Images from the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands have arguably the best skies for Astronomical observation in the world. Located in the Atlantic Ocean around 100 miles off the north west coast of Africa at latitudes of 27-30°N climate all year round is very pleasant and the air is clear and clean. Substantial parts of the southern sky that are invisible from the UK are accessible and the the views of the Milky Way are outstanding.

Several European countries have important optical telescopes operating on Tenerife and La Palma and the Canary Island Government's "Law of the Sky" regulates the installation of nocturnal lighting to minimise light pollution. As a consequence the night skies away from populated areas are very dark and magnificent!

If only more governments were so aware of the need to preserve our night skies!

	Conjunction of the Moon and Venus (and Mercury in the twilight) seen from Tenerife. The dormant volcano, Mt. Teide, is on the left and the highlands of La Palma are visible above the sea of cloud lower right.
	A super view centred on Cassiopeia taken in Nov 2001; 5 min exposure through 58mm lens at f/2. Here is an annotated version.
	Auriga imaged through a 58mm lens at f/2 in Nov 2001; 5 min exposure. Here is an annotated version.
	A image taken in August 2002 looking to the southern horizon over the Atlantic Ocean. The deep southern constellations of Ara and Norma are displayed and the Milky Way extends from the horizon to the tail of Scorpius. Numerous star fields, red emission nebulae and dust clouds are present and fifth magnitude stars of declination -61.5° are easily visible just above the horizon! 7 min exposure through a 58mm lens at f/1.4.
	A view of the Milky Way looking towards the centre of our Galaxy from Scorpius through to Scutum.  The clusters M6 and M7 are prominent below centre. Antares is the red star bottom right.  5 min exposure through a 28mm lens at f/1.8.
	A close-up of the Milky Way in Sagittarius displays a wealth of detail. Enjoy! The rich star cluster, M7, is below centre and the red emission nebula, M8, is very prominent; 5 min exposure through a 58mm lens at f/1.4.
	A very wide angle showing the two crowns, Corona Borealis and Corona Australis, 10 min exposure through a 16mm lens at f/2.8.
	A view of Cygnus showing the Nth American and Pelican Nebulae bottom left, nebulosity around g Cygni and the supernova remnant, the Veil Nebula, are visible bottom centre. 5 min exposure through a 58mm lens at f/1.4.
	A very wide angle view showing the Milky Way stretching from Norma to Sagitta; 15min exposure through a 16mm lens at f/2.8.