La Palma Diary - Day Five

Another day and night on the volcano - and more amazing sights.

In the last post I said we missed our chance to use the Isaac Newton Telescope for a quick observation.

Well last night we made amends when the professionals allowed us a very brief opportunity to observe Messier 110 (right) - the satellite galaxy to Andromeda.

It was a real treat and will be a great addition to Deep Sky Videos early next year.

An exclusive (albeit very brief) opportunity to use a real professional telescope.

Earlier in the day there was another treat when we had a tour of the Gran Telescopio Canarias (right).

With its immense 36 mirrors stitched together, it creates a telescope with a mirror measuring 10.4m across.

One of the biggest and most powerful telescopes in the world.

Needless to say I did some filming in there too.

I can't describe how immense it was inside... I'm constantly amazed that humans build these things.

I also posted a short film to Deep Sky Videos this morning showing one of my timelapses at the Isaac Newton telescope.



I was quite pleased with it, until at dinner I met a named Daniel Lopez.

Daniel is one of the world's best astrophotographers and creates timelapse videos of the night sky to take your breath away.

Here's a link to his work. Please don't compare it with mine.

I am back in my room now, about to do some video editing for The Periodic Table of Videos, which has been neglected due to this La Palma diversion.

By the way - here's where my room is (below). It is take from near the summit - the clouds and sea are far below.

But do a I have a nice view?

No - all the windows are shuttered up.

They don't like (artificial) light around here very much!

Roque de los Muchachos Observatory is run by The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias. I am being hosted by the Isaac Newton Group of telescopes. The videos from this trip will appear on Deep Sky Videos: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Flickr.

Click here for diary day one.
Click here for diary day two.
Click here for diary day three.
Click here for diary day four.
Click here for diary day five.
Click here for diary day six.
Click here for diary day seven.
Click here for diary day eight.