South-West England Bristol - The milky way

doublem1

doublem1

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Matt
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I'm wondering if there is a good place to go that's not too far from Bristol to take photos of the milky way. Also, as a complete novice here, which direction do I face to find it?
 
Hi Matt,

I'm currently doing a project that involves night time shots with foreground interest and some will have the Milky Way in the sky. It's quite straightforward but requires quite a bit of planning and luck with the weather. The next best viewing time is around the 18th April when the moon doesn't rise at night. The galactic centre is low in the night sky and is only viewable just before dawn. Making photographing it a tiring business! Getting away from too much light pollution from towns and cities is also challenging!

If you are interested, I only live in Wiltshire and am happy to meet up and do some shooting if you like. Just get in touch via pm and we can chat and organize.

Rich
 
For decent viewing, you need to be away from nearby towns and cities. Just the other side of Brecon is reckoned to be one of the best places in Southern UK, but bridge tolls and travel time are a bit of a PITA.
You also need a clear atmosphere - the Met Office issues visibility predictions and they need to be top notch. Visibility is helped by heading for high ground as atmospheric clag is worse low down.

Finding the Milky Way is easy once you are in the right location and have the right conditions.
I've been in Scotland during Winter and it has occasionally looked like someone has wiped a stroke of whitewash across the sky. Can't miss it :)
As for predicting direction; Google Sky Maps doesn't seem to have it listed - so I don't know the answer!
Here in Mendip it usually seems to be orientated East/West when walking back from the pub.

The Mendips are a pretty good bet for sky watching as long as you don't need to look North; Bristol is VERY bright.
If you are heading this way and fancy teaming up, please give me a shout.
 
Sorry yeah, the Milky Way centre is pretty much south at this time of year arching towards the east.
 
Can't help with the location Matt, but download Stellarium. It is free and can be set for any location on Earth and will show the night sky and the Milky Way. Along with a dark site, tripod and warm clothing, a head torch with a red bulb /LEDs is very useful for preserving your night vision.

Dave
 
Thanks for all the help everyone. Much appreciated.

Rich_Ellis said:
Hi Matt,

I'm currently doing a project that involves night time shots with foreground interest and some will have the Milky Way in the sky. It's quite straightforward but requires quite a bit of planning and luck with the weather. The next best viewing time is around the 18th April when the moon doesn't rise at night. The galactic centre is low in the night sky and is only viewable just before dawn. Making photographing it a tiring business! Getting away from too much light pollution from towns and cities is also challenging!

If you are interested, I only live in Wiltshire and am happy to meet up and do some shooting if you like. Just get in touch via pm and we can chat and organize.

Rich
Click to expand...

Thank you. I will get in contact soon to arrange some shooting!
 
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