Island Skies logoIsland Skies Astro

About

Island Skies Astro is my way of sharing the night sky from the Big Island of Hawaii. Astronomy has been an interest of mine since I was very young, but moving to Hawaii rekindled it in a way I did not expect. Learning about traditional Polynesian celestial navigation played a meaningful role in that return. Understanding how navigators read the stars to cross thousands of miles of open ocean brought my attention back to the sky and made me want to learn more again. Living here also means access to some of the best observing conditions on the planet. I image from the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station at around 9,200 feet, where the skies are remarkably dark and steady. That inspiration and access to world-class skies is what drew me back to astronomy, then to astrophotography, and eventually to creating this site.

The photos you will find here, including nebulae, galaxies, comets, the moon, and planets, were all captured from the Big Island. Along with the images, I am creating a series of articles that offer more context about what you are seeing. My goal is to make these articles easily accessible, scientifically accurate, and genuinely interesting. I hope this site gives you a place where the images draw you in and the explanations make what you're seeing even more fascinating.

Equipment

Both deep sky rigs share an iOptron CEM 40 mount. I swap between them depending on the target.

Deep sky (wide field)

Deep sky (long focal length)

Planetary

Processing

Other Interests

When I am not photographing the night sky I enjoy exploring the island and snorkeling with my wife, which has become one of our favorite ways to spend time together. I also practice free diving and appreciate the quiet focus it provides. At home I am learning to play slack key Hawaiian guitar, and I spend time reading, especially science books and science fiction.