Welcome to Celestial Visions
Inspired by the cosmos, culture and landscape, Celestial Visions is a consultancy, research and astro-imaging resource centre, led by Western Australian creative developer and astro-photographer, Dr John Goldsmith.
This site provides an introduction to projects and collaborations by Celestial Visions, and an introduction to astro-imaging, timelapse and panoramic photography resources available. For all enquiries, please use the contact page. Thank you, and enjoy !
This site provides an introduction to projects and collaborations by Celestial Visions, and an introduction to astro-imaging, timelapse and panoramic photography resources available. For all enquiries, please use the contact page. Thank you, and enjoy !
Dr John Goldsmith
Member: The World at Night, www.twanight.org
Please note that all images, videos and text on this web site are strictly copyright protected. Enquiries regarding image usage and publications are welcome.
Member: The World at Night, www.twanight.org
Please note that all images, videos and text on this web site are strictly copyright protected. Enquiries regarding image usage and publications are welcome.
The exquisite, ghostlike comet C/2023 A3
UPDATE: September 2024.
Dr John Goldsmith.
A selection of photos of the ghostlike Comet C/2023 A3. Photographed from Western Australia. During late September and early October, the comet appears in the pre-dawn sky, very low above the eastern horizon (from the vantage of Western Australia). Several of the following images were taken with the comet barely 5 degrees above the horizon. On 1 October 2024, the comet displayed a beautiful ghostlike tail, at least ten degrees long, initially appearing like a distant searchlight beam. The graceful shape of the comet tail is recorded here with lenses ranging from 85mm, 300mm and 900mm (refractor telescope).
Dr John Goldsmith
Dr John Goldsmith.
A selection of photos of the ghostlike Comet C/2023 A3. Photographed from Western Australia. During late September and early October, the comet appears in the pre-dawn sky, very low above the eastern horizon (from the vantage of Western Australia). Several of the following images were taken with the comet barely 5 degrees above the horizon. On 1 October 2024, the comet displayed a beautiful ghostlike tail, at least ten degrees long, initially appearing like a distant searchlight beam. The graceful shape of the comet tail is recorded here with lenses ranging from 85mm, 300mm and 900mm (refractor telescope).
Dr John Goldsmith
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Book event at Midland Camera House
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News Release: 14 June 2024
Midland Camera House (Western Australia), hosted 40+ guests for a special book presentation by Western Australian author and astrophotographer, Dr John Goldsmith. Dr Goldsmith introduced his third astrophotography book and shared his experience of Western Australian landscapes at night. His collaboration with nine talented Western Australian astrophotographers has resulted in a superb astrolandscape photography book “Visions of the Cosmos” which features almost 30 locations throughout Western Australia. Dr Goldsmith presented his Exmouth Total Solar Eclipse international collaboration, which produced exceptionally detailed images of the eclipse. A special thankyou to Russell and the entire team at Midland Camera House, for hosting our special event. 210 Great Eastern Highway, Midland 6056. Wednesday, 13th March 2024. |
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To the Moon
Latest exhibition at the Western Australian Museum
"To the Moon" is the latest exhibition to be presented at the Western Australian Museum. Celestial Visions and Dr John Goldsmith has collaborated with the Museum, which features Western Australian astrophotography in the "To the Moon" exhibit. The photo above shows the pre-exhibition evening launch, held on 25 March. The exhibit runs from 26 March, through to 7 October 2024.
Dr Goldsmith's book "Visions of the Cosmos: Landscape Astrophotography from Western Australia" is available at select WA Museum shop outlets, and other retail outlets including Aspects of Kings Park, New Edition bookshop, Fremantle, and Crow Books, Vic Park.
Dr Goldsmith's book "Visions of the Cosmos: Landscape Astrophotography from Western Australia" is available at select WA Museum shop outlets, and other retail outlets including Aspects of Kings Park, New Edition bookshop, Fremantle, and Crow Books, Vic Park.
The Sun’s exquisite corona
amongst a sky full of stars
News Release: 12 December 2023
Text and images © Dr John Goldsmith and Nicolas Lefaudeux.
This widefield image reveals the Total Solar Eclipse of 20 April 2023, with the Sun’s corona extending enormous distances into space, amongst a sky full of stars. The corona displays several massive streamers, extending deep into space, at least 11 solar diameters away from the Sun, more than 15.3 million kilometres, or more than 1200 times the diameter of our own planet !
The total eclipse appears amongst the backdrop of stars, in extraordinary detail. Stars as faint as magnitude 9.5 are detected in the widefield image, stars that are much fainter to what unaided human vision can detect. This image is formed from 96 separate exposures, recorded during the 62 seconds of totality, with a Canon 85mm f1.4 lens. The planet Jupiter appears as the bright star-like object in the upper left part of the image.
This image is the result of a collaboration between Dr John Goldsmith (Western Australia) and Nicolas Lefaudeux (France). Lefaudeux uses advanced image processing methods to reveal extraordinarily high-dynamic range images of eclipses. His work has received major award recognition. Goldsmith is an award winning astrophotographer and has authored three astrophotography books. The collaboration involved site photography by Goldsmith, and image processing by Lefaudeux.
Specifications Canon 85mm f/1.4 lens @ f/1.4 Canon 6D MkII, 96 images, 0.33s exposure, ISO100, RAW format
Goldsmith’s web sites: www.celestialvisions.com.au
www.visionsofthecosmos.com
Lefaudeux’s web site: www.hdr-astrophotography.com
Copyright. The solar eclipse photography is strictly copyright © Nicolas Lefaudeux and John Goldsmith (2023). Publication and usage enquires: Contact: [email protected]).
Text and images © Dr John Goldsmith and Nicolas Lefaudeux.
This widefield image reveals the Total Solar Eclipse of 20 April 2023, with the Sun’s corona extending enormous distances into space, amongst a sky full of stars. The corona displays several massive streamers, extending deep into space, at least 11 solar diameters away from the Sun, more than 15.3 million kilometres, or more than 1200 times the diameter of our own planet !
The total eclipse appears amongst the backdrop of stars, in extraordinary detail. Stars as faint as magnitude 9.5 are detected in the widefield image, stars that are much fainter to what unaided human vision can detect. This image is formed from 96 separate exposures, recorded during the 62 seconds of totality, with a Canon 85mm f1.4 lens. The planet Jupiter appears as the bright star-like object in the upper left part of the image.
This image is the result of a collaboration between Dr John Goldsmith (Western Australia) and Nicolas Lefaudeux (France). Lefaudeux uses advanced image processing methods to reveal extraordinarily high-dynamic range images of eclipses. His work has received major award recognition. Goldsmith is an award winning astrophotographer and has authored three astrophotography books. The collaboration involved site photography by Goldsmith, and image processing by Lefaudeux.
Specifications Canon 85mm f/1.4 lens @ f/1.4 Canon 6D MkII, 96 images, 0.33s exposure, ISO100, RAW format
Goldsmith’s web sites: www.celestialvisions.com.au
www.visionsofthecosmos.com
Lefaudeux’s web site: www.hdr-astrophotography.com
Copyright. The solar eclipse photography is strictly copyright © Nicolas Lefaudeux and John Goldsmith (2023). Publication and usage enquires: Contact: [email protected]).
Visions of the Cosmos
Book promotional video
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24 September 2023
“Vision of the Cosmos: Landscape Astrophotography from Western Australia” is a major collaborative book featuring the photography of nine of WA’s most talented astrophotographers. In this unique book, Western Australia’s leading astrophotographers share their love of the night sky, capturing majestic visions of the cosmos and wilderness landscapes, documenting more than two dozen iconic Western Australian landscapes. The extraordinary images are complemented by stories, insights and personal reflections on the wonders of our ancient landscape. The themes of wilderness landscapes and their astronomical context are explored; wilderness environments in which the dominant forces are those of nature, not artificiality. The images have been carefully selected and compiled, and form a legacy for our community, presenting some of the most important landscape astrophotography images ever recorded from Western Australia. |
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Japan 2023, Tainai Star Festival
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News release: 30 August 2023
By Dr John Goldsmith / www.celestialvisions.com.au The 40th anniversary of the Tainai Star Festival in Japan took place between 18 - 20 August 2023, approximately 200 km north of Tokyo, in the scenic mountains of Tainai. About 22,000 visitors attended the three day event, and about 12,000 viewers of the live internet broadcast from the festival occurred, on channel 1, 2 and 3. The festival is Japan’s largest astronomy festival, and features many Japanese astronomy companies and an increasing number of overseas companies, including ZWO in China, QHY CCD, Taiwan's William Optics, STC, French Unistellar, SVBONY and Dynamic DeepSky. From Taiwan Taipei, around 20 people from the City Astronomical Association participated in the tour. Next year's "Tainai Star Festival 2024・41st" date has been announced for the afternoon of August 23rd, to August 25th, 2024. Dr John Goldsmith attended the Tainai Star festival, and was interviewed on a live internet broadcast talk about the master Japanese astrophotographer, Akira Fujii, and his many astrophotography journeys to Western Australia. Dr Goldsmith's tour of Japan included Tokyo, Niigata, Tainai, Aizuwakamatsu, Koriyama City, Shirakawa, Hitachi City and returning to Tokyo, during his 12 day visit. A special thankyou to Shigemi Numazawa, Yoshiyuki Okada, Hiroyuki Tomioka, and the staff of Tenmon Guide including Natsu Sasaki and Masami Watanabe. |
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Articles in July 2023 edition of
"Sky's Up" global astronomy magazine
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Celestial Visions announces the latest articles authored by Dr John Goldsmith, appearing in the July 2023 edition of the global astronomy magazine, "Sky's Up". The two articles are: "A Vision for Ethical Astrophotography" (pages 54-57). "A Tribute to a Wonderful Life, Akira Fujii 1941-2022" (pages 58-63). The July 2023 Sky's Up global astronomy magazine can be viewed online, at: https://explorescientificusa.com/pages/skys-up |
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Revealed during totality:
The exquisite corona of our Sun
The international eclipse collaboration by Nicolas Lefaudeux and Dr John Goldsmith reveals the extraordinary beauty of the Total Solar Eclipse (20 April 2023).
News update issued 13 June 2023.
Erupting solar prominences and the exquisitely delicate corona of the Sun are revealed here in this extraordinary detailed image, of the Total Solar Eclipse of 20 April 2023. This unique image is the result of an international collaboration between astrophotographers Dr John Goldsmith based in Western Australia and Nicolas Lefaudeux based in France.
John Goldsmith recorded over 200 photographs during the 62 seconds of totality, with a rig of five cameras. Nicolas Lefaudeux applied special image processing to images recorded using a 900mm f7 refractor telescope, to reveal extraordinary detail during totality. The image is produced by a “high-dynamic range” process, which effectively evens-out the bright and faint light, resulting in very fine detail being revealed.
News update issued 13 June 2023.
Erupting solar prominences and the exquisitely delicate corona of the Sun are revealed here in this extraordinary detailed image, of the Total Solar Eclipse of 20 April 2023. This unique image is the result of an international collaboration between astrophotographers Dr John Goldsmith based in Western Australia and Nicolas Lefaudeux based in France.
John Goldsmith recorded over 200 photographs during the 62 seconds of totality, with a rig of five cameras. Nicolas Lefaudeux applied special image processing to images recorded using a 900mm f7 refractor telescope, to reveal extraordinary detail during totality. The image is produced by a “high-dynamic range” process, which effectively evens-out the bright and faint light, resulting in very fine detail being revealed.
“After more than 35 years of astrophotography experience around the world, this was my first total solar eclipse”.
“It was an extremely intense, emotional and powerful experience” says John Goldsmith.
“Being my first total solar eclipse, I was advised not to take any photos, and just enjoy the eclipse. I ignored that advice, and instead, chose to collaborate, prepare, practice and refine for a major photographic objective, using five cameras with lenses including 85mm, 180mm 300mm and 900mm, with automated camera rigs. The superb result showing the 900mm images reveal that even for a first time total solar eclipse experience, superb results can be achieved”.
Colourful solar prominences are visible erupting from the limb of the Sun, and masses of streaming plasma (ionised, charged particles) appear, forming the corona, the atmosphere of the Sun. The image reveals extraordinary detail which normally would remain invisible due to the intensity of the Sun. The image records a large amount of solar activity, as the Sun approaches the maximum of the 11-year solar cycle. The corona and solar prominences are enormous features that are many times the size of our planet. The corona appears as complex, ethereal streamers dispersing into space. If our planet encounters these particles, we can experience aurora displays in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
Approximately 20,000 people travelled to the remote part of Western Australia, near Exmouth, to view the eclipse. International and Australian visitors experienced an eclipse so profound that many were moved to tears, and some describing the experience as “spiritual”.
The international collaboration with Lefaudeux and Goldsmith overcame many challenges, including technical, logistic and weather conditions.
According to Nicolas Lefaudeux:
“John made an incredible work of gathering camera bodies and lenses suitable for getting the highest level of quality of the final images, as well as preparation and tackling the many challenges of this eclipse located in a remote location, up to the eclipse itself where he managed perfectly 5 camera setups, including backups, to fulfill the targets of the collaboration.
This is truly a feat, especially considering that this was John’s first total solar eclipse. Like my results from the 2017 total solar eclipse which was also my first one (ignoring the overcast 1999 eclipse), the images of this eclipse prove that, to achieve great results on imaging a total solar eclipse, what is needed is not experience from many total eclipses, but high level of motivation and dedication for going through serious preparation, anticipation of issues, rehearsals, as well as quick reactions for tackling with last minutes issues in conditions where you are mostly by yourself in the middle of nowhere.”
The field photography involved a 2500km road trip, from Perth to Exmouth (return). The site photography was achieved at Pebble Beach, approximately 15km south of Exmouth. This position was extremely close to the centre-line of totality, thereby maximising the duration of the total phase of the eclipse. Days before the eclipse, an intense category 5 cyclone (>200km/hour winds) was bearing down on Exmouth, but fortunately changed course just in time. The image processing is a complex and detailed process, and this image is the result of more than 1 ½ months of image processing work.
Our 900mm refractor telescope totality image is the first main result to be released by the Lefaudeux and Goldsmith collaboration. We intend to release new images from the other setups: to be published in the coming months. We want to greatly thank all the collaborators, supporters and teamwork who helped make this image possible:
John Goldsmith’s international astrophotography collaborations include:
Goldsmith’s web sites:
www.celestialvisions.com.au
www.visionsofthecosmos.com
Lefaudeux’s web site:
www.hdr-astrophotography.com
Dr John Goldsmith is a leading proponent of images with integrity and ethical astrophotography. Based in Western Australia, John has curated over 40 astrophotography exhibitions. In 2023, his third and latest astrophotography book “Vision of the Cosmos: Landscape Astrophotography from Western Australia” was released. He has worked with Vulcanologist Clive Oppenheimer and filmmaker Werner Herzog “Fireball: Visitors from darker worlds” and he featured in “The Borderless Sky, The Aboriginal Sky of Australia” (2017). His PhD research “Cosmos, Culture and Landscape” (2014) investigated Western Australian Aboriginal astronomical knowledge, with a focus on “Kandimalal”, Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater. John’s primary astrophotography mentor was the late Akira Fujii (1941-2022). John is a member of The World at Night (www.twanight.org). Web sites: www.celestialvisions.com.au and www.visionsofthecosmos.com
Nicolas Lefaudeux is a French astrophotographer and optical engineer specialised in optical design and image processing. His astrophotography work focuses on producing unique, high quality images of astronomical phenomena such as eclipses and comets. Website: https://hdr-astrophotography.com/
Copyright. The solar eclipse photography is strictly copyright © Nicolas Lefaudeux and John Goldsmith (2023). According to international copyright and intellectual property laws, a link to this content is permitted but any use (other than strictly private usage) must have received prior authorization from the copyright holders ([email protected] and [email protected]).
“It was an extremely intense, emotional and powerful experience” says John Goldsmith.
“Being my first total solar eclipse, I was advised not to take any photos, and just enjoy the eclipse. I ignored that advice, and instead, chose to collaborate, prepare, practice and refine for a major photographic objective, using five cameras with lenses including 85mm, 180mm 300mm and 900mm, with automated camera rigs. The superb result showing the 900mm images reveal that even for a first time total solar eclipse experience, superb results can be achieved”.
Colourful solar prominences are visible erupting from the limb of the Sun, and masses of streaming plasma (ionised, charged particles) appear, forming the corona, the atmosphere of the Sun. The image reveals extraordinary detail which normally would remain invisible due to the intensity of the Sun. The image records a large amount of solar activity, as the Sun approaches the maximum of the 11-year solar cycle. The corona and solar prominences are enormous features that are many times the size of our planet. The corona appears as complex, ethereal streamers dispersing into space. If our planet encounters these particles, we can experience aurora displays in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
Approximately 20,000 people travelled to the remote part of Western Australia, near Exmouth, to view the eclipse. International and Australian visitors experienced an eclipse so profound that many were moved to tears, and some describing the experience as “spiritual”.
The international collaboration with Lefaudeux and Goldsmith overcame many challenges, including technical, logistic and weather conditions.
According to Nicolas Lefaudeux:
“John made an incredible work of gathering camera bodies and lenses suitable for getting the highest level of quality of the final images, as well as preparation and tackling the many challenges of this eclipse located in a remote location, up to the eclipse itself where he managed perfectly 5 camera setups, including backups, to fulfill the targets of the collaboration.
This is truly a feat, especially considering that this was John’s first total solar eclipse. Like my results from the 2017 total solar eclipse which was also my first one (ignoring the overcast 1999 eclipse), the images of this eclipse prove that, to achieve great results on imaging a total solar eclipse, what is needed is not experience from many total eclipses, but high level of motivation and dedication for going through serious preparation, anticipation of issues, rehearsals, as well as quick reactions for tackling with last minutes issues in conditions where you are mostly by yourself in the middle of nowhere.”
The field photography involved a 2500km road trip, from Perth to Exmouth (return). The site photography was achieved at Pebble Beach, approximately 15km south of Exmouth. This position was extremely close to the centre-line of totality, thereby maximising the duration of the total phase of the eclipse. Days before the eclipse, an intense category 5 cyclone (>200km/hour winds) was bearing down on Exmouth, but fortunately changed course just in time. The image processing is a complex and detailed process, and this image is the result of more than 1 ½ months of image processing work.
Our 900mm refractor telescope totality image is the first main result to be released by the Lefaudeux and Goldsmith collaboration. We intend to release new images from the other setups: to be published in the coming months. We want to greatly thank all the collaborators, supporters and teamwork who helped make this image possible:
- James Athanasou, Western Australian astrophotographer, for logistics support, teamwork and supply of one Canon 6DMkII camera body.
- Dr Chris Thorne, for supply of a Canon 300mm f2.8 lens, and for booking our accommodation more than three years ago!
- To all of the staff at Midland Camera House, (Midland, Western Australia), including owner Russell Payne, and in particular, Thanh Vu, for technical support and supply of Canon 6DMkII cameras and related accessories.
John Goldsmith’s international astrophotography collaborations include:
- Astrophotography of the Hoggar Mountains, Sahara desert, Algeria, with Mohammed Aissa Moussa.
- 911 memorial skyline, New York, with Luis Figueroa, USA.
- Sunrise Around the World project with Luca Vanzella, Canada.
- Sacred Monkey Forest Temple at night, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.
- Stonehenge and Comet Hale-Bopp, with English Heritage, UK.
- Pyramids of Giza and Comet Hale-Bopp, with Helwan Observatory, Egypt.
- Cosmopoetry at Targoviste Astrofest 2018, Romania, with Andree Dorian Gheorghe and Valentin Grigore.
- Cosmology Concert, with international composer and musician, Rupert Guenther (Western Australia).
- Table Mountain at night, Cape Town, South Africa (SAAO).
Goldsmith’s web sites:
www.celestialvisions.com.au
www.visionsofthecosmos.com
Lefaudeux’s web site:
www.hdr-astrophotography.com
Dr John Goldsmith is a leading proponent of images with integrity and ethical astrophotography. Based in Western Australia, John has curated over 40 astrophotography exhibitions. In 2023, his third and latest astrophotography book “Vision of the Cosmos: Landscape Astrophotography from Western Australia” was released. He has worked with Vulcanologist Clive Oppenheimer and filmmaker Werner Herzog “Fireball: Visitors from darker worlds” and he featured in “The Borderless Sky, The Aboriginal Sky of Australia” (2017). His PhD research “Cosmos, Culture and Landscape” (2014) investigated Western Australian Aboriginal astronomical knowledge, with a focus on “Kandimalal”, Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater. John’s primary astrophotography mentor was the late Akira Fujii (1941-2022). John is a member of The World at Night (www.twanight.org). Web sites: www.celestialvisions.com.au and www.visionsofthecosmos.com
Nicolas Lefaudeux is a French astrophotographer and optical engineer specialised in optical design and image processing. His astrophotography work focuses on producing unique, high quality images of astronomical phenomena such as eclipses and comets. Website: https://hdr-astrophotography.com/
Copyright. The solar eclipse photography is strictly copyright © Nicolas Lefaudeux and John Goldsmith (2023). According to international copyright and intellectual property laws, a link to this content is permitted but any use (other than strictly private usage) must have received prior authorization from the copyright holders ([email protected] and [email protected]).
Total Solar Eclipse 20 April 2023
News Update 20 April 2023.
Additional update 1 May 2023.
An absolutely superb experience of the total solar eclipse, near Exmouth, Western Australia.
After more than 35 years of astrophotography experiences, this is one of the most intense events of my life.
An extraordinarily moving experience.
Provided below is a small selection of totality and eclipse images achieved by Dr John Goldsmith, www.celestialvisions.com.au
As we process new images, we intend to upload new content over the coming weeks and months. Dr. John Goldsmith.
Additional update 1 May 2023.
An absolutely superb experience of the total solar eclipse, near Exmouth, Western Australia.
After more than 35 years of astrophotography experiences, this is one of the most intense events of my life.
An extraordinarily moving experience.
Provided below is a small selection of totality and eclipse images achieved by Dr John Goldsmith, www.celestialvisions.com.au
As we process new images, we intend to upload new content over the coming weeks and months. Dr. John Goldsmith.
The image of totality below is the first sample image to be issued via www.celestialvisions.com.au
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Our first sample of location photos, featuring Pebble Beach, Exmouth, very close to the centreline of totality. Our vantage from the beach was superb, looking across to the ocean, to the east. The day began with an early morning sea breeze. As the eclipse progressed, the breeze dropped, providing perfect conditions. Some cloud low to the south, dissipated as the eclipse progressed. To the north, the sky conditions were perfect. We used cargo cases to barricade our equatorial mounts and tripods from the breeze, which protected our equipment very well. Our camera setup included seven cameras. Four in my primary rig, one backup, and two cameras used by astrophotographer colleague James Athanasou. Photographers: Dr John Goldsmith and James Athanasou. |
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A sample of locations photos are provide below.
Collaborations, Supporters and Teamwork
A very special thankyou to our collaborators, supporters and teamwork, for our totality photography. I'd like to make the following acknowledgements:
A very special thankyou to our collaborators, supporters and teamwork, for our totality photography. I'd like to make the following acknowledgements:
- Nicolas Lefaudeux, France, for technical support and collaboration.
- James Athanasou, Western Australian astrophotographer, for logistics support, teamwork and supply of one Canon 6DMkII camera body.
- Dr Chris Thorne, for supply of a Canon 300mm f2.8 lens, and for booking our accommodation more than three years ago !
- To all of the staff at Midland Camera House, (Midland, Western Australia), including owner Russell, and in particular, Thanh, for technical support and supply of Canon 6DMkII cameras and related accessories.
"VISIONS OF THE COSMOS" EXHIBITION
& BOOK LAUNCH EVENT
Carnarvon Library and Art Gallery, Friday 14 April 2023
The official opening of the "Visions of the Cosmos" exhibition and book launch took place on Friday 14 April 2023, at the Carnarvon Library and Art Gallery. Attended by visitors and guests, the opening commenced the five week exhibition showing (14 April to 20 May 2023). Guests were treated to a superb selection of astro-landscape and deep-space astrophotos by 11 leading Western Australian astrophotographers. The exhibition is dedicated to the memory of the master Japanese astrophotographer, Akira Fujii (1941 - 2022). The exhibition also features two superb images by Akira Fujii. Exhibition videos include "Under the Milky Way" featuring Ivan Gian-Piero's version of this much loved Australian classic, and an exotic new instrumental work by Rupert Guenther, specially commissioned for the exhibition. Event photos are featured below.
Brand new book release
VISIONS OF THE COSMOS: LANDSCAPE ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY FROM WESTERN AUSTRALIA
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NOW AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE PURCHASE
at www.celestialvisions.com.au Please note: Current online orders will be processed / dispatched after 28 April 2023. In this unique book, Western Australia's leading landscape astrophotographers share their love of the night sky, capturing majestic visions of the cosmos and wilderness landscapes of this vast and diverse state. These remarkable images reveal glimpses into deep time, moments of serene beauty and personal reflections on the wonders of our ancient landscape. The book presents superb astro-landscape images from more than 20 key locations throughout Western Australia. The book launch event takes place on 14 April 2023 at the exhibition opening of “Visions of the Cosmos” at Carnarvon Library and Art Gallery. See also our exhibition web site at www.visionsofthecosmos.com ISBN: 9780958738118 Pages: 114 Author: Dr John Goldsmith Online purchasing: www.celestialvisions.com.au |
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VISIONS OF THE COSMOS
Visionary Astrophotography by
Western Australian Astrophotographers
www.visionsofthecosmos.com
Carnarvon Library & Art Gallery, 18 Egan Street, Carnarvon, Western Australia
14 April 2023 to 20 May 2023.
Visions of the Cosmos is a collaboration by several of Western Australia’s most accomplished astro-photographers. Visions of the Cosmos presents an extraordinary diversity of astrophotography, including night-time landscapes, constellations, deep space, planetary and timelapse. The result is a superb photographic and visual collection documenting the beauty and grandeur of the night, featuring Western Australian and international locations. The astrophotography is complimented by a display of astronomy related artifacts and ephemera.
Developed by Dr John Goldsmith, the founder of www.celestialvisions.com.au, a Western Australian research and astronomical image agency.
Hosted by the Shire of Carnarvon Library & Art Gallery and proudly sponsored by WA Tourism, Dark Sky Festival Carnarvon and Horizon Power, the exhibition is open to the public between 14 April and 20 May 2023. The exhibition is a major highlight of regional events relating to the Solar Eclipse of 20 April 2023.
For exhibition information, please visit www.visionsofthecosmos.com
For more information:
Library (phone) 9941 3727
Art Gallery (phone) 9941 3388
Email: [email protected]
www.visionsofthecosmos.com
www.celestialvisions.com.au
www.carnarvon.wa.gov.au
Visionary Astrophotography by
Western Australian Astrophotographers
www.visionsofthecosmos.com
Carnarvon Library & Art Gallery, 18 Egan Street, Carnarvon, Western Australia
14 April 2023 to 20 May 2023.
Visions of the Cosmos is a collaboration by several of Western Australia’s most accomplished astro-photographers. Visions of the Cosmos presents an extraordinary diversity of astrophotography, including night-time landscapes, constellations, deep space, planetary and timelapse. The result is a superb photographic and visual collection documenting the beauty and grandeur of the night, featuring Western Australian and international locations. The astrophotography is complimented by a display of astronomy related artifacts and ephemera.
Developed by Dr John Goldsmith, the founder of www.celestialvisions.com.au, a Western Australian research and astronomical image agency.
Hosted by the Shire of Carnarvon Library & Art Gallery and proudly sponsored by WA Tourism, Dark Sky Festival Carnarvon and Horizon Power, the exhibition is open to the public between 14 April and 20 May 2023. The exhibition is a major highlight of regional events relating to the Solar Eclipse of 20 April 2023.
For exhibition information, please visit www.visionsofthecosmos.com
For more information:
Library (phone) 9941 3727
Art Gallery (phone) 9941 3388
Email: [email protected]
www.visionsofthecosmos.com
www.celestialvisions.com.au
www.carnarvon.wa.gov.au
Media Release: issued 10 February 2023. PDF available here.
| media_release_10_feb_2023_visions_of_the_cosmos_exhibition_pdf.pdf |
Celestial Visions is proud to support the Cosmology Concert by Rupert Guenther.
The concert event took place at the Western Australian Museum on 16th February 2023.
Event photo slideshow (below) courtesy of Fiona Birt.
The concert event took place at the Western Australian Museum on 16th February 2023.
Event photo slideshow (below) courtesy of Fiona Birt.
The Cosmology Concert. Presented by internationally acclaimed musician Rupert Guenther,
in collaboration with Dr John Goldsmith and Celestial Visions.
The Cosmology Concert, by Rupert Guenther, has treated guests to an inspiring blend of live music performance, creativity, spoken word and a stunning backdrop of Western Australian astronomical photography. The concert featured the live performance of electric violins, based on digital looping technology, to produce a musical journey exploring the wonders of the cosmos, in a trancelike and exotic style. Musician Rupert Guenther playfully explored deep themes and personal perspectives of the cosmos, with spoken word interludes backed by looped rhythms, created on the spot with his set of violins. His musical style is exotic, with rhythmic sounds, built up and looped to create a rich, muti-layered trance-like live performance, delicate in its delivery, inspiring and uplifting. The concert took place on 16 February 2023, at the WA Treasures Gallery, Hackett Hall, the Western Australian Museum (Boola Bardip). The venue provided a superb location for the concert, uniquely placed, with the enormous skeleton of Otto the Blue Whale, suspended high above the audience.
The concert is the latest event which cements Dr Goldsmith’s long-term relation with the Western Australian Museum. Dr Goldsmith coordinated the “Western Australia by Night” permanent multimedia display at the museum Origins Gallery, which presents a selection of images by 13 of Western Australia’s most accomplished astro-landscape photographers. “Western Australia by Night” provides the inspiration around which the live musical performance was so masterfully explored by Rupert Guenther.
The visual element of the Cosmology Concert was a collaborative production, coordinated by Dr John Goldsmith, and featured the work of a select group of Western Australia’s highly accomplished astrophotographers, including James Athanasou, Mark Bridger, Dr John Goldsmith, Colin Legg, Wayne Riley, Paul Sartory and Brett Turner. The 90 minute concert performance was supported with the large screen projected film, seamlessly shifting between superb astronomical images, showcasing Western Australian astrophotography talent.
Audience feedback:
“A meditative experience”
“Trancelike”
“A wonderful evening of live performance”
“An inspired performance and wonderful images of the cosmos”
Over the last 35+ years, Celestial Visions and its founder Dr John Goldsmith, has supported, encouraged and promoted astrophotography. The principles of Celestial Visions are based on the promotion of ethical astrophotography and support of local community and business. Celestial Visions strongly supports positive collaborations with creatives in our community. Celestial Visions is a proud supporter of Rupert Guenther’s Cosmology Concert.
Ambient Zone presenter Kael Driscoll, of RTRFM 92.1 presented an interview with Rupert Guenther and Dr John Goldsmith during the build up to the concert. (see www.rtrfm.com.au, 8th February 2023). The interview included a live performance by Rupert Guenther, and a fascinating discussion exploring the wonders of the universe, with Dr John Goldsmith.
Dr John Goldsmith
www.celestialvisions.com.au
www.visionsofthecosmos.com
Additional media coverage:
Composer-violinist Rupert Guenther celebrates Cosmology at WA Museum Boola Bardip
https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/art/composer-violinist-rupert-guenther-celebrates-cosmology-at-wa-museum-boola-bardip-c-9790428
The Cosmology Concert - Review
https://www.weekendnotes.com/rupert-guenther-the-cosmology-concert/
in collaboration with Dr John Goldsmith and Celestial Visions.
The Cosmology Concert, by Rupert Guenther, has treated guests to an inspiring blend of live music performance, creativity, spoken word and a stunning backdrop of Western Australian astronomical photography. The concert featured the live performance of electric violins, based on digital looping technology, to produce a musical journey exploring the wonders of the cosmos, in a trancelike and exotic style. Musician Rupert Guenther playfully explored deep themes and personal perspectives of the cosmos, with spoken word interludes backed by looped rhythms, created on the spot with his set of violins. His musical style is exotic, with rhythmic sounds, built up and looped to create a rich, muti-layered trance-like live performance, delicate in its delivery, inspiring and uplifting. The concert took place on 16 February 2023, at the WA Treasures Gallery, Hackett Hall, the Western Australian Museum (Boola Bardip). The venue provided a superb location for the concert, uniquely placed, with the enormous skeleton of Otto the Blue Whale, suspended high above the audience.
The concert is the latest event which cements Dr Goldsmith’s long-term relation with the Western Australian Museum. Dr Goldsmith coordinated the “Western Australia by Night” permanent multimedia display at the museum Origins Gallery, which presents a selection of images by 13 of Western Australia’s most accomplished astro-landscape photographers. “Western Australia by Night” provides the inspiration around which the live musical performance was so masterfully explored by Rupert Guenther.
The visual element of the Cosmology Concert was a collaborative production, coordinated by Dr John Goldsmith, and featured the work of a select group of Western Australia’s highly accomplished astrophotographers, including James Athanasou, Mark Bridger, Dr John Goldsmith, Colin Legg, Wayne Riley, Paul Sartory and Brett Turner. The 90 minute concert performance was supported with the large screen projected film, seamlessly shifting between superb astronomical images, showcasing Western Australian astrophotography talent.
Audience feedback:
“A meditative experience”
“Trancelike”
“A wonderful evening of live performance”
“An inspired performance and wonderful images of the cosmos”
Over the last 35+ years, Celestial Visions and its founder Dr John Goldsmith, has supported, encouraged and promoted astrophotography. The principles of Celestial Visions are based on the promotion of ethical astrophotography and support of local community and business. Celestial Visions strongly supports positive collaborations with creatives in our community. Celestial Visions is a proud supporter of Rupert Guenther’s Cosmology Concert.
Ambient Zone presenter Kael Driscoll, of RTRFM 92.1 presented an interview with Rupert Guenther and Dr John Goldsmith during the build up to the concert. (see www.rtrfm.com.au, 8th February 2023). The interview included a live performance by Rupert Guenther, and a fascinating discussion exploring the wonders of the universe, with Dr John Goldsmith.
Dr John Goldsmith
www.celestialvisions.com.au
www.visionsofthecosmos.com
Additional media coverage:
Composer-violinist Rupert Guenther celebrates Cosmology at WA Museum Boola Bardip
https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/art/composer-violinist-rupert-guenther-celebrates-cosmology-at-wa-museum-boola-bardip-c-9790428
The Cosmology Concert - Review
https://www.weekendnotes.com/rupert-guenther-the-cosmology-concert/
Akira Fujii
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Celebrating the life of Akira Fujii Master Japanese astrophotographer. 1941-2022, aged 81. Akira Fujii played a very important role in advancing astrophotography on a global basis. I developed a wonderful friendship with him, beginning with our 1986 astrophotography of Halley's Comet, in Western Australia. I was only 14 years old when I first met Mr Fujii (Fujii san), and despite some language hurdles, I felt a strong affinity towards Fujii san. Akira Fujii was an inspirational teacher to me. An absolute master and exceptionally accomplished astrophotographer. He was very dedicated with superb technical skill, and also a very humble person. He is one of the most inspirational people I've ever met. In 1986, Fujii san introduced me to the Mitaka tracking mount, a superb tracking system for astrophotography. In 1987, I collated (at age 16) my astrophotography learnings in a report entitled “Techniques of Astrophotography”, which won first place in the Western Australian STAWA Science Talent Search. Our introduction to an important Australian Aboriginal sky pattern known as "The Emu" took place during our Halley's Comet photography in 1986, at a remote Western Australian location. This experience initiated my interest in Aboriginal sky knowledge, which ultimately led to my PhD Thesis Cosmos, Culture and Landscape (2014). The PhD thesis helped to document unique Australian Aboriginal astronomical knowledge, focused on Kandimalal, Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater, in Western Australia. Fujii san directly shaped and influenced my own astrophotography journey. In 1994, I travelled to his southern hemisphere Chiro Observatory, and documented the Comet Shoemaker Levy 9 impact with Jupiter. In 1996, I documented ten consecutive nights of Comet Hyakutake’s close approach with our planet, including a remarkable image of Akira san’s flight back from Perth to Tokyo, appearing to descend into the huge (60°) tail of Comet Hyakutake. Fujii san’s influence and encouragement also contributed towards my Comet Hale-Bopp photography above Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids in 1997. Our friendship and connection continued for many years, and I accompanied Fujii san on many astrophotography journeys in Western Australia, including 2007 when he photographed remarkable images of Comet McNaught. I've been very fortunate to have met and known Akira Fujii and to have learnt so much from him. We have lost a truly great man. Dr John Goldsmith 5 January 2023 Photos update 15 January 2023. Sky & Telescope has issued an online remembrance at www.skyandtelescope.org 2 January 2023, by Roger W. Sinnott. |
(right) Portrait of Akira Fujii and Chiro, his famous pet dog. (Left) Halley's Comet. This image was photographed at Glen Eagle State Forest, Western Australia, in mid-March 1986. This was the first evening I met Akira Fujii, at our local astrophotography site.
A sample of publications featuring Akira Fujii's photography.
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Communicating Astronomy with the Public (CAP2022), Sydney, Australia 12-16 September 2022
The CAP2022 conference is a major international conference dedicated towards astronomy and its communication. The conference provides an important international forum to explore, examine, share and present wide ranging topics. In 2022, the conference is held in Sydney, Australia, and is attracting delegates from around the world with both in-person and virtual attendance. Dr John Goldsmith, Celestial Visions / Western Australia, extends a warm welcome to all conference participants.
Dr Goldsmith's contribution to CAP2022 is a conference poster presentation, entitled:
"A Critique into the Ethics of Astrophotography, with a focus on Beth Moon's book
"Ancient Skies, Ancient Trees". A cautionary tale".
The poster explores ethical issues in astrophotography via three case studies. The abstract of the poster follows:
This critique investigates ethical issues in relation to astrophotography, and the book “Ancient Skies, Ancient Trees” by Beth Moon. The book features astrophotography of ancient trees around the world. In 2019, a controversy erupted when the legitimacy and accuracy of Beth Moon’s images were questioned, when her images appeared on NationalGeographic.com. Serious flaws in the images were detected, and her images were removed from the National Geographic web site. The issues are critically assessed, including what was published, acknowledgments, praise for the book, the initial concerns regarding image validity, the ensuing controversy, a critical appraisal of the images, the ethical concerns articulated, the consequences including action by National Geographic and the aftermath response by photographer Beth Moon. The broader implications of ethical issues in astrophotography are examined, with reference to other real-world circumstances. Astrophotography provides a very important resource for the communication, promotion and advancement of astronomy in our community. Such image resources are used in publications, promotions, media, new releases, exhibitions, film productions, online usage in social media and via web sites. It is essential that astrophotography is created and used ethically and lawfully. Key ethical insights are featured via quotes, such as Theodore Roosevelt “Justice consists not in being neutral between right and wrong, but finding out the right and upholding it, wherever found, against the wrong”.
In addition to the conference poster, Dr Goldsmith consulted with elite astrophotographers and astronomy communicators, on a global basis. The consultation resulted in a documentation of highly informed opinions and views, broadly about the topic of Ethics in Astrophotography. The document provides an important record of key issues, identified via the global consultation of highly accomplished astrophotographers and astronomy communicators.
Dr Goldsmith's contribution to CAP2022 is a conference poster presentation, entitled:
"A Critique into the Ethics of Astrophotography, with a focus on Beth Moon's book
"Ancient Skies, Ancient Trees". A cautionary tale".
The poster explores ethical issues in astrophotography via three case studies. The abstract of the poster follows:
This critique investigates ethical issues in relation to astrophotography, and the book “Ancient Skies, Ancient Trees” by Beth Moon. The book features astrophotography of ancient trees around the world. In 2019, a controversy erupted when the legitimacy and accuracy of Beth Moon’s images were questioned, when her images appeared on NationalGeographic.com. Serious flaws in the images were detected, and her images were removed from the National Geographic web site. The issues are critically assessed, including what was published, acknowledgments, praise for the book, the initial concerns regarding image validity, the ensuing controversy, a critical appraisal of the images, the ethical concerns articulated, the consequences including action by National Geographic and the aftermath response by photographer Beth Moon. The broader implications of ethical issues in astrophotography are examined, with reference to other real-world circumstances. Astrophotography provides a very important resource for the communication, promotion and advancement of astronomy in our community. Such image resources are used in publications, promotions, media, new releases, exhibitions, film productions, online usage in social media and via web sites. It is essential that astrophotography is created and used ethically and lawfully. Key ethical insights are featured via quotes, such as Theodore Roosevelt “Justice consists not in being neutral between right and wrong, but finding out the right and upholding it, wherever found, against the wrong”.
In addition to the conference poster, Dr Goldsmith consulted with elite astrophotographers and astronomy communicators, on a global basis. The consultation resulted in a documentation of highly informed opinions and views, broadly about the topic of Ethics in Astrophotography. The document provides an important record of key issues, identified via the global consultation of highly accomplished astrophotographers and astronomy communicators.
The conference poster is available for download here:
| cap2022_poster_john_goldsmith_12_sept_2022.pdf |
The consultation paper is available for download here:
| consultation_paper_ethics_in_astrophotography_12_september_2022_pdf.pdf |
Further information about Ethics, Intellectual Property, Copyright etc (links to external sites).
Intellectual Property, Australia. IP Australia: https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/
Photoclaim. Photoclaim (Poland): https://photoclaim.com/
Ethics Centre. The Ethics Centre (Australia): https://ethics.org.au/
International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property https://aippi.org/
Photography Ethics. PhotoEthics.org https://www.photoethics.org/content/2018/5/31/photography-ethics-and-why-they-matter
National Geographic related https://petapixel.com/2016/07/04/nat-geo-says-committed-honest-photos-era-photoshop/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/about/guidelines_p.html
Australian Geographic related https://australiangeographic.imagegallery.me/
Aperture Organisation https://aperture.org/tag/photography-ethics/
https://aperture.org/editorial/how-photographers-navigate-the-challenges-of-working-on-assignment/
Ethics in Night Photography. https://clarkvision.com/articles/ethics-in-night-photography/
Intellectual Property, Australia. IP Australia: https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/
Photoclaim. Photoclaim (Poland): https://photoclaim.com/
Ethics Centre. The Ethics Centre (Australia): https://ethics.org.au/
International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property https://aippi.org/
Photography Ethics. PhotoEthics.org https://www.photoethics.org/content/2018/5/31/photography-ethics-and-why-they-matter
National Geographic related https://petapixel.com/2016/07/04/nat-geo-says-committed-honest-photos-era-photoshop/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/about/guidelines_p.html
Australian Geographic related https://australiangeographic.imagegallery.me/
Aperture Organisation https://aperture.org/tag/photography-ethics/
https://aperture.org/editorial/how-photographers-navigate-the-challenges-of-working-on-assignment/
Ethics in Night Photography. https://clarkvision.com/articles/ethics-in-night-photography/
Ethics in Astrophotography
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REVIEWS, CRITICISMS, RESEARCH & STUDY
Update: 10 November 2021. Are fake astrophotos OK? Is it ethical to use other peoples work without credit or acknowledgement? What about galleries that fail to acknowledge photographers? Should photographers declare if others have image-processed their images? Are deceptive or misleading astro-photos OK? These are all ethical issues. A new critique is available here for download, examining ethics in astrophotography. These issues are examined with a focus on the controversial example of Beth Moon's "Ancient Skies, Ancient Trees" book. A cautionary tale, with significant lessons and implications for astrophotographers, publishers and audiences. Want to endorse this critique? Please send your name, your organisation and your location (State/Territory if in Australia, and Country if outside of Australia). Send you details via the contact page at www.celestialvisions.com.au. Endorsements may be included in subsequent editions of the critique. |
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| ethics_in_astrophotography_critique_09112021_pdf.pdf |
Comet Leonard 2022
Point Peron, Western Australia
Comet Leonard has presented a fine opportunity for astrophotographers in both the northern and southern hemisphere. The comet became visible in the western evening twilight in the southern hemisphere in late December 2021. Astrophotos have shown a surprisingly long tail and has been ideally photographed with a 200 - 300mm telephoto lens. The comet remained barely visible to the unaided eye, contrary to grossly exaggerated online media reports. However, the comet has provided an excellent opportunity for astrophotograpghers, with interesting detail in the tail and comet coma, detail that changed on a daily basis.
Astrophotography workshops and field visits
Mount Magnet, Western Australia, September 2021.
Flyer details are provided below regarding astrophotography workshops and site visits between 15 - 19 September 2021, as part of the Mount Magnet Astro Rocks Festival. Register your interest to attend by RSVP to [email protected]
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Under the Milky Way
Wave Rock, Western Australia
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27 August 2021
Our fully booked out event, an evening of Cosmos, Culture and Landscape at Western Australia’s iconic Wave Rock, was held on 27 August 2021. The event presented a unique astronomical experience, featuring superb astrophotography, literally viewed under the Milky Way, as the heart of our galaxy passes directly overhead above Wave Rock in Western Australia. The event included an outdoor astrophotography exhibition, night sky viewing, telescope viewing, a special feature screening of the fantastical films of George Melies, rescored, and a brand new cover version of the famous and evocative song "Under the Milky Way", originally by The Church. This is a National Science Week 2021 (Australia) supported initiative, as part of the Inspiring Australia – Science Engagement Programme. Hosted by Shire of Kondinin and presented by Celestial Visions & Boogie Image. 2021 National Science Week project "Under the Milky Way" event booklet is available below for download.
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Sponsors and supporters
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2019 National Science Week project report "Capturing the Heart of our Milky Way Galaxy directly overhead" is available below for download.
| natinal_science_week_2019.jpg |
Latest image of May 2021 Total Lunar Eclipse
Despite challenging weather conditions, the 26 May 2021 Total Lunar Eclipse was visible from Perth, Western Australia. Photographed with a 900mm refractor telescope, through high cloud. Photographed from Point Walter, Swan River, Perth, Western Australia. Photo: Dr John Goldsmith.
"The Universe. Yours to discover"
Astrophotography Exhibition
25 - 30 November 2020
Presented by Celestial Visions
in conjunction with LOST EDEN Gallery
58 McLarty Street,
Dwellingup, Western Australia.
“The Universe. Yours to discover” is a collaborative astrophotography exhibition featuring works by leading Western Australian astrophotographers, including James Athanasou, Mark Bridger, Dr John Goldsmith, Colin Jenkinson, Trevor Lundstrom, Brendan Mitchell, Paul Sartory, Dr Chris Thorne, Brett Turner & William Vrbasso.
Images of beauty, wonder and awe, of stunning moments in time, in ancient landscapes, recorded for all to experience, and for all to enjoy and appreciate.
The Universe is yours to discover!
LOST EDEN Gallery losteden.com.au
CELESTIAL VISIONS celestialvisions.com.au
in conjunction with LOST EDEN Gallery
58 McLarty Street,
Dwellingup, Western Australia.
“The Universe. Yours to discover” is a collaborative astrophotography exhibition featuring works by leading Western Australian astrophotographers, including James Athanasou, Mark Bridger, Dr John Goldsmith, Colin Jenkinson, Trevor Lundstrom, Brendan Mitchell, Paul Sartory, Dr Chris Thorne, Brett Turner & William Vrbasso.
Images of beauty, wonder and awe, of stunning moments in time, in ancient landscapes, recorded for all to experience, and for all to enjoy and appreciate.
The Universe is yours to discover!
LOST EDEN Gallery losteden.com.au
CELESTIAL VISIONS celestialvisions.com.au
| the_universe_yours_to_discover_at_lost_eden_25_to_30_november_2020.pdf |
Advancing and protecting astrophotography:
Statement of Values by Celestial Visions
UPDATE: 29 November 2020.
Issued during "The Universe. Yours to discover" exhibition at Lost Eden Gallery, Dwellingup, Western Australia.
Celestial Visions and its founder, Dr John Goldsmith, is proud to contribute towards the advancement of astrophotography and astrophotographers, by the promotion of images with integrity, the encouragement of good photographic practices, the recognition of the work of photographers and the showcasing and celebration of photography. With this context, Celestial Visions has articulated the following statements of values.
Issued during "The Universe. Yours to discover" exhibition at Lost Eden Gallery, Dwellingup, Western Australia.
Celestial Visions and its founder, Dr John Goldsmith, is proud to contribute towards the advancement of astrophotography and astrophotographers, by the promotion of images with integrity, the encouragement of good photographic practices, the recognition of the work of photographers and the showcasing and celebration of photography. With this context, Celestial Visions has articulated the following statements of values.
- We respect the efforts of astrophotographers, we value and promote astrophotography.
- We respect copyright and intellectual property at all times, and as per agreements, correct attribution to recognise photographers.
- We encourage collaborative working together based on informed agreement, informed consent, within our communities from local to global scale.
- Contractual agreements to be respected by all parties.
- Open, honest communication, valuing facts, accuracy, truthfulness and just processes.
- We respect the efforts and achievements of our past community members, we honour our contemporary astrophotographers and we encourage the advancement of future astrophotographers.
- We value the importance of the natural night sky, free from excessive human interference and disturbance, including protection of dark sky environments, avoiding light pollution and excessive impact from satellites.
- We value astro-images with integrity, images that are realistic representations of the cosmos, free of misrepresentation or manipulation.
- We value and recognise the role of creativity in astrophotography (or digital art), but that context is needed to avoid misrepresentation or misapplication.
- We are mindful of the communities and the natural environment in which we operate, with the aim of encouraging positive outcomes and avoiding negative impacts on communities or environments.
- We support justice and remediation where copyright, intellectual property or agreements are not respected by other parties.
"FIREBALL Visitors from darker worlds" film
by Clive Oppenheimer and Werner Herzog
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News update from Dr John Goldsmith / www.celestialvisions.com.au A new film release, "FIREBALL, Visitors from darker worlds" by Clive Oppenheimer and Werner Herzog had its worldwide release on 13th November 2020 on Apple TV+. The trailer is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4X9fQsiAOQ The film explores how meteorites have impacted our planet's landscapes and cultures. Western Australia's Kandimalal (Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater) features prominently in the film. Celestial Visions and Dr John Goldsmith contributed to the development of the film via Aboriginal community consultation, logistics and on-site support at Wolfe Creek Crater, during production. "FIREBALL" has had virtual festival screenings at Toronto, the American Film Institute (LA), Denver, Chicago, Rome, and physical screenings at Montclair festival, NYC. And for those who would like to explore further Aboriginal astronomical knowledge and culture relating to Kandimalal, Wolfe Creek Crater, see Dr Goldsmith's PhD thesis, "Cosmos, Culture and Landscape", at https://espace.curtin.edu.au/handle/20.500.11937/665 |
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Dr John Goldsmith, Clive Oppenheimer and Werner Herzog at Kandimalal, Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater, Western Australia.
An important update for the Western Australian Astrophotography Community.
Update: 27 September 2020. Revised 18 December 2020.
A warning to all prospective entrants, and particularly for people new to the Astrofest Astrophotography exhibition:
Read the 2021 terms and conditions very carefully before submitting your images / content.
DO NOT ENTER the exhibition if you are not satisfied regarding the rights you are signing over to the organisers.
As curator of the exhibition from 2009 to 2019, I strongly warn entrants to protect your copyright, insist on appropriate acknowledgement at all times and do not accept unreasonable terms and conditions.
A warning to all prospective entrants, and particularly for people new to the Astrofest Astrophotography exhibition:
Read the 2021 terms and conditions very carefully before submitting your images / content.
DO NOT ENTER the exhibition if you are not satisfied regarding the rights you are signing over to the organisers.
As curator of the exhibition from 2009 to 2019, I strongly warn entrants to protect your copyright, insist on appropriate acknowledgement at all times and do not accept unreasonable terms and conditions.
The Western Australian astrophotography community is advised of the following updates.
"These matters are not closed"
Update: 15 June 2020. Revised 18 December 2020.
An open letter to the Astronomy WA Network.
Update: 14 May 2020. Revised 18 December 2020.
RE: Preliminary notice regarding the 2019 Astrofest application to the Western Australia Premiers Science Award.
"These matters are not closed"
Update: 15 June 2020. Revised 18 December 2020.
An open letter to the Astronomy WA Network.
Update: 14 May 2020. Revised 18 December 2020.
RE: Preliminary notice regarding the 2019 Astrofest application to the Western Australia Premiers Science Award.
Comet NEOWISE photographed from Australia
Update: 24 July 2020.
Dr Chris Thorne has photographed Comet NEOWISE from Western Australia, on 23 July 2020, recording an image of the comet deep in evening twilight, above the far north western horizon. Dr Thorne's image is probably one of the first photographs of the comet taken from Australia. This achievement is the result of Dr Thorne's latest astrophotography mission, involving more than 1000km of travel, to Exmouth in Western Australia.
The comet is visible in the montage image shown to the right, and reveals the comet deep in the evening twilight, with a distinctive tail almost horizontal with the horizon.
Celestial Visions congratulates Dr Chris Thorne for achieving this image.
Dr Chris Thorne has photographed Comet NEOWISE from Western Australia, on 23 July 2020, recording an image of the comet deep in evening twilight, above the far north western horizon. Dr Thorne's image is probably one of the first photographs of the comet taken from Australia. This achievement is the result of Dr Thorne's latest astrophotography mission, involving more than 1000km of travel, to Exmouth in Western Australia.
The comet is visible in the montage image shown to the right, and reveals the comet deep in the evening twilight, with a distinctive tail almost horizontal with the horizon.
Celestial Visions congratulates Dr Chris Thorne for achieving this image.
An important opportunity to voice your support
for the protection of the night sky
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Space-X's Starlink should be halted, now. International binding space-laws be incorporated.
Here is an opportunity to voice your support for the protection of the night sky against excessive, intrusive satellites. The proposed release of tens of thousands of satellites over the next several years will fundamentally change our experience of the night sky, another example of excessive human intrusion. And virtually everyone on this planet was not even consulted about the huge expansion of satellite numbers, yet everyone will be impacted by its effects. The night sky should not be sacrificed for the sake of global internet. This is not a East-West issue, nor developed vs developing country issue, nor an elite astronomy issue, it's about everyone on this planet being able to enjoy the night sky free from severe human interference. Culture's around the planet are inspired by the night sky, it's part of all of our heritage. Protect the night sky, for now, and forever. Dr John Goldsmith www.celestialvisions.com.au |
Want to sign the petition? The following link directs to the online petition at avaaz.org. https://secure.avaaz.org/en/community_petitions/fcc_and_general_international_public_opinion_spacexs_starlink_should_be_stopped/ |
"The Universe. Yours to discover" presented at the Mount Magnet Astro Rocks festival 2019
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“The Universe. Yours to discover” is a collaborative astrophotography exhibition featuring works by Western Australia’s talented astrophotography community. The collection, curated by Dr John Goldsmith, Celestial Visions, features Western Australian, Australian and international locations. “The Universe. Yours to discover” exhibition presents astrophoto images of beauty, wonder and awe, stunning moments in time, in ancient landscapes, recorded for all to experience, enjoy and appreciate.
The exhibition was presented at the Mount Magnet Astro Rocks festival, on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September 2019, ANZAC Hall, Mount Magnet, Western Australia. Dr Goldsmith presented a one hour introductory astrophotography workshop, and a three hour practical astrophotography field visit, where participants experienced the superb night skies of Mount Magnet. Thank you to our sponsors and supporters including the Shire of Mount Magnet, the Mount Magnet Astro Rocks organising committee, staff and volunteers, and the photographers featured in the exhibition, including James Athanasou, Mark Bridger, Dr John Goldsmith, Colin Jenkinson, Trevor Lundstrom, Brendan Mitchell, Carol Redford, Paul Sartory & Brett Turner & William Vrbasso. The event report is available here for download (PDF document <2MB). |
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| the_universe_yours_to_discover_post_event_report_dr_john_goldsmith_australia.pdf |
CONSTAWA 2019Dr John Goldsmith presented "The Aboriginal Sky of Australia", at the CONSTAWA 2019 Science Teachers Association of Western Australia annual conference (dinner speech), on 17 May 2019. The event was attended by Dr Lyn Beazley, who has recently been elected as a fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
Dr Goldsmith provided an introduction to the fascinating subject of Australian Aboriginal sky knowledge, and related his own experiences in this field, dating back to 1986 and his involvement is astrophotography of Halley's Comet. This early experience ultimately led to his PhD on Aboriginal astronomical knowledge, as detailed in his PhD thesis, "Cosmos, Culture and Landscape" (2014). Dr Goldsmith emphasised the importance of science teachers in encouraging students to have an open, inquiring mind. |
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"The Universe. Yours to discover” Astrophotography exhibition is a collaborative invitational astrophotography exhibition featuring works by Western Australia’s talented astrophotography community.
The exhibition presents astrophotography by photograohers including James Athanasou, Mark Bridger, Paul Sartory, William Vrbasso, Dr John Goldsmith, Brendan Mitchell, Trevor Lundstrom, Colin Jenkinson & Brett Turner. Curated by Dr John Goldsmith from Celestial Visions. Enquires regarding hosting the exhibition should be directed to Dr John Goldsmith. Friday 26 April 2019 – Sunday 28 April 2019, 10am to 3pm daily. $5 Adults, gold coin donation / children. Venue: Old Miners Halls, Wolfram Street, Westonia, Western Australia. GPS Coords: 31°18'08.2"S 118°41'50.2"E “The Universe. Yours to discover” Astrophotography exhibition is the first Australian astronomy event affiliated with Global Astronomy Month 2019 / Astronomers Without Borders. |
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The Universe. Yours to discover. Volume 2.
FIRST EDITION BOOK RELEASE FOR VOLUME 2 DUE EARLY 2019
A special commemorative edition marking the occasion of the first ten years of the Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition, celebrated in 2019.
The Universe. Yours to discover, Volume 2, features the superb astrophotography of 31 astro-photographers. The 88 page full colour hard-cover book is expected to be available in March 2019. Volume 2 (2019) follows the publication of the first exhibition book in 2015. Authored by Dr John Goldsmith and produced by Celestial Visions, both volumes provide a superb record of astrophotography from Western Australia.
Volume 1 and 2 are available via the store section of Celestial Visions, www.celestialvisions.com.au
The Universe. Yours to discover, Volume 2, features the superb astrophotography of 31 astro-photographers. The 88 page full colour hard-cover book is expected to be available in March 2019. Volume 2 (2019) follows the publication of the first exhibition book in 2015. Authored by Dr John Goldsmith and produced by Celestial Visions, both volumes provide a superb record of astrophotography from Western Australia.
Volume 1 and 2 are available via the store section of Celestial Visions, www.celestialvisions.com.au
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ASTROFEST 2018, ROMANIADr John Goldsmith, Celestial Visions, is attending the 2018 Astrofest event in Romania. Dr Goldsmith is presenting the first public screening of "The Borderless Sky, The Aboriginal Sky of Australia" TV episode, as part of the Astrofest event. Located in Targoviste, approximately 75 km north west of Bucharest, Romania, the 2018 Astrofest event attracts astronomy enthusiasts from Romania and international participants including the president of Astronomers Without Borders, Mike Simmons (USA), Jessica Santascoy (AWB) and Audrey Fischer (International Dark-sky Association). Dr Goldsmith participated in a 2 hour live TV astronomy broadcast, hosted by Valentin Grigore, SARM, Romania at Columna TV. The accompanying photos show some astro-night photos of Chindia Tower, built in the 15th Century, by Prince Vlad Tepes, (Vlad the Impaler).
Photo credits: Dr John Goldsmith and Miclos Cosmin-Sorin |
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Postcards from Astrofest 2018, Targoviste, Romania.
All photos (C) Dr John Goldsmith / www.celestialvisions.com.au
See also the SARM archived TV series "Us and Heaven" hosted by Valentin Grigore, on Columna TV, Romania. http://www.columnatv.ro/category/emisiuni/
See also the SARM archived TV series "Us and Heaven" hosted by Valentin Grigore, on Columna TV, Romania. http://www.columnatv.ro/category/emisiuni/
Australian premiere at the Mount Magnet Astro Rocks Astronomy Festival
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Astronomy and geology lovers were treated to a real Australian outback festival, at Astro Rocks 2018, held at Mount Magnet, Western Australia, on the weekend of 14-15 September.
The festival included the Australian premiere screening of The Borderless Sky, The Aboriginal Sky of Australia, one of five episodes produced by Taglicht Media, Berlin. The film featured the astrophotography journey of Dr John Goldsmith, to some of the best astrophotography landscapes in Western Australia, and his encounters with Aboriginal stories of the night sky. The Astro Rocks festival also featured the latest (2018) Astrofest Astrophotography exhibition, which has been presented each year, since the beginning of the Astro Rocks festival, six years ago. |
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"Explore, discover and experience"
Timelapse video by Dr John Goldsmith
Premiered at the Astrofest 2018 Astrophotography Exhibition. 24th March 2018, Western Australia.
Awarded the Best Timelapse Video.
This timelapse video features two of Western Australia’s best locations for astrophotography; the Pinnacles (Nambung National Park) and Lake Ballard (the site of Sir Antony Gormley’s Inside Australia project). Timelapse scenes, based on motion control timelapse, provide a dynamic view of the night sky. The video shows scenes featured in a film production called “The Borderless Sky”, produced by Taglicht Media, Berlin, Germany, a five episode series featuring the journeys of five astrophotographers around the world from The World at Night (twanight.org).
Awarded the Best Timelapse Video.
This timelapse video features two of Western Australia’s best locations for astrophotography; the Pinnacles (Nambung National Park) and Lake Ballard (the site of Sir Antony Gormley’s Inside Australia project). Timelapse scenes, based on motion control timelapse, provide a dynamic view of the night sky. The video shows scenes featured in a film production called “The Borderless Sky”, produced by Taglicht Media, Berlin, Germany, a five episode series featuring the journeys of five astrophotographers around the world from The World at Night (twanight.org).
Photographer: Dr John Goldsmith. Image capture: Canon 5D MkII, 24mm lens, Dynamic Perception motion control timelapse system. Premiered at Astrofest 2018.
astronomywa.net.au/astrophotography-exhibition.html
Version: Letterbox 001 Music: "Endorphine" by NeXuS, powered by Jamendo.com Original timelapse available in 4K resolution.
Astrofest 2018 Astrophotography Competition
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The Astrofest 2018 Astrophotography Competition, now in its ninth year, has premiered at Astrofest on Saturday 24th March 2018 at Curtin Stadium. We received a record 52 entrants and 224 entries, making 2018 a very competitive year. The exhibition featured a diverse range of astrophotography, including astro-landscapes, high resolution planetary and lunar images, widefield and deepspace astrophotography.
Featured Astro-imagers Mark Bridger, Jon-Paul Bullard, Joshua Bunn, Luke Busellato, Chris Curgenven, Jason Eagle, Gary Hogg, John Goldsmith, Stephen Humpleby, Simon Li, Boyang Liu, Andrew Lockwood, Carol Redford, Fabian Rodriguez Frustaglia, Paul Sartory, Glenn Shuttleworth, Ronald Tan, Brett Turner & William Vrbasso. Merit certificates
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Total Lunar Eclipse, Fremantle, Western Australia.
Skywatchers have been treated to a superb view of the so-called Super Blue Blood Moon, the Total Lunar Eclipse of 31 January 2018. "Super" because the moon appears larger than usual, "Blue" because January has had TWO full moons in the one month, and "Blood" due to the orange red colour from the Total Lunar Eclipse. These images show the progression of the rare eclipse, as viewed from the Roundhouse, Fremantle, Western Australia. The buildings along High Street feature a very special site specific art work, in which ellipses are viewed from one specific vantage point. The art work was created by the world renowned Paris based Swiss artist Felice Varini. Called "Arc d'Ellipses", the ellipses appear to float into view, and stretch across the building surfaces for over 800 metres. Ellipses form the orbital pattern for astronomical objects that revolve around each other by gravity, such as the Moon around our planet, our planet around the Sun, and also comets in orbit around the Sun. These views combines both the spectacle of a rare nature astronomical event together with an innovative art project, from a unique vantage point. The event was enjoyed by many skywatchers, and for some, it was their first view of a Total Lunar Eclipse.
Astrofest 2018 Astrophotography Competition
24 March 2018
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Celestial Visions is proud to support the 2018 Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition. Dr John Goldsmith, the creative developer behind Celestial Visions, has provided the curatorial support to the exhibition, since 2009.
The Astrofest astrophotography competition showcases and celebrates the best of Western Australian astrophotography and astro-imaging. Enter your best astro-images such as star trails, night-scapes, solar system objects, Sun and Moon, deep space images, timelapse video and related digital imaging. (ENTRIES HAVE NOW CLOSED & JUDGING COMPLETE) HOW TO ENTER Download the entry form / terms & conditions at www.astronomywa.net.au/astrophotography-exhibition.html Entries close on 9th February 2018. Up to seven entries can be submitted per person. Entry is free. ELIGIBLE ENTRANTS All Western Australian residents and visitors to WA are eligible to enter (adults, students, young people, professional or amateur photographers). AWARDS & PRIZES including Best Astrophoto, Best Timelapse Video, Best New Talent and People's Choice award. ASTROPHOTO EXHIBITION 5.30pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 24th March 2018 at Curtin Stadium, Curtin University, Western Australia. Thankyou to our sponsors, supporters, organisers & associates including: Lotterywest, the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, Celestial Visions, The World at Night, Camera Electronic, SHOOT Photography Workshops and Pendoley Environmental. |
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"The Borderless Sky"
Australian episode
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The Borderless Sky is a new five-part episode TV series, featuring the astro-photography adventures and journeys of five members of “The World at Night”, Babak Tafreshi (Iran/USA), Dr John Goldsmith (Australia), Yuichi Takasaka (Canada), Gernot Meiser (Germany) & Bernd Proschold (Germany).
The Australian episode: The Aboriginal Sky of Australia Australia’s iconic landscapes provide a superb vantage to experience the splendours of the southern night sky. Australia’s ancient, complex and contemporary Aboriginal cultures also provide fascinating perspectives of the southern night sky. The Australian episode of The Borderless Sky follows astrophotographer Dr John Goldsmith, during his astrophotography adventures to document the southern night sky above iconic Western Australian landscapes including the Pinnacles, Lake Ballard and the Kimberley. The 6000km astrophotography journey to the remote Australian “outback” provides an opportunity to experience the exceptionally dark southern night sky. Travelling to the Kimberley in the far north of Western Australia, Dr John Goldsmith meets up with Scott Murray, a Northern Territory astrophotographer, and they continue towards their goal of astrophotography at Kandimalal, Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater, a massive, ancient impact crater located on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert. First scheduled broadcast: ARTE TV (Germany) 29 August 2017. http://www.arte.tv/de/videos/052707-002-A/expedition-sternenhimmel In co-production with ZDF and in cooperation with ARTE. Distribution by Albatross World Sales. A film by Christian Schidlowski. Produced by Taglicht Media, Berlin. Executive Producers Claudia Zenkert & Uli Veith. “The Borderless Sky” © 2017, Taglicht Media. |
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National Geographic "THE SPACE ISSUE" August 2017 edition features the GLEAM radio image and Celestial Visions astro-image
A special collaboration between The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, the GLEAM team and Celestial Visions has produced a remarkable composite image of the southern cosmos at radio frequencies. The image appears in the August 2017 edition of the National Geographic magazine "The Space Issue". The composite image combines the newly generated "GLEAM" radio image of the night sky, appearing above the radio astronomy antennas known as the Murchison Widefield Array, located in Western Australia. The image is part of a timelapse sequence, which won the 2017 Astrofest Astrophotography exhibition "Best Timelapse" award.
Image credit: GLEAM radio image: Dr Natasha Hurley-Walker and the GLEAM Team, International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, and Dr John Goldsmith / Celestial Visions.
Image credit: GLEAM radio image: Dr Natasha Hurley-Walker and the GLEAM Team, International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, and Dr John Goldsmith / Celestial Visions.
Astro-imaging at Detroit Zoo's new Penguinarium
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Celestial Visions has collaborated with the Detroit Zoo’s “Penguinarium” project, a $30M conservation centre in Michegan, US. The centre is home to 80 penguins and visitors view the penguins via an underwater gallery. The centre provides a unique 4D immersive experience, featuring the polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition and his epic crossing of the Drake Passage. Visitors experience the immersive experience as if on Shakleton’s ship, the Endurance. Celestial Visions provided 360 degree astro-imanging as part of the visitor’s immersive experience.
For more information on the new penguin center, visit http://penguins.detroitzoo.org |
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"The Imagined Sky" book (2016) now available
Dr John Goldsmith has contributed to the newly released book called "The Imagined Sky", with a chapter that introduces his PhD research into Aboriginal sky knowledge from Western Australia. This volume features eleven essays that offer critical engagement in understanding the sky in human imagination and culture and contribute to the new fields of cultural astronomy and skyscapes, the role and importance of the sky in the interpretation of cultures, emerging within the academy, and is written by some of the most noted scholars in their fields of British history, history of art, social anthropology, Greek horoscopes and narratology, globe cartography, comets and Irish mythology, western astronomy, Australian aboriginal sky astronomy and mythology, and cultural astronomy and astrology. Dr Goldsmith's chapter "Cosmos, Culture and Landscape" examines various aspect of Aboriginal sky knowledge, with a focus on Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater.
Edited by Darrelyn Gunzburg, "The Imagined Sky" is available in paperback and hardback.
pb ISBN 9781781791684 £18.75 / $29.96 (US)
hb ISBN 9781781791677 £45.00 / $75.00 (US)
2016 286pp 234 x 156mm
Available online at www.equinoxpub.com
Edited by Darrelyn Gunzburg, "The Imagined Sky" is available in paperback and hardback.
pb ISBN 9781781791684 £18.75 / $29.96 (US)
hb ISBN 9781781791677 £45.00 / $75.00 (US)
2016 286pp 234 x 156mm
Available online at www.equinoxpub.com
Astrofest Astrophotography Exhibition 2016
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More than 4000 visitors enjoy Astrofest 2016 !
Astrofest 2016, held on Saturday 12th March at Curtin Stadium was a huge success, with more than 4000 visitors attending. The Astrophotography exhibition featured a fantastic selection of astro-images, with astro-landscapes featuring strongly. 20 Western Australian astrophotographers have had their work exhibited in the 2016 exhibition. This year we mark the milestone of our 20,000th visitor to enjoy the exhibition, since 2009. To everyone involved, well done ! Congratulations to the competition winners The awards presentation event took place at Astrofest at 9pm, where the following awards and commendation certificates were announced:
and Judges Commendation certificates to:
Sunday Times coverage The exhibition received extensive coverage with both a one page and 1 3/4 page coverage editions in the Sunday Times (13 March 2016). Congratulations to the photographers who feature in the paper. |
Exhibition Catalogue
A downloadable (PDF) copy of the exhibition catalogue will also be available soon at: http://www.astronomywa.net.au/astrophotography-exhibition.html Online feature. A sample form the exhibition is featured online at Perth Now at http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/stunning-wa-landscape-images-at-night-in-astrophotography-exhibition-at-curtin-university/news-story/0c188f5690b84f59961677cee14cb80e Thankyou to our sponsors, exhibition judges and supporters Thanks goes to all of our sponsors, judges and supporters, in particular, Camera Electronic / SHOOT Photography Workshops (sponsor of the Best Astrophoto Award) and Pendoley Environmental (sponsors of the Best New Talent Award), Lotterywest, ICRAR, The World at Night and Celestial Visions. The exhibition judges included Dr David Malin (davidmalin.com), Prof Peter Quinn (ICRAR) and Prof Andreas Wicenec ICRAR). Exhibition updates Available at : http://www.astronomywa.net.au/astrophotography-exhibition.html |
"The Universe, Yours to Discover"
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$39.95 AU (rrp). Available now !
A new commemorative book presents highlights from the first five years of the Astrofest astrophotography exhibition, 2009-2014. This full colour photographic book showcases Western Australian astrophotography, including deep space images, widefield constellation images and iconic Western Australian night-time landscapes. "The Universe. Yours to discover" was launched at Western Australia's 2015 Astrofest, on Saturday 28th March 2015 at Curtin Stadium, Curtin University. Foreword by Dr David Malin, edited by Dr John Goldsmith. $39.95 AU (rrp, plus postage / handling via online sales) Please visit our online store for online purchases. MEDIA RELEASE: "The Universe, yours to discover" first edition book release. Download media release here:
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"Pathway to Venus" photo © Colin Legg
AVAILABLE NOW
Online:
From retail outlets:
Sold at previous events:
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The Western Australian Museum
hosts the 2015 Astrofest astrophotography exhibition
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Regional Western Australian communities are enjoying the latest installment of the Astrofest astrophotography exhibition.
Presented at the Western Australian Museum (Geraldton), the exhibition features the latest images from the 2015 exhibition. The exhibition is on display between 7 August and 6 September 2015 and features during national science week. Events included the official opening by curator Dr John Goldsmith, a public presentation "The Universe. Yours to discover", guest tours with Geraldton high school groups, media interviews and a student outreach via Meekatharra School of the Air. Museum web site: http://museum.wa.gov.au/museums/geraldton ABC online: http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2015/08/06/4288313.htm |
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Astrofest 2015 a great success !
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Western Australia's biggest astronomy festival, Astrofest, has once again been a fantastic success. Over 4000 visitors enjoyed the one-evening event at Curtin Stadium, Perth. Celestial Visions curated the astrophotography exhibition for the sixth year, with a celebration of some of the best astronomical photography from Western Australia. Congratulations to Andrew Lockwood who won the Best Astrophoto Award, Kwon O Chul for the Best Timelapse Video Award, and to Paul Storey who won the People's Choice Award. The World at Night digital exhibition gave an international flavour to Astrofest , featuring superb astro-landscape photos from around the world. Dr John Goldsmith launched "The Universe. Yours to Discover" which features highlights from the first five years of astronomical imagery presented at Astrofest, 2009 - 2014. Thanks to all our participants, sponsors and supporters including Lotterywest, ICRAR, West Print Management Group, Camera Electronic, SHOOT Photography Workshops & The World at Night. |
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Cosmos, Culture and Landscape PhD Thesis
now available online
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John Goldsmith's PhD research into contemporary Aboriginal astronomical knowledge is now available online, from Curtin University. The PhD research investigates contemporary Aboriginal astronomical knowledge and features the highly successful Ilgarijiri- Things Belonging to the Sky Aboriginal art project and collaboration with radio astronomers from the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory, Western Australia. The research also investigated Aboriginal perspectives of Kandimalal, Wolfe Creek Crater, the 300,000+ year old meteorite crater located in the East Kimberley, Western Australia. Astronomical knowledge was examined via three surveys and in-depth video interviews with 27 participants. The research included site documentation via digital imaging (360° & timelapse), which was then used to create new and original Aboriginal astronomy resources, comprising a virtual tour and exhibition videos. John Goldsmith received the inaugural tertiary De Laeter Science Engagement Scholarship (Gravity Discovery Centre Foundation), for his video production featuring scientific and Aboriginal perspective of Wolfe Creek Crater. The PhD research was conducted at the International Centre of Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) at Curtin University, under the primary supervision of Professor Steven Tingay (ICRAR). Research findings are presented in the 556 page thesis, via 130 figures, 89 tables, 18 appendices, three surveys, transcribed interviews with 27 participants, several case studies, three video productions and one virtual tour (supplied on DVD disk). The following project videos can be viewed online at: "llgarijiri" video: https://vimeo.com/36321138. "Kandimalal Wolf Creek Crater" video: http://www.fireballsinthesky.com.au/fact-sheets/australian-aboriginal-interpretations-night-sky/kandimalal-wolfe-creek-crater-video/ PhD Thesis Title: Cosmos, culture and landscape: Documenting, learning and sharing Aboriginal astronomical knowledge in contemporary society. Author: John Goldsmith Author's web site: www.celestialvisions.com.au Email: [email protected] A sample of publications by John Goldsmith relating to the PhD research is provided below: |
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons are respectfully advised that this site contains images of persons who have passed away.
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PhD Thesis
Goldsmith, John M. 2014. Cosmos, culture and landscape: Documenting, learning and sharing Aboriginal astronomical knowledge in contemporary society. PhD Thesis. Curtin University, Western Australia. <http://espace.library.curtin.edu.au:80/R?func=dbin-jump-full&local_base=gen01-era02&object_id=199688>
Publications in development
Goldsmith, John., (in press). "Cosmos, Culture and Landscape: Documenting, learning and sharing Australian Aboriginal astronomical knowledge in contemporary society" book chapter in "The Imagined Sky". Editor: Darrelyn Guzburg. University of Bristol.
Goldsmith, John (currently in peer review). "Exploring Space, Time and Colour via The World at Night". Spectrum, the Journal of the Colour Society of Australia.
Select Journal Papers
Goldsmith, John. 2014. The Ilgarijiri Project: A Collaboration between Aboriginal Communities and Radio Astronomers in the Murchison Region of Western Australia. Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, 17(2), 205–215.
Hamacher, Duane., and Goldsmith, John. 2013. ‘Aboriginal Oral Traditions of Australian Impact Craters’. Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage 16.3:295-311.
Goldsmith, John. 2011. “Documenting natural and cultural places with 360° spherical images, panoramic and timelapse digital photography” Rock Art Research vol. 28 no. 1, pp. 123-127.
Goldsmith, John. 2011. “The Cosmology Gallery, unity through diversity in a vast and awe inspiring universe”. Proceedings IAU Symposium No. 260, 5. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1743921311003401
Conference Posters
Goldsmith, John., & Brocx Margaret. 2012. “A virtual tour exploring Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater’s geoheritage, cultural and educational values”. Poster presented at the 34th International Geological Congress (IGC): Brisbane, Australia, 5 – 10 August 2012.
Goldsmith, John., Tingay, Steven., & Hamacher, Duane. 2011. “Building bridges between cultures, communicating and sharing Australian Indigenous sky knowledge”. Poster presented at the ninth “Oxford” International Symposium on Archaeoastronomy, Lima, Peru, January 2011.
Goldsmith, John. 2010. “Sharing and communicating Indigenous astronomical and sky knowledge”. Poster presented at the Astronomical Society of Australia annual science meeting, Hobart, July 2010.
Additional publications
Goldsmith, John. 2000. “Cosmic impacts in the Kimberley”. Landscope Magazine, vol. 15 no. 3, pp. 28-34 Autumn 2000. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia.
Goldsmith, John. 1999. “The emu in the sky”. Australian Geographic, The Journal of the Australian Geographic Society. July/September 1999 edition, no. 55. Australian Geographic Society. Terry Hills, NSW.
Goldsmith, John M. 2014. Cosmos, culture and landscape: Documenting, learning and sharing Aboriginal astronomical knowledge in contemporary society. PhD Thesis. Curtin University, Western Australia. <http://espace.library.curtin.edu.au:80/R?func=dbin-jump-full&local_base=gen01-era02&object_id=199688>
Publications in development
Goldsmith, John., (in press). "Cosmos, Culture and Landscape: Documenting, learning and sharing Australian Aboriginal astronomical knowledge in contemporary society" book chapter in "The Imagined Sky". Editor: Darrelyn Guzburg. University of Bristol.
Goldsmith, John (currently in peer review). "Exploring Space, Time and Colour via The World at Night". Spectrum, the Journal of the Colour Society of Australia.
Select Journal Papers
Goldsmith, John. 2014. The Ilgarijiri Project: A Collaboration between Aboriginal Communities and Radio Astronomers in the Murchison Region of Western Australia. Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, 17(2), 205–215.
Hamacher, Duane., and Goldsmith, John. 2013. ‘Aboriginal Oral Traditions of Australian Impact Craters’. Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage 16.3:295-311.
Goldsmith, John. 2011. “Documenting natural and cultural places with 360° spherical images, panoramic and timelapse digital photography” Rock Art Research vol. 28 no. 1, pp. 123-127.
Goldsmith, John. 2011. “The Cosmology Gallery, unity through diversity in a vast and awe inspiring universe”. Proceedings IAU Symposium No. 260, 5. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1743921311003401
Conference Posters
Goldsmith, John., & Brocx Margaret. 2012. “A virtual tour exploring Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater’s geoheritage, cultural and educational values”. Poster presented at the 34th International Geological Congress (IGC): Brisbane, Australia, 5 – 10 August 2012.
Goldsmith, John., Tingay, Steven., & Hamacher, Duane. 2011. “Building bridges between cultures, communicating and sharing Australian Indigenous sky knowledge”. Poster presented at the ninth “Oxford” International Symposium on Archaeoastronomy, Lima, Peru, January 2011.
Goldsmith, John. 2010. “Sharing and communicating Indigenous astronomical and sky knowledge”. Poster presented at the Astronomical Society of Australia annual science meeting, Hobart, July 2010.
Additional publications
Goldsmith, John. 2000. “Cosmic impacts in the Kimberley”. Landscope Magazine, vol. 15 no. 3, pp. 28-34 Autumn 2000. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia.
Goldsmith, John. 1999. “The emu in the sky”. Australian Geographic, The Journal of the Australian Geographic Society. July/September 1999 edition, no. 55. Australian Geographic Society. Terry Hills, NSW.
Public submission on the
City of Perth Draft Lighting Strategy, 2014.
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Unsolicited expert review comments in relation to the public submission (reproduced by permission).
"I want to congratulate John Goldsmith / Celestial Visions on one of the most professional submissions in relation to spill lighting. The amazing photography clearly demonstrates a convincing argument. The paper really is the best submission I have seen. We manage street lighting for cities and we incorporate dark sky in all our city designs.
Adam Carey, CEO of Citelum Australia, member of the International Dark-sky Association.
Prize Winning "Ocean Moonlight" video features
Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars
Celestial Visions has featured Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars music in the latest Celestial Visions timelapse video of Cradle Mountain, Tasmania.
The video "Ocean Moonlight" won the Best Timelapse Video award at the 2014 Astrofest astrophotography exhibition. The video featured the evocative music track 10 "Toman Teti M'Ba Akala" from the Album Radio Salone.
http://sierraleonesrefugeeallstars.com/
Soundtrack reproduced by permission of Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars management, 2014.
The video "Ocean Moonlight" won the Best Timelapse Video award at the 2014 Astrofest astrophotography exhibition. The video featured the evocative music track 10 "Toman Teti M'Ba Akala" from the Album Radio Salone.
http://sierraleonesrefugeeallstars.com/
Soundtrack reproduced by permission of Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars management, 2014.
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