On Monday evening, shortly after sunset, I went outside and made photos of the Great Conjunction, where Saturn and Jupiter were the closest that they’ve been to each other in 800 years.  The were the only stars that I could see, but with the lens that I was using I captured only pinpricks.

The Great Conjunction

Last night the winter skies were crystal clear and I decided to try something that I’ve been wanting to attempt, but never have, star trails.  I’m quite please with the result!  I’ve published my settings beneath the photo.

The stars above us are not stationary; they are actually moving across the night sky.  This live composite was taken over the course of about 30 minutes and we see the trails of light made as the stars change position.

Star Trails

Olympus E-M1 Mark II, Olympus M 12-40mm Pro lens, 12mm, 20 sec at f2l8, ISO 800.  Camera mounted on a tripod and set on “live composite” for about 30 minutes.