This post is by regular contributer Neil Creek - author of our Photogaphy 101 series, which Neil plans to return to soon. Visit Neils blog which is all about learning photography, and check out his prints for sale on the Fine Art Photo Blog.

The universe is stunningly beautiful.

Orion Mosaic   © Phil Hart

Phil Hart is an Australian amateur astronomer and astrophotographer. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him for many years, and in that time I have watched his skill at photographing the night sky grow in leaps and bounds. He has been published several times in a number of major international astronomy magazines, and his photos are some of the best examples of astrophotography I have seen. Using only relatively simple and inexpensive equipment, he combines his skill with the camera and with processing software to create breath-taking images of nebulae, star clusters, aurorae and other heavenly bodies.

I have assembled a collection of my favourite of his works here for your enjoyment. I hope these photos inspire the same wonder at the universe and respect for Phil’s skills as they do for me. If you like Phil’s work, please consider purchasing a print of one of the available photos. A link is provided to a print where it is available. To view the images at larger sizes, click on them and you will be taken to Phil’s gallery.

Pleiades Star Cluster   © Phil Hart
Print Available

Star Trail   © Phil Hart

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