NSF’s NOIRLab, in collaboration with ESA/Hubble, has released a collection of free, high resolution images of all 88 constellations and the largest open-source, freely available all-sky photo of the night sky.
This all-sky photo of the night sky was compiled using images taken by astrophotographer Eckhard Slawik from the best and darkest locations around the globe. Image credit: NOIRLab / NSF / AURA / E. Slawik / M. Zamani.
“This complete collection of free, high resolution, downloadable images of all 88 western IAU-recognized constellations serves as an educational archive that can be used on the individual and scholastic levels,” NOIRLab astronomers wrote in a statement.
“The project also includes the release of the largest open-source, freely available all-sky photo of the night sky.”
The photographer behind these stunning, high-quality images is the German astrophotographer Eckhard Slawik.
“The images were taken on film and each panel comprises two separate exposures, one with and one without a diffuser filter to allow the stars’ colors to shine through,” the astronomers said.
“All products include a comprehensive description of the constellation and its historic origins, as well as the corresponding standardized stick figure, outline drawing, finder chart and description of the constellation’s most prominent deep-sky objects.”
“Existing astronomical images of such deep-sky objects, captured with various NSF’s NOIRLab telescopes, are also included.”
“Downloadable flash cards and other audiovisual and educational materials make it easy to bring the constellations into the classrooms.”
The NOIRLab astronomers also released the largest open-source, freely available all-sky photo of the night sky.
“With 40,000 pixels, this is arguably one of the best such images ever made,” they wrote.
“The colossal sky-scape was compiled using images taken by Slawik from the best and darkest locations around the globe: in Waldenburg, Germany; Tenerife, La Palma, Spain; Namibia; and Chile.”
“The 88 Constellations images are open for exploration by all ages, and are especially suitable for use in planetariums and museums.”
“Visit the project webpage to become familiar with all 88 constellations and see how many you can spot in your night sky.”
