Astrophotographer Jason Kurth captures a stunning timelapse of the Milky Way over New York using advanced infrared technology.
In Manhattan, the stars of Broadway typically outshine those in the sky. The city’s light pollution makes celestial sightings rare. Yet, Jason Kurth, known as @frozen.spectrum, defied the odds to photograph the Milky Way from the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, with the Empire State Building as a backdrop.
Milky Way Over New York: A Technical Feat
Kurth utilized a monochrome astronomy camera, uniquely equipped with high infrared sensitivity and an 850-nanometer filter. This customization allows the camera to cut through the bright city lights, revealing stars normally obscured by the skyline’s glow.
Kurth explains, “The visible light spectrum ranges from 400 to 700 nanometers, but this setup captures light from 850nm, filtering pollution but not stellar light.” The camera uses a Sony IMX 585 sensor, surpassing the infrared sensitivity of standard full-frame and medium format models. Kurth remarks on wishing for a larger sensor using the same technology.
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The setup featured a Kowa 8mm VIS-SWIR industrial lens, noteworthy for its exceptional infrared performance, capturing wavelengths up to 2,000nm. Kurth mounted the camera on cinema rods attached to cheese plates, powered by a wireless mini PC and a V-mount battery, all controlled remotely via phone. The compact tripod was necessary due to equipment restrictions at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
“I filmed the timelapse on October 4,” Kurth shares, crediting technical support from Ty Buckley for the successful execution. After trial runs ensured the method’s viability, he awaited optimal weather and lunar conditions for the perfect shot.
Kurth’s breathtaking work, showcasing a celestial over Manhattan that’s seldom seen, is available on his Instagram and website. His innovative approach and the use of state-of-the-art equipment bring the unseen beauty of the universe within view despite urban light pollution. His dedication to astrophotography has yielded a masterpiece that captivates audiences.
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Image credits: Photographs by Jason Kurth
Sources & Links
Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
How did Jason Kurth capture the Milky Way over New York?
Jason Kurth used a monochrome astronomy camera with high infrared sensitivity and an 850-nanometer filter, allowing the camera to cut through bright city lights to reveal the Milky Way. He mounted the camera on cinema rods attached to cheese plates, operating it with a wireless mini PC and a V-mount battery, controlled remotely via phone.
What technology did Kurth use for the astrophotography?
Kurth used a Sony IMX 585 sensor in his camera, known for surpassing the infrared sensitivity of standard full-frame cameras. Additionally, a Kowa 8mm VIS-SWIR industrial lens was utilized for its exceptional infrared performance, capturing wavelengths up to 2,000nm.
What challenges did Kurth face due to city light pollution?
The city’s light pollution in Manhattan typically makes celestial sightings rare, which is why Kurth’s use of advanced infrared technology was crucial for capturing the Milky Way. His setup was designed specifically to filter out light pollution while allowing stellar light to be captured.