Astrophotography from Brooklyn, New York City. I capture the Moon, planets, Sun, Milky Way, and night sky from NYC and during travel. Passionate about astronomy, nightscape, and starscape photography. Using Celestron NexStar 4SE, Coronado SolarMax II 60, Canon EOS Ra, 60Da, 40D, NexImage, and Canon EF lenses to reveal the beauty of the universe.
Annular Solar Eclipse, October 14, 2023 - Odessa, Texas. The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB).
Canon Ra, Canon EF200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens + Canon 2x III Extender = 400mm, 1/640 sec, F/14, ISO 3200, Thousand Oaks Threaded Camera Filter 72-T, iOptron SkyTracker, Vello ShutterBoss II Timer Remote Switch
Annular Solar Eclipse Composite Image
In the grand tapestry of the cosmos, few events capture the human imagination quite like a solar eclipse. While the Earth dances around the Sun, and the Moon orbits our planet, there comes a moment each year when these celestial bodies align in a breathtaking display of natural wonder. This momentous occasion is none other than the annual solar eclipse, a recurring phenomenon that continues to captivate, inspire, and remind us of the profound beauty of our universe.
The annual solar eclipse is not just an astronomical event; it's a celestial spectacle that has held a special place in human history and culture for millennia. As the Moon glides across the face of the Sun, it casts a shadow upon the Earth, temporarily plunging regions into darkness and transforming the day into night. The sun's corona, a delicate, fiery halo, emerges as the star attraction. People gather in awe to witness this cosmic alignment, pondering the mysteries of the heavens and feeling a deep connection to the vastness of the universe.
There are original Images:
1_Annular Solar Eclipse
2_Annular Solar Eclipse
3_Annular Solar Eclipse
4_Annular Solar Eclipse
5_Ring of Fire Eclipse
6_Ring of Fire Eclipse
7_Ring of Fire Eclipse
8_Annular Solar Eclipse
9_Annular Solar Eclipse
10_Annular Solar Eclipse
11_Annular Solar Eclipse
12_Annular Solar Eclipse
Camera set up for Annular Solar Eclipse
There are photos of Crescent-shaped shadows.
Using a kitchen colander during a solar eclipse is a fun and educational way to witness the celestial event. When you hold a colander up to the sun, its numerous small holes act as pinhole cameras, projecting multiple images of the crescent-shaped sun on any surface below, whether it's the ground or a piece of paper. The result is a pattern of miniature eclipses resembling a celestial sieve.
Crescent shadows through the holes in the colander that occur during the eclipse
As the moon begins its journey across the sun's face, the gaps between leaves on trees act as pinhole cameras, casting crescent-shaped images of the partially covered sun on the ground below. These shadow crescents mimic the sun's diminishing shape in real-time, creating a dynamic and awe-inspiring display. In addition to crescent-shaped gaps, the overall dappled pattern of light passing through the leaves forms intricate designs on the ground. The gaps between the leaves project countless images of the partially eclipsed sun, producing an artistic tapestry of sunspots.
Crescent-shaped shadows from trees that occur during the eclipse
Why didn't the sun go to college? (Because it already had a thousand degrees!)
This was my first serious attempt at solar astrophotography using the Coronado SolarMax II 60 hydrogen-alpha solar telescope. Unlike regular telescopes that require external solar filters, this specialized instrument is designed specifically for safe observation of the Sun and reveals incredible surface details invisible in white-light viewing.
Solar observation was actually how I first started learning astronomy. My parents bought me a small telescope when I was in middle school, and I used it almost every day to record solar activity and Wolf numbers. Later, I compared my observations with data from other observers using different telescopes. Observing the Sun is much easier in a big city with light pollution because it can be done safely during daytime.
Many years later, I decided to invest in a dedicated solar telescope — the Coronado SolarMax II 60. It already includes an H-alpha filter system, allowing me to safely show solar activity to my kids without attaching external filters like those required for regular scopes such as the Celestron NexStar 4SE.
These images were captured with a NexImage planetary camera using approximately one minute of video (~600 frames). Stacking and sharpening were performed in RegiStax, followed by final color adjustments and Smart Sharpen in Photoshop (June 15, 2013).
Coronado SolarMax II 60 Sun Photo NexImage
Coronado SolarMax Photo
Solar filaments and plages Coronado H-alpha image
Coronado SolarMax II 60 sunspots in H-alpha filter
In these photographs you can clearly see solar prominences, filaments, plages, and active regions near sunspots — all visible thanks to the hydrogen-alpha wavelength that highlights the Sun’s chromosphere.
Solar astrophotography is both educational and safe when using proper equipment. It allows observation of real-time solar dynamics, something that constantly changes from hour to hour.
This video demonstrates how Live View on the Canon EOS 40D can be used for basic
solar astrophotography when connected to the
Celestron NexStar 4SE telescope.
It was recorded on October 2, 2010 in Brooklyn, New York.
The main goal of this experiment was to show how Live View helps with
focusing, framing, and exposure control when photographing the Sun.
At the time, Live View was still relatively new on DSLR cameras, and this setup
made solar imaging much easier than using only the optical viewfinder.
IMPORTANT: The Sun was photographed only with a
proper full-aperture solar filter.
Never point a telescope or camera at the Sun without a certified solar filter.
Permanent eye and equipment damage can occur instantly.
The video includes images and footage from the following
assembly series, showing different ways to connect a Canon EOS camera
to the Celestron NexStar 4SE. The links below lead to the original photo posts
for reference.
After the mechanical setup, the video shows the Canon Live View feed on a computer
using Canon’s software, allowing real-time monitoring of what the camera sensor sees.
This makes it much easier to achieve accurate focus and capture surface detail.
Celestron Solar Filter for NexStar 4 SE and Celestron 4SE, Brooklyn NYC Astronomy
The image above shows the solar filter mounted on the NexStar 4SE.
This is the most critical component for solar imaging and must always be installed
before pointing the telescope toward the Sun.
Astrophotography NYC - Celestron 4SE and Canon 40D
This photo shows the full imaging setup with the Canon 40D attached to the NexStar 4SE.
Live View allows precise focusing without touching the telescope, minimizing vibration.
Sunspot - Solar Activity - Celestron 4SE -Brooklyn Astrophotography
The final image shows a close-up of the Sun with sunspot group 1109.
Only a portion of the solar disk is visible — this framing was intentional to better
reveal sunspot structure and surrounding bright regions.
This star trail image was captured in Upstate New York using a fixed tripod and a series of long exposures.
Unlike minimalist nightscapes, star trail astrophotography requires significantly more post-processing.
By stacking multiple exposures, it allows the motion of the stars — the rotation of the sky — to become visible.
Canon EOS 60Da, Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USM
Fixed tripod, dew heater
37 images · 2 minutes each · ISO 400 · f/4.0
Canon 60Da Star Trail Astrophotography - Upstate New York
Instead of a single very long exposure, this image was created by stacking multiple shorter exposures.
A single exposure of this total duration would have been far too bright and noisy.
To combine the frames, I used StarStax, followed by additional processing in Photoshop.
StarStax — stacking multiple exposures into star trails
For the final image I used the Star Spikes filter.
StarSpikes Pro for Startrails
From this image, it is easy to see that the stars rotate in a counterclockwise direction.
This naturally raises an interesting question.
Why do the stars rotate counterclockwise, while the hands of a clock move clockwise?
The answer is astronomical — but not in an obvious way.
To understand it, we have to look at history.
Mechanical clocks were designed to follow the motion of a sundial,
but not the motion of the Sun itself.
They follow the direction of the shadow cast by the Sun,
which moves in the opposite direction to the apparent rotation of the night sky.
Sundial at Lowell Observatory — mechanical clocks inherited their direction from the motion of the Sun’s shadow
In other words, when we look at a clock, we are not “following the Sun” —
we are following the shadow of the Sun.
This is why I like astrophotography.
Even a technically complex image can lead to unexpected questions —
about time, history, human conventions, and how we learned to measure the world.
“The photograph comes first; the philosophy follows — as a way to understand what the image revealed.”
Related Astrophotography Posts
This star trail image connects both technical exploration of the Canon 60Da
and a broader philosophical approach to astrophotography —
where images lead to questions about time, motion, and meaning.
Solar eclipses are relatively rare events for New York City, and even more unusual
when they occur at sunrise.
On the morning of November 3, 2013, a partial solar eclipse was visible just as the Sun
rose above the horizon, creating a unique blend of astronomy, atmosphere, and city life.
These photographs were taken near JFK Airport and the Cross Bay Bridge
in Ramblersville, Queens.
The low altitude of the Sun softened the light and allowed the eclipse to be observed naturally
through atmospheric haze, without extreme contrast.
Sunrise eclipses are especially interesting because they combine celestial geometry with
Earth’s atmosphere — clouds, haze, birds, and aircraft all become part of the scene.
This event unfolded quietly over the city as the day began.
Solar Eclipse in New York City and Seagull, Astrophotography
Camera & Settings:
Canon EOS 40D · 135mm · ƒ/8 · 1/250 sec · ISO 100
The phrase “I was born to fly to solar eclipses” came to mind while reviewing this image —
a seagull crossing directly toward the partially eclipsed Sun.
The moment felt symbolic, as if the bird were instinctively drawn toward the rare alignment
unfolding in the morning sky.
Below is a video of the partial solar eclipse as seen from New York City.
Despite the changing light, daily life continued uninterrupted — airplanes departed and landed,
and seagulls remained active throughout the eclipse.
During the eclipse, seagull activity appeared noticeably higher than during a typical sunrise.
Birds continued flying through the scene, occasionally crossing the eclipsed Sun,
adding an unexpected dynamic element to the photographs.
While some studies suggest that certain animals may respond to changes in light or environmental
conditions during eclipses, this observation remains anecdotal.
Whether the increased activity was related to the eclipse itself or simply part of normal
sunrise behavior is difficult to determine.
When this image was first shared online, one viewer jokingly suggested that the seagull
had been intentionally “invited” into the frame — a reminder that even carefully planned
astronomical photography can include moments of pure chance.
Solar Eclipse Seagull New York City
At the beginning of the eclipse, striking wave clouds —
often associated with Kelvin–Helmholtz instability —
appeared in the sky.
These cloud formations resemble ocean waves and are caused by wind shear between atmospheric layers.
Their presence felt like a natural salute to the eclipse as it began over New York City,
with the bridge visible beneath the clouds.
Beginning of the sunrise Solar eclipse in NYC on November 3 2013
Canon EOS 40D, ƒ/5.6, 56.0 mm, 1/60 sec, ISO 160
The images below show the very beginning of the sunrise during the eclipse,
including wide-field views and the moments just before first contact.
These frames capture how gradually the event unfolded as daylight increased.
Beginning NYC Solar Eclipse November 3 2013 - Wide Field
Sunrise JFK Airport - couple minutes before Solar Eclipse 11/3/2013
Canon EOS 40D, 135.0 mm, 1/20 sec; f/5.6; ISO 800
Solar eclipses in New York City are infrequent, and sunrise events like this one are especially rare.
This November 3, 2013 eclipse remains a memorable example of how astronomy can quietly intersect
with everyday urban life.
Related Astrophotography & Solar Eclipse Galleries
If you’re interested in solar eclipse photography, you may also enjoy these related galleries,
documenting eclipse events observed from New York City and across the United States over the years.
Location: New York City (JFK Airport area) Date: November 3, 2013
While waiting for the highly anticipated appearance of Comet ISON in late 2013, I took the opportunity to document a partial solar eclipse visible from New York City. Capturing a solar eclipse from an urban environment like NYC is always challenging due to weather, haze, and city infrastructure—but even a partial eclipse at sunrise offers a unique and atmospheric view.
These images were taken during sunrise near JFK Airport, where the low Sun and eclipse geometry created dramatic silhouettes and warm tones. In one of the related photo sets, flocks of birds (mostly seagulls) are visible flying across the partially eclipsed Sun—an unexpected and fascinating detail that adds life and scale to the scene.
NYC Solar Eclipse November 3 2013
NYC Solar Eclipse JFK Airport Sunrise November 3 2013
NYC Solar Eclipse
In these additional images, numerous birds—mostly seagulls—can be seen crossing the Sun during the partial eclipse. This rare combination of urban wildlife and celestial mechanics makes the NYC solar eclipse especially memorable.
This morning I photographed the solar eclipse from New York City near JFK Airport during sunrise.
Here are some of my first photos from this session.
Solar eclipse - New York City near JFK Airport - November 3, 2013
Canon 40D Brooklyn astronomy and astrophotography
Cross Bay, Sunrise
NYC Solar Eclipse
Solar eclipse New York November 3, 2013, Astrophotography
The conditions were challenging, with clouds partially covering the Sun, but they also created unusual and beautiful effects that made the eclipse even more interesting to observe and photograph.
Solar eclipse 11/3/2013 New York, Astrophotography
The sunrise added a strong red color to the sky and clouds, making the eclipse scene even more dramatic.
Solar Eclipse Nov.3 2013 and Seagull, NYC Astrophotography
In the first three images you can see a seagull flying across the eclipse.
It is the same seagull, captured in different moments as it moved from right to left through the frame.
New York Solar eclipse 11/3/2013
Airplane, clouds and Solar eclipse, New York Solar Eclipse
One of the most interesting images from this session shows a small airplane near the eclipsed Sun.
The airplane is tiny, but still visible, and because these photos were taken near JFK Airport, it adds a very distinctive New York feeling to the scene.
The clouds created another unusual effect.
With the upper part of the Sun hidden by clouds, you can still see two bright spots below the cloud layer.
These bright areas are produced by the partially eclipsed Sun shining through and around the clouds.
Partial Solar Eclipse New York City Astrophotography
In this photos you can see a group of about 20 seagulls flying through the area, adding even more movement to the morning sky during the eclipse.
Hybrid Solar Eclipse above North Channel Bridge from Cross Bay, New York City
In this photo the hybrid solar eclipse appears above the North Channel Bridge, seen from Cross Bay in New York City.
The bridge near the horizon gives the scene a strong local landmark and helps show the eclipse in its real urban setting.
Morning Seagull is flying to the Solar Eclipse, New York November 3 2013, Astrophotography
I have many more photos from this morning solar eclipse session and will publish them later.
The solar eclipse in New York City was an amazing event to watch and photograph.
This post shows my first view of the Coronado SolarMax II 60 — a dedicated hydrogen-alpha solar telescope designed exclusively for safe daytime observation of the Sun.
Here I focus only on the telescope itself, mounting options, and initial setup.
Actual solar images and results are shown in separate posts.
Unlike regular telescopes that require external solar filters, the Coronado SolarMax II 60 includes a built-in H-alpha filter system. This allows direct observation of the Sun’s chromosphere, revealing prominences, filaments, and active regions when paired with a stable mount and camera.
For solar observation, a good mount is critical. The Sun moves quickly across the sky, and accurate tracking makes observation and imaging much easier. For my initial setup, I used a simple piggy-back configuration on a Celestron NexStar 4SE mount. This allowed me to take advantage of the GoTo system for easy solar tracking.
Coronado SolarMax II 60
Coronado SolarMax II 60
Below is the piggy-back configuration using a Celestron NexStar 4SE.
This simple setup allowed me to quickly align and track the Sun using the GoTo mount.
Later, this configuration was further modified and improved — those changes are described in follow-up posts.
Celestron 4SE and piggyback Coronado Solarmax 60
Coronado Solarmax 60 piggy-back
Celestron 4SE, Solarmax 60
Piggy-back Coronado 60 Celestron 4SE
Piggy-Back Mount for Celestron NexStar 4 (Item# BRKTPIG4)
This first setup proved that even a simple piggy-back mount can work well for solar observation.
In later posts, I show the actual solar images captured with this setup, as well as further mount refinements.
