The Beacon [Explored]

In mid-September 2024, Jupiter, the king of the planets, stood regally within the constellation Taurus. From a precisely chosen vantage point, this image captures the gas giant perfectly aligned above Aiguille du Dru, one of the most iconic spires in the Chamonix Valley. Aiguille means "needle" in French, an apt name for this dramatic peak that calls to mind medieval philosophers debating how many angels can dance on a needle's point. I may not have the answer to that, but this image proves there's certainly space for a king.

 

As any monarch should be, Jupiter is surrounded by his celestial court. Moving clockwise from the left, you’ll spot the Flaming Star Nebula, the California Nebula, the Pleiades, and the Hyades star clusters. Wisps of dark molecular clouds from our Milky Way weave through the scene, along with several more distant clusters - and even Uranus, hidden among the stars for those who know where to look.

 

EXIF

Canon EOS-R, astro-modified by EOS 4Astro

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L ll @ 35mm

IDAS NBZ filter with Canon EF-EOS R drop-in adapter

iOptron SkyTracker Pro

Sunwayfoto T2840CK tripod

Planned with PlanIt Pro

 

Foreground:

Stack of 3x 60s @ ISO3200

 

Sky:

Panorama of 2 panels each a stack of 7x 90s @ ISO1600, clear filter & 3x 180s @ ISO6400, IDAS NBZ

Done