It took me half a year to wait for my favourite season to arrive. No, it's not summer but Milky Way season. How do I know when is the time? Well, I learned best through experience, observation and reading. When I first took on Astrophotography, I asked the experts on Instagram for guidance. You can see the Milky Way during the second half of the year. I'm not sure about other regions, but for us in Sri Aman it is usually visible from May till November. Another indication is when you begin to see lots of Instagram posts on Milky Way.
Can't believe that the first shot for 2017 is already mesmerising. For almost three years, I think this time is the easiest to observe it. It didn't take me too long to spot the Milky Way right away last night. Normally I have to stand in complete darkness for a few minutes before I can see it as our eyes need to get adjusted to the surrounding, much like how a camera works. Similar to capturing a long exposure shot in the dark.
Since my mother is on Facebook, of course she would know what I'm passionate about. One night she recommended to shoot from the backyard of my parents' home as there was almost no pollution coming from the street light. I took her advice and it worked to get a better photo. At 1 a.m. on the 20th of May, I went stargazing on a quiet night and managed to take a few good shots. The result was the photo above. I decided not to stay outside for too long as there were many mosquitoes and I needed to edit the photo.
I pray that this year I'll be given more opportunities and going somewhere else to capture the Milky Way. I just need to be patient to see something spectacular. I guess that somehow teaches me one thing, good things happen to those who wait. Nevertheless I also believe in good things come to those who hustle and never give up. Only a third of the world population have the privilege of seeing the starry night sky. So, go Milky Way chasing while we are still able. It helps to calm and heal your soul. It's even more meaningful if you can go stargazing with someone.