Astrophotography From the Darkest Sky Possible (Bortle 1)

What Does a Bortle 1 Class Sky Look Like?
Okie-Tex Star Party: astrobackyard.com/okie-tex-st...
In this video, we travel to the Okie-Tex Star Party in Oklahoma to experience some of the darkest skies in the world.
We set up our telescopes to capture deep-sky objects in the night sky, but just being out there with our own eyes was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Thank you to the organizers and attendees of the Okie-Tex Star Party for being so welcoming to a couple of Canadians!

[@BinhNguyen-uw1tc]

I'm 14 I found out about astronomy in 2020, when I went to the beach, that night the whole resort lost power. everything sinks into darkness. I looked up at the sky and saw the stars. It was the best night of my life. You inspired me so much, you told me so much more about astronomy. Thanks to you, I captured the Milky Way for the first time in my life. thank you very much Best wishes from Vietnam 🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳

[@toanthai]

Which part in Vietnam? If you use light pollution app, you can find out many dark places in VN.

[@themadhavsharmaphotography7029]

FEEL YA

[@misialn_gb]

is it posible for you to share the image?

[@NeoMullen]

I experienced exact the same in Viñales, Cuba one month ago. I was already photographing the milky way when suddenly the power in the whole area blacked out as I looked up into the sky. The whole area went Bortle 1. The brightness of the stars hit me for real and I managed to capture the best photograph I ever made. One of the best moments that holiday. Too bad I couldn't share it with my GF, who decided to go to bed half an hour before the blackout happened. I will never forget that night.

[@BinhNguyen-uw1tc]

@@misialn_gb sorry but the picture looks silly

[@afryhover]

You guys were fantastic to have, everyone was thrilled. The workshop/talk were excellent! Very impressive, Trevor is an absolute beast with Photoshop. He’s the real-deal. So glad you and Ash had a good visit, you two have lots of fans/friends for life. Come back anytime! Clear skies!

[@AstroBackyard]

Thank you so much for everything, Andy!

[@captaintoad-ef6zt]

I don't think people appreciate your editing and camera skills enough. Very well made video.

[@stefanschneider3681]

Well, I do 😉 ...

[@sauravvk3393]

You're the reason I started loving astronomy and the night sky. Exactly one year ago, this amazing channel was introduced to me and i fell in love with your videos and also realised how beautiful the night sky actually is!! I also got my first ever telephoto lens last month and I'm hoping to get some great pictures of deep sky objects just like you do. You're really amazing!!

[@AstroBackyard]

Thank you so much!! it is my pleasure

[@astrocarone9671]

This video was so well made! And that image is STUNNING. Well done!

[@AstroBackyard]

Thanks, man!

[@1frxns1]

You know man, you are one of the few KZbinrs, social media influencer people whatever you call it, that doesn't just make content to sell himself or his brand or merch or whatever, you are just making content with the biggest smile always, loving what you do giving the passion and smile to others, you just do it because you love it and it's your life! I'm happy for you you can do this 24/7 now, and give readings and clinics and educate people! Your are an inspiration to many, and not only regarding the astrophotography. Keep doing this wonderfull thing bro, ❤️

[@ericspurgeon7659]

Trevor and Ashley it was great meeting you both! Your workshop on Monday afternoon at OkieTex was great. When I started doing astrophotography about 4 to 5 years ago I stumbled across your image processing tutorials. Help me greatly improve my ability to get something more than faint fuzzies in my images. Thanks again!

[@fuz225]

Thank you so much Trevor I just got into astrophotography about 2 months ago and I'm loving it. It can be very daunting to start astrophotography but I gotta say because of your hard work and uploads I don't feel alone in this hobby so thank you 🙏

[@alexwhitman4838]

Trevor, you’re a huge inspiration to me and a lot of others. I’ve always had a profound love for space and I was so lucky to stumble upon your channel about five years ago when I first got into astrophotography. I’m still very much an amateur but your videos have provided me a lot of insights and wisdom into AP. And whenever I see the results from your imaging, I’m amazed. Simply sublime. Keep doing what you do and clear skies!

[@peterraymond3653]

I live in the UK in a Bortle 5 area. I was fortunate enough to visit Texas and drove from Waco to Big Bend National park (Bortle 1) For anyone interested in the night sky, it's worth travelling to see an un polluted sky. It's absolutely breathtaking! Awesome vid and very well produced. Thank you

[@jonathanmoothart8038]

I swear I come close to tears every time I see the photos you take. The night sky is just so beautiful! Keep up the good work!

[@TheShamefuLL]

It was very nice to meet you and ash, hope to see yall back out in the future!

[@perry3928]

What a great trip Trevor. Dream spot for sure. Love the astro community. Always willing to help, share etc. Clear skies!

[@thusmarshal8815]

Living just 20 miles from a bortle 1 I can say for sure it's a breathtaking experience

[@FisTheDucc]

Lucky boi, I live in Germany, Bortle 4-5, but even a bortle 3 place is really far away from me. Europe moment

[@thusmarshal8815]

@@FisTheDucc I also live in Europe and I'm luck that my country is a bit under developed in some placed to get into protect areas close to where I live where it's bortle 2 and even close to 1

[@FisTheDucc]

@@thusmarshal8815 shesh

[@thusmarshal8815]

@@FisTheDucc you can guess the country has Mr Bean for it's prime minister and plans to bunk rupt the EU

[@timelapsebydk]

@@FisTheDucc I live in a bortle 7 near B8 and have to travel about 2 hrs to get to b3 to b4 location

[@stephenrichards5386]

Everyone should have skies like that !!

[@TheMalbroughs]

I live in Oklahoma and travel about 3 hours a few times a year for Bortle 2 skies. I hope to make the trip to Black Mesa next year. Great video!

[@mikem9246]

I drove 20 hours from the northeast. Well worth it!

[@fabianpittman2941]

Great video, you two. Looked like a fantastic trip.

[@Chopper153]

I just experienced something similar (probably even better) last month when I went to Ladakh, India. I stayed in a camp next to a lake at 15000 ft under a Bortle 1 sky. It was amazing.

[@Gumba213]

Love your channel, been watching for a number of years. Every time I leave with a smile. Thank you for your awesome work!!!

[@ronaldhendrickson712]

Great video, thanks for sharing your wonderful experience. I was fortunate several years ago to spend a few nights observing in far southwest Texas fairly close to the MacDonald Observatory. The dark skies were awe-inspiring. It is so unsettling to not be able to easily find the constellations because of the carpet of diamonds glowing in the sky. I still remember looking through my scope and being bothered in the corner of my eye by what I thought was a low flying airliner with its landing lights on. Eventually I realized there was no noise, that beacon that was bothering me was Sirius!

[@simonpepper5053]

Amazing production as usual slightly jealous of that bortle 1 sky and the image was top quality as well. Thank you Trevor for getting me into this hobby (it was that Andromeda video) never knew amateurs could capture objects from the garden at the time. Since then my journey has been incredible started by you. it’s the best thing I have ever done. Thanks

[@LogansAstro]

Wonderful video. Being under a Bortle1 sky is certainly an experience not easily forgotten ( and I can't wait to get back to one again). Beautiful image at the end also.

[@stephencox3446]

Wow Trevor, you guys are so lucky to have experienced those dramatic clear skies. I am so glad that you had a fantastic time. I am off to my first International Astronomy Show here in the UK later this week. I have taken my inspiration from you and all the work that you have done for the amateur Astro photographer, to persue a lifetime hobby that has always been out of my reach until now. Thank you for sharing your experiences and just to say that you are a natural teacher, presenter and ambassador to the hobby.

[@DrewJEvans44]

Love it, Trevor. Looked like some really great skies! ✨

[@StarScaperPhoto]

Man, what an awesome experience this must've been! Thanks for taking us with you once again. Blown away by the result! The detail in those dust clouds just blow me away.

[@fluxx3671]

I love your videos so much Trevor like I truly Thankyou for getting me into astrophotography, it is such a fun hobby to do and watch. You are absolutely amazing. Sadly its nearly full moon and also very cloudy for months so I havnt been able to go out but the amazing feeling you get when it’s a clear stary night is jus so amazing and beautiful. I wish you and your missus the best and as always, clear skies

[@peerb6899]

Yes a new video. I always enjoy it to watch!!!!!

[@gevargiscmanoj]

Trevor, you’re amazing dude! Your content helps a lot and gives me the motivation to capture photos of our mesmerising night sky!

[@astrocatinfo]

Great video Trevor. Thanks for sharing

[@mikem9246]

Good seeing you out at okitex, loved your seminar. I have been going to Cherry Springs for nearly 10 years now, and this was my first time in Oklahoma. I cant even describe how much better the skies are there.

[@antoniomanfredi951]

WOW totally awesome video Trevor!! Loved it! And thank you for all that you do sharing these wonderful experiences in astrophotography. 🙏🤗

[@ClearAmbientSkies]

We'll be there next year. Great video dude. Clear skies!

[@TheRealChappie]

I just recently got into this hobby in the last few months (In no small part because of you and other fantastic AP content creators) and while I have yet to go to my first star party, I look forward to the day I can. I live in Bortle 4/5 I can't imagine what its like to look up at borle 1, that looks so amazing. Clear Skies Trevor, thank you for the video, and teaching me to learn to look up

[@twideman]

Great video, Trevor! Good to see you at Okie-Tex, it was a great star party this year (as usual)!

[@danielmunozluna4666]

Great job Trevor. Congratulations.

[@XShadowAngel]

As someone who has forgotten their counterweight after a 4+ hour drive multiple times.... the AM5 is even better. lol. Cheers from a member of OKC Astronomy Club!

[@hossman7432]

That was a Sic Video!! Amazing production!

[@howkre8ive]

Can't believe you were here in Oklahoma and I missed it! Now I gotta check out the star party up in the panhandle. Glad you got to enjoy our dark skies!

[@paulmorrall5719]

Love the content but blown away by the production 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@stephenjordan8712]

Another great video and awesome music. 👍

[@nativethings]

AMAZING video, music and video motion 😍🤩

[@SpaceIsBeautiful]

I just recently got into astronomy and astrophotography, and I cannot tell you how much I’m looking forward to registering and going to my first star party! I live in an area with with Bortle 5 skies and I am really looking forward to finally see Bortle 1 night skies for the first time

[@whenpigsflyobservatory]

That’s a memorable experience. Bortle 1 !!! The star party looks like a great event. Thanks for sharing it.

[@tadlong4566]

I always love your photos, but what I truly appreciate most about this video is you sharing the entire "experience." Who knew that a town of 15 could successfully host a world-class Star Party? Awesome. By the way, you are now officially Mr. AstroAutograph! Well done.

[@astronomybob]

Great video Trevor!

[@Ryan-ct1oc]

As always Trevor, awesome video. I definitely want to go experience my first star party soon. Thank you for sharing. 🔥🔥

[@ronhaggett2211]

Very well done! Thank you...

[@lukomatico]

Utterly stunning, nothing more needs to be said! - Thank you for sharing this with us all. Clear skies!

[@nativethings]

Review again, awesome video 🤩

[@FordGuy]

Awesome photos man!

[@bobsterndlschauer5923]

Stunning sky and amazing pics

[@1957lindag]

Spectacular Trevor 🌟💫✨

[@jpastroguy]

Wow! Great travel adventure video!

[@dumpydalekobservatory]

Beautiful image & stunning skies I can only dream of seeing skies like that. Clear skies!

[@CBlitzEntertainment]

Incredible video!!!

[@Ericrbo]

Very cool. Excellent!

[@masterzerak7300]

This was a great "episode", Trevor. So nice to see you and Ashley out hiking and enjoying yourselves. However, I do miss old Rudy...

[@mmoskala]

Wow! Happy life :D How much I've enjoyed this

[@StarlancerAstro]

NIce, I wish more people would attend the Nebraska Star Party, the skies are even a tiny bit darker from SQM readings and It's a nice star party, it is so true if you have never seen a bortle 1 sky please do yourself a favor and experience at least once in your life and see how much we've lost.

[@dickblock]

love with your videos so cool!!!

[@rickarmstrong2476]

That photo of Ash is spectacular my dude! Great job Trevor.

[@johngiromini5745]

My wife and I were born and raised in Amarillo, just down the street a bit from Black Mesa State Park. Amarillo and that whole area north of it, including the Oklahoma Panhandle was once referred to as the Great American Desert. You can probably discern why that is. Living in the country side outside of the "big" city of Amarillo, we saw the Milky Way all the time. We were married and moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, had children, and visited parents frequently. Our children amazed at the night sky; so clear and full of stars from horizon to horizon. Glad you were able to visit some of the southwestern US; quite a bit different from areas east of the Mississippi River. Best of luck on your channel and come back and visit anytime.

[@rkeele82]

Amazing!

[@Black_Jesus3005]

That’s gotta be a great feeling seeing that sky with the naked eye. Great video

[@tetra2055]

I so much love the VIBE of your videos !! And after seeing you go to such beautiful places, it has become one of my dreams to go there to, :)))) I Love you videos !!!!!

[@saharatta2914]

That was so awesome

[@wihtd]

absolutely incredible🤯

[@Xanthus723]

I didn't get to meet you out there but I did really appreciate the ASI air talk. Seems like you enjoyed the skies as much as I did. Glad we got so many good nights!

[@jster91]

Great Video! I this is a bucket list start party for sure. Maybe 2023... But it's the same weekend as the Black Forest Star Party at Cherry Springs, which is only 4 hours away

[@davidburchettephotography6513]

Really nicely done vid. I still haven't made it out to a bortle 1 site. Was excited to see what it felt like for you guys. Great images! And for watchers..don't forget to make sure you're at 4K if you have it (lol, watched most of it at 480 til I realized what I had done).

[@yveslaroche2245]

The photo with Ashley and flamingo as a primary foreground subject is very sweat. Very good catch!!!

[@Pete-S]

Great video Trevor and Ashley, looks like an amazing experience. You pick some great music for your videos too - would it be possible to have a track listing in the notes? Love following your adventures and the inspiration they impart.

[@RazorChrist]

Shoutout from Tulsa, Oklahoma!!! Wish I could have joined you out there!

[@sbd661]

Great Video!

[@gleadr6869]

Great video and very jealous you do this for a living. I need to remember about this next year, It's not to far for me to drive out there. Looks like a blast.

[@isaacweaver2765]

The absolute best astrophotography night I had was in Black Mesa State Park in west Oklahoma. I'll never forget those supremely dark skies

[@kcrocks5]

Aww man I wish I knew about this I would have tried to come down it's only a 5 hour drive! I'll try to plan for next year then! Awesome video and pictures as always!

[@garycrumrine9538]

I remember seeeing the Milky way much like that as a kid. It has been so long since. At least 60 years. Thanks Trever.

[@jetpond7904]

I know that B1 visual sensation too now as I was just near Sutherland South Africa (near the SALT telescope) on a large ranch with a small triplet refractor too! Magellanic Clouds look spectacular!

[@briankotak403]

Awesome trip you guys! Looks like you had a blast. I had the opportunity to work as an eco guide at a remote (very remote!) lodge just south of the Manitoba-Nunavut border for 6 weeks this summer/fall. Bortle 1 skies they boggle the mind and northern lights to dazzle. The heavens are sooooo cool! Dr B from Manitoba, Canada 🇨🇦

[@daveng4698]

Another great video! I'm looking forward to a review of your AM5, much appreciated.

[@lenn15]

I think its already on this channel… Edit: it is. The Video is 2 Month old.

[@vampolascott36]

I have a place to set up at a wildlife management area that's Bortle class 2 and about an hour's drive from home. It's in the Nebraska Sandhills and it's really beautiful. I've seen darker skies, but that's way out in northwestern Nebraska. I heard they have a star party at the State Park there every year, but I've never been involved with that. For me, visual observing is a solitary, zen-like activity that does so much for my soul. Just one night of great seeing during Jupiter opposition and I'm so happy that it's all I really want to talk about for weeks.

[@SamS-sn4uu]

Love the synthwave

[@3DAstroTC]

Oh damn, that final image, that's some good dust 👌👌

[@truffzillazootopius6935]

WOW! Bortle 1! Goosebumps!❤️😱

[@ralphgriffin2785]

Great video…appreciate the drone footage but, I have to say, I’m LOVING the music…wherever you’re getting it from keep it up :)

[@chrispy_bacon]

I'm so grateful to live in a bortle 2 area and can't wait for those warm summer nights in Australia to get here again.

[@DSOImager]

Love these star party videos Trevor. Maybe you'll make it out to the Texas Star party near the McDonald observatory one day :)

[@brianreynolds1098]

NOW I know why you weren't at BFSP! Looked for you there but you weren't on the registry. That's O.K., you made the right choice. The wx was lousy and wasn't worth the trip. Really enjoyed this vid, Trevor. Thanks for chronicling it! You should join me at Staunton River later this month. A few Canadians will be down there! Once again, bravo to you and Ashley. Well done. Glad you could make Okie-Tex!

[@georgepoz1789]

Wow. I'm waiting for more from that night's. Can't belive it's just one 😉 you inspired me 5 y ago.

[@wesleydonnelly2141]

What an incredible trip Trevor and Ash! Such a shame you couldn't get Rudy on a Plane! He'd have loved all that open space and places to explore! ( and animals to chase! LOL ). Your image at the end was absolutely breath-taking Trevor! My goodness how far you have come since those early days of shooting your very first astrophotography vids wayyy back in your first Astrobackyard home! Incredible! Thanks! Wes, Liverpool UK.

[@stefanschneider3681]

I couldn't agree more!

[@CN_Astrophotography]

I was also at a bortle 1 area last week, but your acquisition and editing skills are much more fine tuned than mine lol.

[@michaellorentzen1672]

Going back through your channel listing and watching older videos I haven’t yet watched to give you some extra Adsense while injured. 😊

[@daviddickerson495]

What??!! You came to Oklahoma?! I've lived in the Oklahoma City area for nearly 20 years and have yet to make it out to Black Mesa - although I only became interested (obsessed??) with night sky photography a couple years ago. I hope you enjoyed the trip and will return to OK in the future.

[@TheRealTonyCastillo]

When I was probably 8 in 1978 I used to live in Boise City Ok 36 miles from Kenton. I remember my parents taking me to a camping trip to Black Mesa. Camped by a river and to this day I remember the river bottom being stone and crystal clear water. We put a wheat head penny somewhere in black mesa by some stones somewhere. I'm sure I looked up at the sky that night we camped but as a kid you never notice things like a Bortle 1 sky. Live in Nebraska now and I live about 3 hours from a Class 1 sky. 30 minutes south of me I can get to a class 3 and you can tell the difference in the stars, crazy what light pollution does... Thanks for sharing this experience, brought back some good memories. Might check out Nebraska star party by Valentine NE for a trip sometime. 2023 July 16th 16-22.

[@bluelemon1394]

Ive been so used to the suburban/city sky that I cant even believe that these views are real. Absolutely stunning photo

[@glennsmooth]

I recently took a trip to Sedona, AZ. It’s amazing looking to look up and see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Most people won’t experience that in their lifetime.

[@joeshmoe7967]

I should be federal LAW, that all school kids get a free bus trip to a Bortle 1 site! We have kids growing up in downtown apartments that don't even know there are stars above them. Everyone should see a Bortle 1 sky AND see Saturn with their own eyes through a decent telescope. - Cheers

[@bowks1o_o669]

Looks amazing. Hope one day you can get down to Australia and get some of the objects we see in the southern sky 😁👍

[@KingLoopie1]

Trevor is a rock star and astro photographer getting asked for autographs! Living the dream in spades! 🌟📷😎👍👍

[@dw.in.michigan]

I was just in that area, visiting my dad in northeastern New Mexico where I grew up, and I drove through the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles. As I was driving through, I nearly told my dad that I was going to be delayed by a day, so I could stay and take advantage of the skies. But I was certainly not disappointed in getting back to my hometown - the Milky Way was clearly visible within city limits. Even just outside the city, the skies were bortle 2, and driving half an hour away put me in bortle 1. Got some of the best images I've ever taken.