Feeling very stressed about everything, and I went out to do some astrophotography. I was hoping for auroras, and was first excited to see an orange glow on the horizon, then annoyed as I realized it's probably a combine still harvesting, then delighted again as I realized it's the moon! Hello, moon. (Also hello Pleiades, hello Andromeda galaxy, hello Milky Way, and fuck you, Starlink)

@sundogplanets That's great! What did you use?

@sundogplanets Milky way! Yay! (no such thing here near Los Angeles 🤪 )

While I was out photographing, I saw out of the corner of my eye the BRIGHTEST satellite flare I've ever seen - this happens when the sun reflects off a big flat thing, like a solar panel, directly at you. It was much, much brighter than Venus. It was just for literally one second, so I couldn't look around me carefully, but I'm pretty sure it was bright enough to cast shadows. Just getting me ready for 50,000 mirrors in orbit, constantly repointing. FUCK.

So many satellite streaks in 13 second exposures (and one airplane, you can tell because it's dashed)

@sundogplanets Oooh, that makes sense on the plane, never thought about that! (ie because they blink)

@sundogplanets do not want

You can still get photos with few/no satellite streaks, but it's hard (of course there's software processing to get rid of streaks, but that's not my point here).

While there are still lots within ~2 hours of sunrise and sunset, we're getting to the time of year when my latitude has long periods of time during the long winter nights when due to geometry there are no sunlit satellites in the sky. I'm looking forward to it.

@sundogplanets I'm sorry the wretched things won't even let you get a proper break from the stress. It sounds like sitting down to immerse yourself in some music and hearing a pneumatic drill start up outside . . .

@sundogplanets These incredible vistas

@sundogplanets is that Andromeda just above the two pine trees on the right ?

@sundogplanets Your pictures are awesome. If only I had such clear nights here.

The advance of technology is incredible - 13 second shots producing so many dots of light just blows my mind. Looks like I need new gear!

Also, as you mentioned, the advances of 'other' tech is utterly disgusting. I cannot believe we're letting billionares destroy something we all should cherish and love, the sky.

@sundogplanets why is this marked as sensitive content?

@sundogplanets - ME TOO. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jlCBgtxwRw

@sundogplanets #catholism #terrorism is going together to PAY FOREVER IN HELLS ONLY FROM ALWAYS FOREVER 👿

@sundogplanets Oh wow, what level is your location on the Bortle scale? I can only dream about doing such photos in a light polluted area where I live.

@sundogplanets Always a good way to relax... Good skies here last night, working on a mosaic of the Veil nebulae. Surprisingly few subs get satellite trails, fortunately. Always worst around sunset / sunrise, when they glint more...

@sundogplanets maybe Kessler syndrome will take care of them soon?

@driusan Because it's got a flashing light on it

@Vlado_svk It's only Bortle 4, I'm well within the light dome from the city Regina.

@sundogplanets Very nice photo! Do I actually see M33 as well? 😯

@PWei888 Yes, I'm impressed how nicely it comes out in wide-angle photos!

@otte_homan Yes!

@driusan Nope, just boring reasons :)

@sundogplanets Bortle 4 sounds great. I have to travel even to reach Bortle 5 areas. Having that at home is a dream.

@Vlado_svk I'm SO grateful for it