Photo of the Week for October 27, 2017

Star-trail photography is one of the few types of astronomical imaging that was easier to do back in the days when everyone shot film—you’d simply aim the camera, open the shutter, and then come back a couple of hours later to close it. To achieve the same effect with digital gear, you have to record a series of short (typically around 30-seconds) exposures and composite them with a computer. Either way, the results can be stunning, as this star-trail shot by Jerry Black spectacularly demonstrates.

While observing the Orionid meteor shower at the RASC Halifax Centre’s Saint Croix observatory, Jerry captured 329, 30-second exposures with a Nikon D800 DSLR (at ISO 3200) and a 14-24mm Nikon lens (set to 14mm and f/2.8), which used to create this photo. Keen-eyed viewers will be able to spot the lone Orionid meteor.