Saggitarius from Nepal

The darkest skies I have ever seen were at over 15,000 ft. in Nepal. M33 was a direct vision object naked eye, as was M15. Unfortunately to save weight, all I had with me was a point and shoot digicam. The camera must have shifted on the rock I set it on as there is faint double vision......

http://rattlesnakeobservatory.com/Nepal.html

Canon Powershot S70
15 sec, ISO 800

Attached Image:

Wonderful!
Nepal? I've always wondered about remote places like that one...
Tell us a bit more about your trip Vince..., really interested. 8)


Thanks for sharing!

Vince,
It's Sunday afternoon and I've got too much work to do at the computer, sneaking in a few peeks at my favorite asto sites, when I come upon your incredible travelog. What a wonderful and welcome diversion you've provided! Your journey certainly took you closer to the stars than I've ever been. I can't wait for the rest.
Thank you very much for sharing your trek,
Larry

I remember one moonless night in Namche when, despite my fear of the cold, I had to answer nature's call. I stepped out, and the stars were enough to light up the mountains from Kwande to Ama Dablam, and up to Everest. It was so beautiful that, despite the cold, I dragged out my tripod and camera, and snapped an eight second exposure. Not knowing what the proper exposure would be, I tried a fifteen second exposure, despite the cold. Just after I started the exposure, I started to cramp up horribly--the joys of travelling in third world countries. I had to take a break, so quickly, I forgot to close the shutter. I just ran out to the outhouse. When I recovered-- I shuffled back to the camera, shut off the exposure, and rushed back to my sleeping bag inside the hut. It was so cold it took me an hour to warm enough to go back to sleep.

When I got the film developed six months later--I had a beautiful shot of Kwande, and stars, and all that--the only shot that came out in that darkness.

I'll always remember that shot--the only thing I can tell you about the time of exposure is that it took as long as it takes to get over an attack of dysentary.

Alex