe from the UK," Dury said.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Total lunar eclipse March 2025: Best photos of the "Blood Worm Moon"
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. As the Full Worm Moon rose overnight, skywatchers across the Americas turned their eyes — and their cameras — toward the sky. Over several hours, Earth's shadow slowly crept across the lunar surface, turning our celestial neighbor into a deep, blood-red orb. This was the first total lunar eclipse since 2022, and photographers — both amateur and professional — were not going to let the rare opportunity to capture the spectacle pass, even if it meant staying awake well into the early morning hours. If you didn't manage to see the total lunar eclipse or if you just want to relive the show all over again, we've rounded up some of the best "Blood Worm Moon" photos from across North America and beyond. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. A lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon align in such a way that Earth casts its shadow on the moon. During totality, the moon moves through Earth's umbra, the darkest part of its shadow, creating the deep red hue of a "Blood Moon." The March full moon is traditionally known as the "Worm Moon" because this is the time of year when the ground softens and earthworm casts reappear. For these reasons, this total lunar eclipse in March is sometimes referred to as the "Blood Worm Moon." Landscape astrophotographer Josh Dury has sent us some breathtaking photos of the total lunar eclipse from his vantage point at Castle Stalker, Appin, Scotland. Dury headed to Scotland in search of good weather and found it! In a battle against the setting moon and the rising sun, Dury captured some remarkable shots of the total lunar eclipse. Image 1 of 5 Image 2 of 5 Image 3 of 5 Image 4 of 5 Image 5 of 5 Josh Dinner captured this stunning shot of the "Blood Moon" while waiting for his car to charge on a long drive home from Florida. Photographer Yuri Cortex captured a beautiful, rusty-red view of the moon during the total lunar eclipse from Mexico City, Mexico. Stargazers in Australia also enjoyed a great view of the total lunar eclipse. Photographer Izhar Khan captured the "Blood Moon" over Lake George near Canberra, Australia. Photographer Brandon Bell took this lovely detailed photograph of the total lunar eclipse over Merritt Island, Florida. Here you can see the lower right portion of the moon in Earth's deep umbra shadow. It looks like we weren't the only ones watching the lunar eclipse! Here, the rusty red moon appears above the "Forever Marilyn" statue in Palm Springs, California. Below, photographer Patrick Fallon also captured the eclipse above the fronds of a palm from his vantage point in Palm Springs, California. A beautifully detailed photograph captured by photographer Miguel J. Rodriguez shows the Blood Worm Moon shining over Daytona Beach, Florida. Photographer Antonio Ojeda snapped this lovely scene of the full moon rising in Saltillo, Mexico. Skywatchers gather around telescopes in Caracas, Venezuela, to see the blood-red Worm Moon. What a shot! Aurora chaser Vincent Ledvina posted an incredible photograph on X showing not only the "Blood Moon" but the "Blood Moon" AND the northern lights! Geomagnetic activity really picked up throughout the night, reaching G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm levels at 9:42 p.m. EDT (0142 GMT). The sky decided to put on quite the show for those lucky skywatchers in the right place at the right time. Another aurora chaser, Rj Rolden, captured an aurora corona overhead and the total lunar eclipse. "Are you kidding me??? Whoaaaaa!!! I am one lucky guy who witnessed the perfect duo!!!" Rolden wrote in a post on X. It's not just totality that wows skywatchers — every stage of a lunar eclipse has its own unique beauty. This photo by Brandon Bell captures the moment the moon enters the darkest part of Earth's shadow, the umbra. Photographer Andrew Chin took this beautiful photo of the partial phase of the total lunar eclipse from Vancouver, Canada. This delicate partially eclipsed moon looks stunning in this photograph captured by Yuri Cortez from Mexico City, Mexico. Here, we can see Earth's umbra, the darkest part of the shadow, engulfing the lunar surface during the total lunar eclipse. If this eclipse has you excited for the next one, you won't have to wait as long as last time. The next total lunar eclipse is on Sept. 7, 2025, and will be visible across Asia and Western Australia. Feeling inspired to take a more in-depth moonlit tour of our rocky companion? Our ultimate guide to observing the moon will help you plan your next skywatching venture, whether it be exploring the lunar seas, mountainous terrain, or the many craters that blanket the landscape. You can also see where astronauts, rovers and landers have ventured with our Apollo landing sites observing guide.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Total lunar eclipse March 2025: Best photos of the "Blood Worm Moon"
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. As the Full Worm Moon rose overnight, skywatchers across the Americas turned their eyes — and their cameras — toward the sky. Over several hours, Earth's shadow slowly crept across the lunar surface, turning our celestial neighbor into a deep, blood-red orb. This was the first total lunar eclipse since 2022, and photographers — both amateur and professional — were not going to let the rare opportunity to capture the spectacle pass, even if it meant staying awake well into the early morning hours. If you didn't manage to see the total lunar eclipse or if you just want to relive the show all over again, we've rounded up some of the best "Blood Worm Moon" photos from across North America and beyond. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. A lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon align in such a way that Earth casts its shadow on the moon. During totality, the moon moves through Earth's umbra, the darkest part of its shadow, creating the deep red hue of a "Blood Moon." The March full moon is traditionally known as the "Worm Moon" because this is the time of year when the ground softens and earthworm casts reappear. For these reasons, this total lunar eclipse in March is sometimes referred to as the "Blood Worm Moon." Landscape astrophotographer Josh Dury has sent us some breathtaking photos of the total lunar eclipse from his vantage point at Castle Stalker, Appin, Scotland. Dury headed to Scotland in search of good weather and found it! In a battle against the setting moon and the rising sun, Dury captured some remarkable shots of the total lunar eclipse. Image 1 of 5 Image 2 of 5 Image 3 of 5 Image 4 of 5 Image 5 of 5 Josh Dinner captured this stunning shot of the "Blood Moon" while waiting for his car to charge on a long drive home from Florida. Photographer Yuri Cortex captured a beautiful, rusty-red view of the moon during the total lunar eclipse from Mexico City, Mexico. Stargazers in Australia also enjoyed a great view of the total lunar eclipse. Photographer Izhar Khan captured the "Blood Moon" over Lake George near Canberra, Australia. Photographer Brandon Bell took this lovely detailed photograph of the total lunar eclipse over Merritt Island, Florida. Here you can see the lower right portion of the moon in Earth's deep umbra shadow. It looks like we weren't the only ones watching the lunar eclipse! Here, the rusty red moon appears above the "Forever Marilyn" statue in Palm Springs, California. Below, photographer Patrick Fallon also captured the eclipse above the fronds of a palm from his vantage point in Palm Springs, California. A beautifully detailed photograph captured by photographer Miguel J. Rodriguez shows the Blood Worm Moon shining over Daytona Beach, Florida. Photographer Antonio Ojeda snapped this lovely scene of the full moon rising in Saltillo, Mexico. Skywatchers gather around telescopes in Caracas, Venezuela, to see the blood-red Worm Moon. What a shot! Aurora chaser Vincent Ledvina posted an incredible photograph on X showing not only the "Blood Moon" but the "Blood Moon" AND the northern lights! Geomagnetic activity really picked up throughout the night, reaching G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm levels at 9:42 p.m. EDT (0142 GMT). The sky decided to put on quite the show for those lucky skywatchers in the right place at the right time. Another aurora chaser, Rj Rolden, captured an aurora corona overhead and the total lunar eclipse. "Are you kidding me??? Whoaaaaa!!! I am one lucky guy who witnessed the perfect duo!!!" Rolden wrote in a post on X. It's not just totality that wows skywatchers — every stage of a lunar eclipse has its own unique beauty. This photo by Brandon Bell captures the moment the moon enters the darkest part of Earth's shadow, the umbra. Photographer Andrew Chin took this beautiful photo of the partial phase of the total lunar eclipse from Vancouver, Canada. This delicate partially eclipsed moon looks stunning in this photograph captured by Yuri Cortez from Mexico City, Mexico. Here, we can see Earth's umbra, the darkest part of the shadow, engulfing the lunar surface during the total lunar eclipse. If this eclipse has you excited for the next one, you won't have to wait as long as last time. The next total lunar eclipse is on Sept. 7, 2025, and will be visible across Asia and Western Australia. Feeling inspired to take a more in-depth moonlit tour of our rocky companion? Our ultimate guide to observing the moon will help you plan your next skywatching venture, whether it be exploring the lunar seas, mountainous terrain, or the many craters that blanket the landscape. You can also see where astronauts, rovers and landers have ventured with our Apollo landing sites observing guide.
