Pine Mountain Observatory: Stargazing Oregon's Dark Sky

[@pinemountainobservatory5775]

Thanks for the great video, Matt!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you! Couldn't have done it without your help. @everyone this is the Pine Mountain official KZbin so check them out for more info.

[@MattCookOregon]

Disclaimer I am not a pro astronomer and tried my best to learn and bring accurate information.

[@Hangs4Fun]

You did great Matt, experimenting is one of the fun parts about photography. The sagital flaring in your stars were not your fault, that is a common lens design issue that very few lenses avoid. I use Sonys 16-35GM for landscapes and it can do astro, but even that pro lens has slight sagital flaring towards the edges. It wasnt until I saved up and got the 24GM f/1.4 that was designed specifically to minimize that affect edge to edge that my astro shots were large print worthy. My current video series from 2018 was on the 16-35GM. But when I returned to that area in Idaho fairly close to Craters of the Moon National Park (also a great dark sky area) that I had my new 24GM with me. My technique changed very little between the 2 trips yet the photos and especially time Lapses with the 24GM are at another level. Also using some of the open source stacking software's out there and stacking dozens of photos is another way to greatly increase quality. The other hard part about astro is in the edit in post. I struggle still to get that right. And I'm using luminosity masks and editing tools and have taken courses and I'm still needing to improve. The main thing is that you clearly enjoyed your time and enjoyed experimenting. Any way, really great stuff Matt, your production quality is outstanding. Have a great day and be safe out there

[@MattCookOregon]

Very good info thanks. I am fine with my stars but always lookin to improve. I actually don't like most of what I see from the pros, I find it all to look so fake. Like you don't look up at the sky and see a bunch of orange clouds n stuff ya know. I try and make things look as they really looked. Holy shit your camera gear is epic! I have wanted something like a sony a7iii for awhile. Very jelous. Other than being expensive one thing that stops me is the stress it would cause. I would always be worrying about the camera being stolen or dropped.

[@Hangs4Fun]

@@MattCookOregon your eyes cant see what a UV altered camera sensor (mimicking a telescope) can see. I agree there are different kinds of astro photos, some along the same lines as what your eyes can see, but some that start gathering gases and light clusters you just cant see with your eyes. Especially when you start talking faster prime lenses, better low light sensors, and long shutter times and ISO that we dont have. Theres a whole world of photography that brings you another glimpse at something in a way you simply cant see (macro, telephoto, lowlight, long exposures, focus stacking, etc. For example one of the reasons some of my 120 image stacked photos of the moon (at an equivalent 1,200mm) look so fascinating is because your eyes simply cant see that level of detail. Similarly so with Milky way shots, with longer exposures and the right lens/sensor combos you can capture intriguing photos. You can even start getting galaxies, planets, nebulas, etc. Now where it gets out of hand is over post processing and faking gases and such, where the raw image you start with looks literally nothing like the final one and is highly manipulated. Those photographers never post time Lapses, because they could never do that level of manipulation on hundreds of frames the same way. I myself have only been shooting astro less than 10 years and only recently in the past couple of years started doing time Lapses. My 2019 Idaho videos coming up use the Edelkrone motion control system to combine sliding with panning and tilting over an hour or so to create steady movement throught the time lapse. The only post editing is light room exposure changes that are synced for the entire set of frames. I know in my Astro journey, I've always enjoyed the locations I backpack to and the composition with the foreground. The camera gear and post tools are cool, but nothing like seeing with your own eyes from a glorious location

[@Hangs4Fun]

@@MattCookOregon you hit the nail on the head with stress on the gear. The a7Riii with 16-35GM pretty much doesnt leave my site on backpacking trips. I do have that gear insured which includes me doing something dumb or loosing them, but it does give me anxiety. I've tried bringing other camera like an RX100m4 or RX10m4, and I even tried just my phone. For me, I want my best camera with me (that I can carry, lol). If I could Summit the kind of peaks you can (some day, but I'm not at your level yet), best I could probably carry would be a GoPro or something similar. Right now I seem to be most drawn to wildlife and their habitats, landscapes, and astro. And those usually pull me somewhere off the beaten trail (I dont like taking landscape photos I've seen a hundred times or going to a place where the animals are known to be there) Tons of respect for you Matt and what you are doing with your channel. Only giving you info on the few areas I might actually be able to help. I will be reaching out to you on the best way to Summit Shelly Mountain, the peak I've been photographing for years but still havent summited. So I feel obligated to return the favor in advanced ;-) Any way take care man, keep doing what you are doing.

[@ShinyStickEC]

@@MattCookOregon just so you know if you do buy something pricey like that you can get gear insurance at a pretty reasonable yearly rate

[@PerfDayToday]

9:49 and 14:00 a few shooting stars👊🏻👊🏻 epic journey, thxs. I need to get back up there.

[@MattCookOregon]

That or aliens! Thanks man. Hopefully we can all get back to normal soon.

[@johnfreeman1189]

Stargazing footage is always a bonus! Exploring, camping and stargazing go hand in hand! It still blows my mind when I look up at the stars and realize you are looking at the past. Thanks for your contribution.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you. Stargazing footage is extra hard cause video at night is almost always black. Have to use some magic to get the footage viewable. I do love shooting the stars and probably don't have the best camera for that. I hope to do another stargazing one soon.

[@easydiddit]

Peaceful, serene, and absolutely beautiful, thanks for sharing your desire. You nailed it again

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks Easy. Astrovideography I call it! Not very common as low light video is usually bad.

[@dreamfunction4491]

Matt Cook, that was one of the most professional video presentations I have ever seen on any topic. Choice of visuals was excellent, topographic 3d map was excellent, voice delivery was excellent, music choice and volume was excellent. You should consider creating such presentations at a professional level. Excellent work. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you very much! I enjoy putting my all into these. Big video coming on lighthouses in about a month. I am not exactly sure which direction to go with professional video work. So far groups like Travel Oregon have wanted nothing to do with me. That is OK, I get to have my freedom that way. If any ideas or leads on professional work I would love to hear them.

[@pamelagonzalez9567]

Wow I wasn't expecting that that was so cool! All those beautiful colors with all the stars in one place man that was beautiful great job Matt!!! 😃👍

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you so much 😀 Observatories are awesome. Stars make for some fun artistic editing that is for sure.

[@WanderingWiley]

This gives new meaning to star gazing, so informative, all the views from the observatory where superb, thanks

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks Wiley. I tried my best to make it look like it actually did, which is its own challenge.

[@hannahcrazyhawk]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful video! I miss being there so much. Such wonderful footage and information here!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks Hannah! Cool to hear from someone that knows the place well. Hope they can open up next year.

[@hannahcrazyhawk]

@@MattCookOregon You're welcome! Yes, I love it there. I hope to get back to volunteer next year.

[@ron_amok369]

Enjoyed it immensely. Thank you!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you!

[@DennyBent]

Love this! I have only been into astronomy for about a year, so I haven't had a chance to go yet.

[@MattCookOregon]

Awesome! Thank you. I also did one at Dee Wright Observatory. Might run out of observatories! I know one more at Sunriver.

[@hilandmalt]

I used to volunteer at PMO. In fact, I was the last president of Friends of PMO before it ended. I love it over there. I love your drone footage!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks. Glad I randomly found you! That is cool. I spoke with the director to get some info for this video.

[@joiemonster4922]

Nice work! 👍👍 Thanks for sharing. Doggie footage is always a bonus. 🐶🏞💚

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you. You like dog footage? I got a whole video of dog footage! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3-zdIN3fr-EnrM

[@HikeCamp]

Outstanding Matt.... Great history of the site and fantastic video and shots.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you Hike Camp!

[@VegaVenturing]

This place is on my list for this year. Can’t wait to check it out! Thanks for posting.

[@MattCookOregon]

Nice it is a good one. Telescopes might not open this year. Still good stargazing and camp spot either way.

[@UsAsWeAre]

A video about Oregon and space simultaneously. It's like a dream.

[@MattCookOregon]

Hahaha well my formula is usually (Oregon + X) = Video

[@brookeshaffer4377]

Great info. on this area.Will definitely get here sometime.Thanks Matt👍

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you. This is a must! Not sure exactly when they will open again due to covid.

[@ScotTheGr8]

Another excellent adventure to give us inspiration!

[@MattCookOregon]

Hey thanks so much Scot. Everythings slowly opening up and adventure time is now!

[@jody1622]

Thank you!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks for watching!

[@thomasn708]

Thank you Matt, we love your video.

[@MattCookOregon]

Awesome! Thank you.

[@MaryannHazel]

Great video Matt! Dark sky is my favorite to photograph!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks Maryann. It is very difficult and fun for sure.

[@BrienWood7.3]

The star footage is awesome!!! Nice work

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you. The difficulty of star footage to me is trying to make it look like what it really looks like. That big open view feeling it gives is something I am still working on.

[@RubieslifeinOregon]

Congrats @Mat !

[@MattCookOregon]

What did I win?!

[@RubieslifeinOregon]

@@MattCookOregon You got monitize now 💲

[@MattCookOregon]

@@RubieslifeinOregon Aha yes I have soldout. Just wait til my next video where I talk for 10 minutes about my McDonalds sponsor!

[@HuckOutdoors]

Thanks for sharing Matt! That was a good one!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks Huck! How goes youtube? Man your channel is huge.

[@HuckOutdoors]

@@MattCookOregon Thanks man. Just grinding away to grow it more. Would love to be up over 10K this year.

[@MattCookOregon]

Right on. I would prob be growing more if I uploaded more. I only like doing videos that take a long time. Oh well whatever is fun!

[@theogdirkdiggler]

Ty Matt, Huell would be proud!

[@MattCookOregon]

Haha awesome. Grant Mcomie too?

[@Dad_Woof]

Beautiful shots, and a magical time. We are so small in this universe.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you. I really like night photos/video. My camera isn't great for it. But I got a new one coming!

[@MN-vd7ol]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@MattCookOregon]

You are so welcome!

[@palvarez64]

Thank you Matt, excellent video......

[@MattCookOregon]

Glad you liked it!

[@frankf9233]

Amazing tour of this spot man! Excellent production as I'm sure it wasn't easy.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you! Imagine the damage I could do with a real camera... Canon r5?

[@frankf9233]

@@MattCookOregon Get me one too. Thanks in advance!

[@MattCookOregon]

Ok I am asking canon right now if they will give a 2 for 1 discount to an instagram model... We will see what they say.

[@frankf9233]

@@MattCookOregon Gonna need lenses too. Thanks!

[@ShinyStickEC]

Great Video! Ah one more place to add to list of places to go :)

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you! Being a public observatory it was surprising how little info is out there.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Thanks for the tour, Matt. Always seem to learn something from your videos.

[@MattCookOregon]

Glad to hear it! So do I when doing the research haha.

[@davidtate166]

Beautiful and very scenic love to check it out someday.

[@MattCookOregon]

It is a nice one. Always crowds of people to enjoy the skies with on the new moon and meteor shower nights.

[@hondakid9170]

High quality !!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you!

[@Zealor365]

Great Story. Really well done.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks Mark! I had a lot of fun doing this.

[@joe.O7X]

Great video, Matt! I’ve lived in Oregon all my life and I’ve never heard of this amazing place. It’s definitely on my list of things to do next year, as soon as they open up again in May 😊

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you very much! I really like camping there. The site can be visited any time of year, though the indoor facilities wont be open.

[@softroadingthewest]

Awesome work dude. Really enjoyed this. Nicely captured imagery in challenging conditions and interesting narration as always.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you sir! Jesus you gain a thousand subscribers every time I look. Soon I am gonna start searching for you in the woods so I can popout and shoutout my instagram.

[@srosenow98]

Excellent video! I was at Mt. Thielsen and Diamond Lake in the summer of 2020 and that burn scar in your footage wasn't there, then. I had crystal clear weather the day I went down (I live in Shelton, WA) and when I was at Crater Lake the day before, I took photos of The Three Sisters and Mount Bachelor from near the Wizard Island Overlook. I cannot wait to go back. Your video brought back a lot of memories of that trip!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you. I feel like your comment may be from another video, Thielsen maybe. Crater lake is nice, I hardly go cause all the dog restrictions. Maybe one day I will do a video there.

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Nice channel Matt. Oregon looks pretty beautiful 👍🏃

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you! Oregon is crazy and that is what my channel is all about. Lots of trails and runners here.

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Matt.Cook.Oregon Hopefully one day i'll maybe get to see it 👍🏃

[@MattCookOregon]

Do it! Oregon coast trail, 3 sisters, Waldo lake loop, just a few epic running trails.

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

@@MattCookOregon sounds ideal to me, i'll check out those suggestions

[@theogdirkdiggler]

@15:14 I think it looks like starlink down in the lower left of the picture, it appears as a line.

[@MattCookOregon]

Some kinda satellite for sure.

[@alexanyanEVN]

Thanx for share new upload & Stay safe

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks, you too

[@dravenfrost8724]

Cool stars. I want to go there.

[@MattCookOregon]

Things should be opening so you can enjoy it this summer!

[@dravenfrost8724]

@@MattCookOregon One day... I will hit all of these up.

[@MattCookOregon]

@@dravenfrost8724 Do it.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Really cool views at the observatory!! That paraglider was really cool to see. Awesome video bro!! I’m hopefully going to do the South Sister in August. I hope 🤞

[@MattCookOregon]

Oh really! The permit system was delayed so that will be good news for you. Let me know if any questions I have been up it about 10 times. I would try to join but I have something keeping me very busy starting in August.

[@RomanandJulia]

beautiful images!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you! imagine with the r5... I should start a gofundme!

[@RomanandJulia]

@@MattCookOregon for sure u should bro! i wonder if u will get donations to make cool youtube videos

[@RomanandJulia]

imagine the awesome quality it would give you! im saving up for mine too!

[@Hangs4Fun]

Another great, informative, interestingly fascinating video Matt!! This whole series you've been doing could easily be a TV show. Very cool how they open that property and facilities up for use and to get people interested in star gazing. I had to wait until I could watch it need to end (for your watch time % metric ;-) Have a great day and be safe out there

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks so much man. I do want the show to grow into something. Have tried to work with companies but they haven't given me a bite yet. One thought is to just stay solo and eventually become their competitor!

[@Hangs4Fun]

@@MattCookOregon I like that idea a lot! I havent watched mainstream TV in several years mostly because of channels like yours. Few people will know all the efforts that go into quality productions like yours. Heck my last edit was so intense, I'm still recovering, lol. The amount of thought and heart that goes into these productions you can feel when you watch them. Unlike most of the soulless shows out there that are produced as a product. What ever I can do to help let me know Matt. Keep creating this content. :-)

[@Jma82-photo-travel-drone]

Beautiful images

[@MattCookOregon]

Glad you like them!

[@OregonOutdoorsChris]

Fyi, the moon Io is spelled with an i not an L, so it's pronounced eye-oh, not Low.

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks man. Damnit lol

[@OregonOutdoorsChris]

@@MattCookOregon It just shows you learned it by reading, and can blame it on the font :-) Lord knows I'm guilty of that plenty too.

[@MattCookOregon]

@@OregonOutdoorsChris Right on. Appreciate you watching so closely! Hope you enjoyed other than me being an idiot.

[@OregonOutdoorsChris]

@@MattCookOregon I enjoyed the video very much. It combined two of my favorite things; exciting places in Oregon I haven't been, and space!

[@MattCookOregon]

@@OregonOutdoorsChris My man. Super nice place to primitive camp too. Gets a bit crowded on new moon nights but theres always a side road with room.

[@davidtate166]

I love to see Andromeda Galaxy.up close .😁👍

[@MattCookOregon]

They can definitely help you with that.

[@Coinbro]

Star parties are cool my 8" 🔭 collects dust I need to take my telescope out again. Thanks!

[@MattCookOregon]

They are cool. I been missing some epic showers recently too. I would like to do a video of the hopservatory maybe.

[@KLEARSKITHEKREEPER]

Very cool

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks dude! Damn you put out a lot of videos. That is some dedication. What is your favorite one?

[@ScotTheGr8]

Is any of the camping open right now with al,mor this Covid distancing going on? None of my usual night photog spots nearby are open. Thought this might be a good alt.e

[@MattCookOregon]

The campground is closed. But there are forest roads you can camp on. No problem primitive camping if you leave the place in as good condition as it was before you arrived.

[@veraleitner8362]

Hello, I like your videos and your stile of editing. What type of the video editing software do you use?

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you! I use Adobe Premiere. It is a little complicated at first but worth learning. So many options.

[@Desoto91]

Can you still visit the site with them being closed?

[@MattCookOregon]

Absolutely. All my footage except the last few minutes was during closed times. Last I checked the campsite was closed but day trips or dispersed camping is an option.

[@vibinggood22]

Wow stunning video... thanks for this... Plz help me knowing 1. If there's any fee for going there... 2. Did u take ur RV, 3. Can We go any day and observe the sky through the telescope? Thanks a ton!!!

[@MattCookOregon]

Thank you. Last I was there when it was open, there was a recommended 5$ donation. When it wasn't open we camped for free and used the grounds outside the telescope. We do not have an RV, I think the road is too rough for those. They only open on weekend nights.

[@Oregontrailblazin]

Thanks Matt There is a free app called SkyView Free tells you and even shows you the ISS and the Hubbell

[@Oregontrailblazin]

and it works without wifi

[@Oregontrailblazin]

Next on my List Thanks

[@MattCookOregon]

Nice! I use sky map app. Probably the same thing. Love using that to find planets.

[@FishingBDGo]

Super...like.+ new friend! #fishingbdGo

[@MattCookOregon]

Thanks. What is the hashtag all about? Are you here to promote your channel?