The iconic M16 with the Pillars of Creation. Who does not have this one on the bucket list? I certainly do, tried it already twice before, and was not quite satisfied with the results.

In this series you will witness the evolution of integration time. The first image is done with 4.2 hours, which is not a huge amount (for me at least). And one can tell when you look closer. I will use until the summer monsoon every opportunity to image it. Right now with the ASI1600, soon with the ASI6200. I am curious myself on how much difference it will make, never really tried this kind of extension of integration time, and I believe it is time for it. So wait for more updates and versions of this image.

I also want to pass this image as a tribute to all my followers! I am amazed how many people stick around with my journey through the cosmos. I know for myself how much time this takes away, and I always try to keep up as best as possible with all of your images as well. Some of you do not miss a single image(!), look at it, critic it, and also support me with encouraging words. And we never even met in our life!! So here a big thank you for all of this, I really do appreciate it!

And as a suggestion with all of this, I would love to get at one point of time together with everybody who is interested. And what better time it could be than at the next (US) total solar eclipse in 2024! So as a heads up: I will try to plan something and pass it along, and whoever wants to join is more than welcome. I know that this is a hard call for all non-American friends here, it is a journey that I do know very well since I travel to Europe a lot of times. Maybe it will be possible, that would be great! It is still quite some time until March 2024, so this is really just a heads up call, let me know if this is something you are interested in.

P.S.: if you never witnessed a total solar eclipse, then please ask the people that did, they ALL will tell you that this is an experience out of the world, in the true sense of the words. I promise you, if the skies are clear you will never ever forget this event!