The Winter Star Party Lives up to the Hype!

[@cdz9400]

Seeing the tiny galaxies almost made me cry

[@alexliang5660]

You know, there are 2,000,000,000,000 galaxies in this universe (estimated) it may change. We are one blood man, in a pale blue dot amongst 100 billion stars in one of the 2 trillion galaxies. All of us should hold out hands together and dive into the vast ocean of stars.

[@Bonn1eTheBunny1985]

@@alexliang5660Well said, my friend, I agree.

[@road_to_rage_559]

@@alexliang5660couldn‘t said it better 👍🏼

[@BloxxyYT-rbxm]

ASTROBACKYARD BACK AT IT AGAIN WITH ANOTHER BANGERRRRRR!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Astrono-Mike]

This is by far one of my favorite images from you! I love reflection nebulae they seem to give a sense of depth to an overall flat field of stars. Amazing work Trevor, one day I hope to be as skilled as you, clear skies!

[@AstroBackyard]

Thanks Mike!!

[@willrothfuss8470]

Great video, Trevor and thanks to Ashley for the very helpful page about the ins and outs on your website. I am coming down for my first WSP this year- making the drive from PA and tent camping. We'll see how the old body holds up. I met you at Cherry Springs and look forward to seeing you again at the WSP if you are going. I always enjoy your videos. They get more and more professional. Beautiful image of the Witch Head. Since I am driving, I may bring a bike, kayak, or both, plus a load of art supplies.

[@Galactic_hermit]

Pleiades 68 for the win

[@NikonJax]

Nice video Trevor, sweet Witches head!

[@mrgreenfull3897]

Best Witchhead I have seen so far !😮

[@vidman9691]

Winds are a pain but they help keep the mosquitos away. Great video.

[@capturethephotons2078]

Horizon to Horizon you cant beat that!! Besides wind/ sea moisture /frequent Florida rain.... perfect conditions. Clear skies.

[@randomoldbloke]

When you come to Australia head up to far North Queensland out in the gulf country it is not hard to be 100 miles plus from any light source or if you can't get up here anywhere west of the coast by at least 500k very few towns and clear skies mostly. Mid year is the best time

[@astronomybob]

Great shot Trevor! How about a review on the Camaro?

[@AstroBackyard]

10/10 on the fun factor... 1/10 practicality. I still want one

[@TheHemiphil81]

The witches head nebula is one of my favorite. It is my screen saver on my telescope ipad..❤

[@Psychlist1972]

Beautiful result, and those tiny galaxies were amazingly crisp

[@Wheeljack678]

You got an amazing depth which I think gave an almost 3D-effect in your final image. Those tiny galaxies surrounding NGC1909 are really cool. The Witch Head is usually my goto-target whenever I manage to leave the comfort of my house and go to a dark(er) location. It's really amazing how much more that are being picked up of signal under better skies - even in single exposures.

[@MrGp3po]

Star parties are fun. I usually attend the Idaho Star Party with the Boise Astronomical Society at Bruneau Dunes State Park. Its a great location with two observatories, a wetlands/lake, a 470 foot tall sand dune, and Bortle 2 skies.

[@Marc-mo8bt]

You should make longer videos, also featuring the star party experiences or the roadtrips you do. In addition a coffee table book would also be a nice thing.

[@AstroBackyard]

Noted!

[@dasimcoes]

Awesome image of the witch head. Looked like fun. I do most of my observing solo but I think it would be great to share the experience.

[@davidalbert9387]

I wish I knew you were there, it would have been an honor to meet you in person. Maybe next year!

[@robinhoward6447]

Wow, just wow! Clear skies, Trevor.

[@聖帝サウザー-s7n]

魔女の横顔はかなり難しい対象ですが、画像はどのように処理されているのでしょうか🤔 Pleiades68のF3.8の明るさはすごいですね😮 とにかく美しい作品ですね✨ こんなに綺麗なのは見たことがないです😊 日本では緯度的にも撮れなさそうです

[@PeterFullen]

Another great video. Keep up the great work!!!

[@kscheben]

This feels like a souvenir from that week! Such a great time and wonderful memories. Rinse and repeat for next year (with a little less wind please!). And your Witchhead shot is absolutely one of your very best. Incredible image! I’m still hoping to pull out a reasonable Carina image from the week but my editing computer is completely out of space so I’ve got to resolve that first.

[@nightsky_ash]

Totally agree Ken, such a blast! You definitely got more time on Carina than I did, so I think you'll get something for sure. Can't wait to see.

[@mdnt_]

I live in SE Georgia and take a few trips to the Keys every year. I've dreamed of bringing my rig down there and trying to catch Carina but haven't yet made it happen. I'll definitely be a part of this star party next year!

[@bobprice9541]

That was an amazing image of the Witch's Head nebula. I have been to the Winter Star Party a number of times, but I did visual. I have seen Eta Carinae in my 16 inch and it is amazing. Omega Centauri star cluster fills the field of view in that telescope. I enjoyed touring all those southern objects I can't see in Chicago. I hope to go back again at some point. Besides the star party, there are many attractions to see in the Keys in Key West, Key Largo, and Marathon. The Fish House in Key Largo is a place to go for top notch seafood on your way to the party. The festivals at Key West are fun to visit during the day.

[@EireCubing]

this is gonna be so good

[@astrotitch9650]

Thats gorgeous! I hope I can attend a star party one day, it's on my bucket list for sure.

[@brianreynolds1098]

NOW you're a pro! You've been to the WSP. Not many can make that claim. Glad you and your lovely bride were able to make the most of it, Trevor.

[@pleaseholdinc]

My first Winter Star Party and it did not disappoint. It truly is a unique location.

[@billoconnor2727]

What an eye-opening and heartful experience. Trish and I LOVE the Keys, especially Key West et al. We're so proud of you for going to the trouble and expense to step out of your comfort zone.

[@IAMDRREMULAKK]

Oh my God. That has to be one of the finest images you (or anybody else) has taken, excepting government observatories. Everything about that image... the color... the way the nebula stood out so boldly against the background, etc. And to see those tiny galaxies in Orion is amazing.

[@pjcur]

Great video and beautiful results! Next time, fly 2.5 hours South from Miami and come visit us in Curaçao.

[@billoconnor2727]

So happy you resisted the temptation to overprocess the Witchhead nebula. She's very special!

[@NebulaAviation1]

An absolutely breathtaking image of the Witch Head Nebula. Reflection nebulae are by far my favorites, right along with IFN.

[@chrischarlesjax]

I love this star party and it was awesome getting to meet you. Hope to see you down there again

[@gingersmurf7057]

Would be interesting to see what gear you actually took and how you pack it all for a flight!

[@Si-fp2ij]

That looked such a great trip Trevor, and a beautiful image! Thanks for sharing Cheers Simon

[@patricescattolin43]

Yes @AstroBackyard , an annual WSP trip breaks the winter into two. And the trick for the gear is to drive down. We've been doing it for many years now and it works well for the many other Canadians that I meet there annually. You can then carry much bigger scopes and camping gear, I certainly do. Of course it's two days in each direction roadtrip. (as a compromise, one can drive down the other one fly into Miami). To soften the drive, I would recommend complementing it with some beach-front time on either side of the WSP week if you can rent something in more mainstream Florida beach town. BTW Omega Centauri, Southern Cross and Carina are great rewards for all that driving. The Carina region is so rich. If you didn't go, next time go to Bahia Honda Sandspur beach, it's less than 10min drive north. You will have the place to yourself to get your beach fix.

[@timmbottoni3135]

Fun video - I want to retire to Florida and this would be awesome to visit. Love the Pleiades! Looks like it has great optics.

[@zubenel01]

Struth Trev , You really capture the atmosphere😉 of the party/ place / and our Southern Skies! As random bloke has mentioned we in Oz are blessed with Dark skies and the "best" celestial hemisphere. All of those Southern constellations you mention rise and fall over our home at the moment. Very spoiled!

[@bobdorcas5155]

Hi Trevor: if you get down again come on over to a group known as the west enders. We meet there every year and camp out in Wesumkee side. There is a huge dob there.

[@Alan-vk6bk]

Florida.....oh how I wish I could get to this one!!

[@fromupthere.2209]

Thank you for reminding me just how spectacular the southern sky is. I view it (Carina) most nights and tend to forget what a gem it is. If you ever get down under, make sure you image it and the Tarantula nebula in the LMC.. that area of sky is spectacular.

[@bowks1o_o669]

Beautiful image of the Witch Head. We take objects like Eta Carinae and the Magellanic Clouds and all they contain a little bit for granted here in the Southern Hemisphere (I am in Melbourne, Australia). On a clear night you can se Eta Carinae with the naked eye from skies Bortle 6 and under.

[@isjoshhere]

Love it. Those glamping setups look pretty nice. This star party has been on my bucketlist for awhile, especially living in the northeast (Maine). I hope to make it there.

[@titobattaglia7932]

Very inspirational… I might do my first star party in 2024. And the image is unreal… I guess OSCs can do quite a lot after all!

[@AstroBackyard]

Glad to hear that! Yes, an OSC and a dark sky are a winning combo 👌

[@alexliang5660]

Hey Trevor, I live in New Zealand and I know how you feel when you looked over Eta Carinae over the ocean, I felt it last September when I was standing on a high place looking at Andromeda Galaxy in a gap in the trees instead of having a whole ocean to look over. I'm actually really keen to see northern objects while I can't even see a single star in Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper. It's quite interesting you know!

[@thomasbunner734]

That Witch Head image you captured is simply stunning! And what a great vlog too! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@Cubemil]

Great video! Your obsession with the orion region is amazing :D we get to see new pictures every time you go to such an event

[@albertsmith5581]

The WSP is the granddaddy of winter star parties but the best kept secret in Florida is the Chiefland Astronomy Village in North Central Florida. Bortle 2-3 skies with clear skies low humidity and cool bug free nights from October to April and far enough from the coast to avoid off shore wind and gust. Last years fall starfest was $200 and included your camp/set up site, on site bathrooms and showers, a picnic and cookout in the site pavalion, swap meet, guest speakers during the day and movie features for cloudy nights.

[@ryankuhne5530]

come to Rooiberg in south Africa you will love it here love form Rooiberg

[@tomhoskins4913]

Amazing work Trevor, keep the content coming! Great trip for you and your soulmate! Hey, what Bortle number are the skies there?

[@batfirewaf123]

wow now that is dedication traveling that far. I don't seem to have the motivation to pick up my gear (heavy) and traveling that distance. Well done!

[@perry3928]

What an amazing experience. Beautiful location. Witch head looks gorgeous!

[@greglight5808]

Wonderful video and image thanks for sharing Trevor

[@keithhanssen7413]

Beauty image! Looks like loads of fun.

[@nukaoperator5320]

Heck yeah Trevor! You're making me want to pack my bags and start traveling.

[@d.fresh.750]

The only thing missing was RUDY!!! Awesome image, Trevor...and the star party looked amazing!

[@Lank871]

It's funny you mention the lone backyard astronomer feeling as I'm sitting in my car in a paddock at 3am with my telescope imaging just outside. I can't image at home and sometimes being so tired the next day makes it pretty hard. Knowing others in the area have their scope out brings me peace!

[@mikeharden7904]

I've been attending the WSP since early 2000s. My job kept me away this year so next year... So sorry I didn't get to meet you and Ashley in person. It would have been a thrill. The WSP gets in your blood. Maybe it's seeing a part of the sky you can't see from anywhere else in the continental US. The people are great and the rig setups are amazing. It's always windy 😂 Did you get to see the Southern Cross and the jewel box? Please consider coming back next year and I hope to meet you 😊 Mike

[@vortex7247]

That witch Head Image looks stunning!!! Do you mind providing the full res picture so that i can use it as a wallpaper?

[@saskapriest]

Looks like such a great time. And your image of the Witch head nebula 🤯🤯🤯

[@frudi]

I've been thinking of getting a small refractor in the 250-300 mm range to complement my 8" f/4 newtonian rig. Mainly looking at scopes like the RedCat 51 and 61, FRA300 or Askar V. But I think this video and your absolutely stunning image of the Witch Head Nebula just sold me on the Pleiades 68.

[@Jon-v5o]

Amazing Trevor! Love your content you are very inspiring🤩

[@AstroBackyard]

Thank you!

[@0y0chang0]

It would be great to have a packing video showing how you carried your rig and what was carry on and what was checked bagged luggage. I am sure a lot of your viewers are going to be traveling for the eclipse, so I think it would help a lot of people plan packing wise.

[@adamtoder]

What a great video, you really captured the spirit of the experience. The only thing that would've made that trip better was to add more nights to our trip! Looking forward to the next time we share dark skies..... that Witch Head is bangin'!!!!

[@mintjdm89]

Man, this image is absolutely stunning! 🍻

[@mr_riter]

Designer of the WSP 2024 logo here! sadly I couldnt make it due to monetary issues! Would've loved to be there and I'll hopefully be there next year! Have fun!

[@astrojet9484]

Great video, I just headed south 2 days ago and saw Carine and Canopus,and that was an epic experience!

[@lietuvospatriotasnr1678]

Wow those tiny galaxies look soo good i didnt even know it was possible to see galaxies in orion

[@AstroTeenager]

Magnificent image Trevor sir! ❤

[@publiux]

I’m hoping to do my first WSP there in 2025. Hope to see you there if you attend again.

[@LogansAstro]

Superb image of the Witch Head nebula. I'm guessing you'll be bringing a portable rig rig downunder to Star Stuff to capture Carina closeup. Looking forward to seeing you at Star Stuff.

[@Astrogeek215]

YESS THE VIDEO IVE BEEN LOOKING FOWARD TO!

[@komerlee]

Was looking at the scope on astrobin for sample pictures and saw your pic few days ago. Knew something was cooking 🔥

[@D00rGunner]

Been looking at getting into the hobby for awhile and was looking at this exact setup. Can we get a more detailed description of the equipment you used? Thanks.

[@paulk119]

Love it! Jealous.. still trying in the Midwest! Waiting for clear sky’s.

[@grzesiekhallomoto5920]

Trevor I'm about to choose my first astrophoto gear. I'm trying to justify pleiades 68 over redcat 61. Anxious to see your review!!

[@zalllon]

I just subscribed to your channel, as I’m in Ontario (Brampton) and just thinking about getting into this hobby. I don’t have any telescope experience, but I am a photographer (switching from event photography to landscape and birding). Planning to start using the gear that I have, and then figure out a reasonable budget to get into what you do in your videos. Seeing the video like this, a star party, where it takes place in a warmer region it’s definitely something incentivizes joining the hobby for someone like me. I just started getting into off Roading, so it would be good to combine the two hobbies as a lot of offloading lead you into dark skies.

[@themisanthrope4646]

I remember going there in 2009. Spanish harbor key. Only time I've seen Omega Centauri. That was also the time my old man and I had 70 lbs of equipment on an iOptron mini-tower, tracking Venus for 9 hours straight. It's a really nice event. But, it doesn't draw in nearly the crowd that my home event, Stellafane, does.

[@SylonHD]

I currently live in Tampa & had no idea this event was a thing. If I’m still in this state next year, I definitely need to make it down there. Also, incredible image!

[@Stephen-gp8yi]

Superb content as always🤙🏻

[@TDSgeek]

I'm in awe thank you 😊

[@omarlorentz99]

Hi great video. Can you tell me if the full frame camera you used produces vignetting on the original file of the witch nebula?

[@Astrogeek215]

TOTAL BANGER

[@domino089]

Great result!

[@teembel9879]

What do you think on using a guide scope with a canon full frame to take astrophotos?

[@jianli3408]

stunning

[@nivedkrishna8212]

Like always loving your videos ❤❤

[@Robowarrior834]

Are you coming to the CSSP again this year? Hoping I can get thickets this year again.

[@hunter133official]

Wish I had Bortle 1 skies over here. Carina is amazing down here in Northern South-East Asia! Of course I'm still in the north though.

[@John_Hudson_922]

stunning image man

[@oscarcasanova9150]

Where do you look to know where star parties are being held?

[@StarlancerAstro]

When are you coming to Nebraska Star Party?

[@1stResurrection]

AstroBackyard, I love your video content, and I'm learning a lot. Thanks!!! Two quick questions: Q1 - About how much did your William Optics Pleiades 68mm rig weigh as shown at 3:02? The reason I'm asking is because I have a Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI Mount Kit with the Tripod and Pier Extension, and I'm wondering if that kit will support the weight of a rig like yours. Q2 - Have you done a review, or are you planning on doing a review on the William Optics Pleiades 68mm telescope? I've been seriously considering it, but I haven't seen or read any user reviews on it. However, I did hear that there may be a focal point distance issue, and I think you mentioned that it's acturally 55.7mm rather than the 55mm as published. Oops. I'm interested in learning how you resolved that issue. I hope you didn't have to machine your own threaded spacer. Please tell me it's not so. 😅 Thanks again!

[@1stResurrection]

"...backspacing 57.5mm to be exact"

[@sianikolaou5440]

Are you planning on bringing a similar rig to Star Stuff? I need to build a travel rig.

[@mrennert9885]

Do we get the full video of Ashley trying to pack the car or did you finally take mercy on her?😊

[@jwdeepsky]

Love this one. Wow

[@ameyawkwaku70]

Please should I buy celestron next star 8sE

[@cking74sg]

Hope to see your upcoming solar eclipse video too :D

[@jeroexx]

Id love to go to a star party but everytime I come in contact with other astrophotographers I always walk away demotivated because they told me that this and that isn't possible or that their way of doing things is the right way. Maybe thats just here in switzerland but I always feel like i'm better of doing it my own way. Maybe in other countries that is different. Awesome video by the way!