Not nearly as impressive. But my fav Hubble image is the deep field one.
A patch of empty dark sky about the size of a dime at arms length (if I remember right).
Stack hours/days of exposure and you get 10,000 galaxies!
This is the best reason I believe that we can not be alone…
All the Best,
Jeff
Not in town. A little way out of town is pretty good viewing. We are about 2800ft elevation
But about 3 Hrs. drive from here is Ft. Davis. 5k Ft elevation.
There is an observatory on the scenic loop through the mountains (6250Ft,). https://mcdonaldobservatory.org
A real dark sky area.
Also home of the Texas Star Party. https://texasstarparty.org/
I’ve been to a few of these many (many) years ago. At that time some amateurs brought some amazing scopes. And usually they are happy to show them off.
Farther south across the mountains from Alpine - between the Mtns. and south through Big Bend park to the Mexican border…
Dark skies for sure.
When I go down there I’m always amazed at the night sky. Looking up is truly a wonder.
Us civilized folk forget what it’s like. No wonder myths and stories grew around such a sight.
All the Best,
Jeff
Also the whole area around Big Bend north past Ft. Davis is part of a Dark Sky reserve.
And it’s clear skies usually. 205 sunny days average in Ft, Davis.
“Painted Hills”. With very little light pollution, the glimmering stars of the Milky Way bathe the colourful layers of the Painted Hills of Oregon in a natural glow.
I’m glad you have the opportunity to properly enjoy and appreciate the beautiful night sky.
Most of my friends are pretty clueless when it comes to astronomy. One of my friends thought the sun is the same size as the moon, and it speeds round earth every 24 hours!
I try to be there during the Perseids Meteor Shower. Haven’t made in the last few years.
There is a ranch I can visit and sit out in a lawn chair, listen to the coyotes sing, and watch the show.
Cheese plate, French bread, vintage Port, and cigar round out the evening.
From the top of a high bluff I can see the mountains in Mexico on a clear day with binoculars.
All the Best,
Jeff