Night Sky Watching at Kissimmee Prairie, by Bill Nigg |
| Amateur astronomers come to Kissimmee Prairie Preserve from more than a hundred miles away to do serious imaging with the latest astrophoto equipment— which often costs more than their car. Computer controlled electronic cameras and image processing allow them to find and take observatory quality pictures. Inspired by the Hubble, and in a quest and challenge to collect similar images for self education, they camp for several nights prepared for a clear sky. The new moon week is chosen each month to avoid the moon's natural light pollution. Dark sky is needed to find most unique objects between the dim stars and allow maximum exposure success. the Preserve has "the Astronomy Pad"—a separated site designed for astronomers, to minimize light from campers and campfires. |
When you get the opportunity to camp overnight at KPPSP, bring a star map. You can print one from your local astronomy club website, at the public library, or from an astronomy magazine. You will get to see the nature of the universe in a dark sky environment. —Bill Nigg |
If the sky is clear at night then you can see all the constellations
Random thoughts on and pictures of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve.
Photos are
©Christina Evans
unless otherwise noted
(Blog images may often be viewed larger by clicking on them)
April 2016
October 2015
May 2015
March 2014
November 2013
August 2013
May 2013
January 2013
December 2012
October 2012
July 2012
May 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
All
Bachman's Sparrow
Butterflies
Crested Caracara
Donna Bollenbach
Endangered Species
Fall
Fire
Florida Brown Snake
Florida Grasshopper Sparrow
Flowers
Kissimmee Prairie
Linda Cooper
Membership
Northern Bobwhite
Prairie Loop Trail
Seasons
Skippers
Trails
Turkeys
White-tailed Kite
Wildlife