stellar

Between Christmas and New Year, conditions were absolutely perfect for star gazing: a day of heavy rain followed by a crystal-clear night complete with a new moon.

So, I made the short drive to the southern Brecon Beacons (a designated dark sky area) and once my eyes had adjusted to the darkness (and I’d put a second jacket on to stop shivering) I was greeted with a spectacular sight above me.  The sky was carpeted with stars. 

Although not the best time of the year for seeing it, the Milky Way was visible along with our nearest inter-galactic neighbour – the Andromeda Galaxy.

I spent a good hour or so staring skywards until I couldn’t stand any longer and began to become spooked by the absolute pitch darkness around me.

But I managed to get a photograph of the Milky Way and Andromeda before the fear gripped me.  The cold (and the fear) was worth it.

the Milky Way with Andromeda magnified