Photographing "Thor's Helmet" Nebula from home

The skies have cleared for the time being, which is great news considering our current situation.
In this video, I photograph some nebulae from my backyard using a camera and telescope.
My primary interest for the night was the "Thor's Helmet Nebula" in the constellation Canis Major.
I also photographed the Horsehead Nebula in Orion using a separate camera and telescope setup.
Get Started in Astrophotography: astrobackyard....
Download my Image Processing Guide: sellfy.com/p/0...
Thank you for watching, and clear skies!
Affiliate Links:
Some of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase.

[@AstroBackyard]

I hope you guys enjoyed this one. Stay safe out there, and clear skies 👊

[@guyyanez6949]

Nice work out there with Thor's helmet, as if you were in the southern hemisphere. Very inspirational video as usual but on very special weeks and months ahead. I guess we are all trying to do some astroimaging while confined at home hoping for the best.

[@Baronofbad62]

Thanks for the new video. It’s something to keep me occupied while I’m stuck at home. Keep up the good work. Awesome images.

[@Maybachdemon]

I'm trying to capture the Witch Head nebula while watching this vid. Wish me luck lol

[@larrybyrge1]

Great video Trevor. The only thing I disagree with that you said was that it seems a little silly to make an astrophotography video with more pressing things going on in the world right now. You're right....there are more pressing things going on right now in the world but your videos right now are one of the few things that seem to help a lot of us feel a little normalcy. Thanks for all you do.

[@astroadventures3559]

Man you are the reason I started this hobby/passion. I can't thankyou enough for opening my eye's to the wonder that is AP. And now.. I couldn't even imagine my life without taking pictures of Orion, the moon and andromeda. I haven't gotten very far into it yet because the cost of everything. But if I could, I would be doing exactly what you are every second I got. And quoting the late Carl Sagan let's me know you are truly my kind of friend. Even if I only know you through your videos. So again thank you Trevor! And clear skies my friend.

[@cdamauser1963]

Your wife sure seems like a sweetheart. Astronomers need that. A patient, nice spouse!

[@alimatte1]

Oh man, younger I told myself the day I retire I will start that hobby, I'm 54 now and just want to start. Thank god I found your KZbin channel. Thank you...Thank you from Montreal.

[@legacysearches4481]

Why would anyone dislike this? This brother puts ALL of this time and money into his passion then spends even more time making a LIBRARY of QUALITY vids..... not for him.....but to share with the world. I think Trevor is the best there is!

[@mikemcwhorter5298]

Trevor, your videos have been the driving force behind me getting back into astronomy and astrophotography. When I was a teen there were no digital cameras so right now I have a sky tracker adventure, Nikon D3500 and a few lenses including the kit lenses. Saturday I had the chance to go south of Gila Bend in Arizona and the sky’s were absolutely stunning. I managed to get several minutes of Orion and the nebula popped out! Yes it’s the background on my phone, tablet, and laptop. Thanks again Trevor!

[@tigercloud6945]

Keep goin I'm glad ur out there doing this, inspiring more of us to be able to see what's really out there. Ty.

[@elmikol2443]

Rudy is so funny! Loved watching him at the end of the video, running and playing in the new backyard!

[@dylanslater83]

The clearest nights are always work nights.

[@marcthomas9831]

Dylan Slater Mine this week is Friday!

[@tomvoss2952]

I would disagree with you. Right now is the EXACT time for us to focus on something beautiful. Keep looking up. And keep showing us what you're seeing.

[@No_no83]

Yeah Trevor. Sunday night is always clear!!!

[@itzbulletz2651]

Ahhh the great and wonderful space ... It gives me a lot of peace ...

[@bkbkbk420]

Carl sagan was a great man. I love love love watching his series cosmos. Excellent video. I enjoy watching all of your uploads

[@Mr6sess]

I just got my ES ED 152mm CF last week and after imaging the Triangulum galaxy all night on my 1st night out I saw Orion just peeking out from behind my huge tree and I took nearly the same shot of the Horsehead but only captured part of the Flame nebula. I was 100% blown away to see that 1 5 min exposure in Ha. Thanks Trevor! And thanks to all who share you knowledge. These vids have taught me 100% of what I know and have been able to accomplish.

[@StargazerFS128]

Enjoyed this video very much, quoting Carl Sagan (life long hero to me) was the cherry on top.

[@VittorioSergi]

the clear skies are actually due to a lack of land traffic rather than air's. usually in big urban areas the worst days for Astro photography are friday and saturday, for the same thing as before, smog contributes to the concentration of water vapoers that usually burst in rain around 5-6 days. Since traffic is highest from monday to friday, saturday is the rainiest day.

[@AstroBackyard]

Interesting!!

[@TeeDee87]

bring the EV future quicker please.

[@celestromel]

What a great episode - Ashleigh AND Rudy. Take care ol’ buddy - I was really looking forward to meeting you at SSIII. Surely Thor’s Helmet must be an APOD candidate?

[@AstroBackyard]

Thank you Melvyn! Appreciate that - maybe 2020 will be my year! 😄

[@MrPixelspin]

Clear nights are always the Wednesday here. When I normally visit my Go club (board game). I used to be torn between the 2 but clear nights are so much rarer so it's no choice at all anymore. Great video, great pictures, great wife and great dog.

[@Cruz474]

Sunday is always clear

[@EdmundBB]

When i see pictures of DSOs like the ones you shoot, or movies like interstellar, or even documentries and try to undertsnad this new hobby of mine, it reminds me that there is a bigger place out there, and it makes my worries and sadness seem silly and they disappear. it reminds me that i was born for something much bigger than to pay bills and die, or think just of money and small stuff. Clear Skies!

[@astrophotography6305]

Amazing! I was thinking of imagining the horse head nebula tonight as well but decided to wait until friday. I got a decent pic of M42 last week (March 11) and now my mouth is watering for the horse head nebula before the Orion constellation gets away from us till October. Great work!

[@adityaponde2612]

This lens is wayyyy better than before...great choice

[@derekderek2570]

A nearly $7,000 choice !!!

[@AstroSchnitzel]

Friday nights are always my clear nights! Which works out for me, because I am a school teacher and I always have Saturday and Sunday off. What an amazing video. It really puts life in perspective. I live in Missouri and we haven’t had a clear night in 2 weeks because of storms.

[@astroadventures3559]

Man you are the reason I started this hobby/passion. I can't thankyou enough for opening my eye's to the wonder that is AP. And now.. I couldn't even imagine my life without taking pictures of Orion, the moon and andromeda. I haven't gotten very far into it yet because the cost of everything. But if I could, I would be doing exactly what you are every second I got. And quoting the late Carl Sagan let's me know you are truly my kind of friend. Even if I only know you through your videos. So again thank you Trevor! And clear skies my friend.

[@tyhunsicker1474]

Not sure how I missed this video since subscribing but it rings true even a year later. Thanks for all you do!

[@thos759]

Trevor you are the best . Not only gorgeous pics but I really appreciated you quoting Carl Sagan too

[@seanmolony-redstickastro238]

That's all I'm doing. Processing Data since its rainy. I don't think it's such a bad time to make a video. It keeps us company and gets our mind off all that's going on. A little fun now and then is a good thing,

[@seanmolony-redstickastro238]

Sunday night for me because I have to go back to work on Monday. It's always clear for a full moon and rainy when there isn't a moon

[@noam8247]

Beutiful pictures. Also Rudy is great! Another also I think Friday is the clearest most often.

[@AstroBackyard]

I'd say Friday is a close second for me. It's a great night to be clear as long as you can avoid a social commitment! lol

[@thomaskirkpatrick3147]

That has got to be your best video yet Trevor. Amazing images, great message and great music. Thank you for being so inspiring, and clear skies!

[@AA-vs9kh]

I have a newfound appreciation for this shot after trying to shoot it a few times, Trevor. It’s a challenging (and small) target - you absolutely nailed it

[@alexshi8583]

Hey man, I really don’t recommend caffeine pills. You get severe withdrawal symptoms when you try to ween off it. My friend used to take them instead of pre-workout and I have also heard of people getting nosebleeds and stuff.

[@JasonGabler]

Yeah, but Thor's Helmet.

[@bloro2812]

@@JasonGabler anything for that D a t a

[@gazza9839]

Don't stop Trevor ! wall to wall cloud in the UK, you're videos are a welcome break from Covid ... best wishes to all that may come into contact with it

[@KongaHasse]

In south Sweden is the weather rainy as usual, but in the weekend we will have clear skys. I am a beginner but allready i love it. It feel a little bit strange to not hear aircraft passing... it's kind of sound of silence, but in the end i belive mother earth need this to take a deep breath... clear skies and thanks for all videos you share to us all.

[@lupulul]

Trevor, did you just quote "Sleeping At Last - Saturn" there? How beautiful and rare our existences can be. I myself love that song and started my own educative series of imaging galaxies and what nebulae I can to share for my friends, named the series "The Universe is made to be seen by our eyes". I am just using a 55-300mm telephoto, NIkon D5600, and the mount+track motor I got with the telescope. And I am having lots of fun and success for a 5 months beginner in the practice of astrophotography. Man, I was so excited when I purchased the telescope. Finally could afford my passions when I started working. Anyway, enough rambling! Thank you for the continued content and great work!

[@phelpsimagery]

Trevor, Thanks for continuing to post. During these crazy times your videos are a wonderful break. You inspired me to turn off the news and grab my binoculars last night....had a great time hunting for Messiers from the driveway! Keep ‘em coming buddy!

[@WiLNorCaL]

Seriously!! your images are insane!! just breath-taking.. thank you! WiL Northern, CA

[@skameron831]

One of my new favorites channels. Thanks for what you do.

[@ipoakau2573]

I received a used telescope from a friend as an early birthday gift. It's a modest beginners telescope and nothing in comparison to yours. I found some really good spots on the outskirts of Las Vegas. Red Rock, Tonopah, and my favorite spot being Grooms Lake near Area 51. Thank you for your expertise - makes this hobby very exciting being able to see the photos you produce. Aloha!

[@cjjenningsiv]

Absolutely amazing . Breath taking . Thank you

[@michs1708]

thank you for making a video an about the beauty of the Universe and not go on about the madness here on earth. I think distractions like this are exactly what we need. and what better way to spend your time when "social distancing" thanks again and keep up the good work!

[@humblyright]

Always spot on sound design Trevor!

[@haroldcarlson2775]

Got a chuckle out of your rabbit issue. Thor's helmet though...In-freaking-sanely beautiful.

[@mikeclose2279]

Thanks for the video Trevor! I am about 4 hours due West of you so it seems like Sunday is the clearest night lately here also. Hope you Ashley and Rudy stay well.

[@willwatson1929]

this is one of my favourite videos of yours

[@nicolasadriano1303]

Hello Trevor! I am an amateur astronomer and I met your channel a few weeks ago and I fell in love with the possibility of photographing and registering those images that I saw on the telescope. I've been searching the best ways to get into astrophotography for weeks. I've watched almost all of your videos, but I still have some questions. For example, I'm already familiar with observing telescopes and image editing, but I don't understand nothing about cameras and photography. It would be of great help if you could make a video step by step teaching us how to set up a DSLR camera for astrophotography. As I, for example, have a DSLR camera but I don't know how to set it up. I believe it would be of great help to those who are starting this hobby! But anyway, I learned a lot from you, thank you very much for sharing all that knowledge with us. Great video. Keep Going. Thanks from Brazil. 👍🏻 🇧🇷🇨🇦

[@vatsalbhuva1471]

The beatdrop when you show your final pic really gives me chills! Really makes me wander off into space and deepens my passion and love for astrophotography! Thanks for sharing your amazing experiences with us!

[@Stevie75]

Thank you Trevor for this great video and the much needed distraction.

[@yashbodas7264]

8:16 the lines are so inspiring, i also think the same!

[@ToddChevrier]

Look at Rudy going nuts...what a happy dog! Great job on those pics.

[@Jcorban08]

I really enjoyed your video very much! Thanks so much! The Sigma Art lens is huge upgrade, very cool to see stars in the background while your talking . Looking forward to the next installment!

[@zveck06]

My best day for imaging is Noneday! It's been cloudy at night here for weeks.

[@RaysAstrophotography]

Definitely a beautiful Capture of Thor!

[@wazigeralph]

Stay safe and thanks for the video in this strange time. Best regards.

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

Beautiful work. Y'all stay safe.

[@dasimcoes]

Trevor , your passion for the hobby is what makes me keep coming back for more. Stay safe.

[@marcanddrew2925]

Of course the two weeks I’m off of school it’s cloudy. At least we have AstroBackyard

[@larrywoolard4160]

Trevor, it's been cloudy here for several days. I sit down to KZbin and there you are providing salvation, I get to enjoy my hobby watching your video, not the same but I still get that "feeling" even when it's terrible outside. I have learned so much from you, thanks for your hard work.

[@orckaso6513]

Gr8 Videos, Gr8 Tutorials, awesome approach, ✌️🤟✌️🤙🤘

[@djsimonage2060]

Hi Trevor, nice monologue about life and the current situation around the world. Astrophotography is really one of the things in which you can forget everything and just enjoy the beauty of everything around us, especially the universe. Keep posting videos because we all are learning from every video you make. Using a Matsukov-Cassegrain 127mm with 1500mm focal length and a Nikon D5300. Greetings from Belgium.

[@Felix-ok2mx]

I like your style and your directon of thinking. when more people could sense the preciousness and vurnarability of life on earth, not only human life on earth, but nature itself. the enigma of life is itself.

[@tolgagumusayak]

You can rotate the OTA so the focus knobs are on top of your telescope and slide the OTA forward inside the rings to better balance the DEC

[@petelichtenegger]

WOW.......JUST WOW

[@jmannUSMC]

Really looking forward to finding saturn tomorrow night!

[@GazRice]

Sunday! I thought I was going crazy when I noticed this. Every time. Knowing I have work in the morning

[@Alex-gt2yh]

Nice video! We all need some clear sky to get our minds away from stress and troubles in life

[@enriqueboeneker]

Great video and awesome pictures as always, Trevor. The cosmos gives us perspective of how almost nothing, but also precisely because of that how precious we are and life as a whole is. Thanks for sharing! Clear skies!

[@Kroller9]

I just shot the horsehead nebula for the first time, now i saw your video! Just started this hoppy:) Your videos are the best!

[@videosavant100]

Always enjoy your videos, but leave a little envious of all the awesome equipment. It seems like Saturday nights are always clearest around my house because I always remember thinking, "Too bad we have plans to go out tonight or I could be imaging"

[@esbenhoffmann5421]

Again, a good video. I'm glad you're still making videos. Yes, it's bad times out there. But we also need to remember to live. as well as possible. Life to be definitely different for many also in my small family. I work in a small hospital in Denmark, almost 50% of the patients we usually have are sent home. so we can get ready. when and if many corona patients come. I wish you and your loved ones. And all your followings here on youtybe. the best for the future.

[@JosephOlar]

Hats off to you and you did a fantastic capture timming is important too

[@karlshaw4372]

Tuesday with work the next day seems to be the night it clears up and then cloudy again by the weekend. Vids like this are perfect at the moment, getting virus news fatigue and it's barely started. Hopefully you can still make it down to Byron even if the event is cancelled to get a good chance to see the southern skies.

[@JamaaLKellbass]

beautiful.

[@rickbohart6788]

So cool Trevor. Be well!

[@crusty3260]

Trevor those words at 08:15 were intelligent, insightful and inspiring. Kind of brought a tear to my eye. I love your channel. It is because of you that I began my journey into Astrophotography. My father got me interested in the stars at a very young age. Unfortunately, I've neglected to pursue the ambition for at least 30 some odd years until recently. So with that said, I thank you for sharing your journey with us and re-igniting that spark in me!

[@TheSagi777]

Very true this hobby actually realized us we r nothing compared to universe still ppl think they r more than anyone stay safe and blessed

[@phila8226]

Great message you have made regarding the mess we find ourselves in! Much appreciated.

[@alineradventureswithsimons79]

Beautiful as always.

[@ditchiu2528]

Love your vids

[@Missbagpipernorthwest]

Capturing the beauty beyond earthly boundaries, simply stunning, I look forward to more!

[@aemyttyastro]

Wow great pictures!!

[@DarkT3mpo]

For me, the clear night is always the 8'th night of the week :D Very good video !!! keep up the good work !!!

[@justin-michaelemmanuel8770]

I love your videos, very inspirational for someone like me who is literally only days into their first astro photos. This is one of the best things i couldve found in a troubling time that we are all experiencing. I'm glad folks like you are making videos about it and simply sharing their journey. The stars bring us together.

[@jonathaneames6584]

Hi Trevor from cloudy Spain, nr. Valencia, locked down 24 days and still clouds every night... Fantastic images, you are my role model - I can only dream I get as good as you are over time. Stay well my friend and thanks as always for your fab vids and your inspiration in these difficult days (and Rudy of course). I originally started watching Mr O'Donnell but man, you have overtaken him, better not mention that to him I guess. Oh and yes the skies are clearer, but only during the day here arrhhh!

[@Invisible_one]

Another fanatic video Trevor! I know you don't read comments but ADM makes threaded weights and a threaded rod that goes into those dovetails you already own. I have several different weights I use with different setups. It's money well spent! I can't remember if I used OPT or Highpoint but either should have them.

[@shawnharvPhotography]

I love using that 1.4 lens! Yours can rest assured that its in good hands.

[@beteljooz6180]

Hi, Trevor. We need videos like this, now more than ever. Beautiful images, well-crafted video. Thank you for the distraction.

[@greglight5808]

Great vid. As always even better pics!

[@vlad261996]

This is so AMAZING,i'm lost for words...AMAZING....

[@leschroniquesduglob4461]

Ta présentation est géniale. Je me suis remis à l'astrophotographie grâce à toi. Merci pour tous tes conseils.

[@marcanddrew2925]

I love the new lens

[@timmbottoni3135]

Wow fantastic as always - thanks

[@brianreynolds1098]

Trevor, it's important that you should know that in these very trying times, your work posted here is EXACTLY what we're going to need to get through this. You keep making the videos and we'll stay glued to the screen in anticipation! Don't let this BS change the way you do things!

[@Thermobyte]

I really appreciate that you're making videos like this in a time like this. It's a great respite from the gloom of the current events and a reminder that there are still beautiful things in our universe.

[@anthonybevis6939]

Trevor, your videos are always my favorite on KZbin! You've been an inspiration to get my ambitions in this hobby off the ground and into motion over the past year and a half. I also love your philosophical take on what we do. Keep it up! My prayers and best wishes to you, Ashley, and Rudy as we ride out these interesting times. (Also praying for clear skies over Indiana, a Moon-less night, and days off for me at the same time!)

[@shaunsprogress]

It's always clear the nights I'm bloody working!

[@jackkitchener4866]

Trevor, this is exactly what some of us needed during this time. Great image of Thor's Helmet. Thanks.

[@cdamauser1963]

Looks like your livin the life.

[@AaronDalton1]

Sat-Sun night has been clear for us in Anchorage this winter. Great vid! Feels like the classic old ones.

[@danfry909]

Fabulous images. Rudy is a superstar - I love him!

[@JeffHorne]

Thanks, Trevor. We need these right now! Awesome shots, too. 😊

[@stew_redman]

Never apologise for shooting the same, great targets. They are awesome subjects. Oh, and it's Sunday for me too. Always Sunday. RIP Monday mornings.