A new book from two local astrophotographers is set to bring the skies of the Central West to life like never before.
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Niall MacNeill and Rodney Watters have pooled their shared hobby together to publish Night Skies of the Central West, a collection of astronomical objects and celestial events shot locally.
Mr MacNeill said the collection features everything from planets to constellations and nightscapes.
"We both specialise in different areas: I tend to focus on lunar and planetary imaging, while Rodney has a fondness for deep sky photography," he said.
"In addition, both of us share an interest in photographing nightscapes, and we came to realise there was enough work between us to produce the book."
Mr Watters said the book is a collection of around two years worth of work from his and Mr MacNeill's home observatories at Glanmire and Wattle Flat respectively.
"It was Niall's idea to focus on the Central West theme, because you need a point of difference with these sorts of projects," he said.
"A typical image can involve 10 to 30 hours worth of exposures, as well as two to three days putting it together on the computer."
Mr MacNeill said the patience involved with astrophotography is well worth the spectacular final products produced.
"Astrophotography incorporates all areas of STEM [science, technology, engineering and maths] to document the incredible beauty of the night sky, which is difficult to fully appreciate with the naked eye," he said.
Mr MacNeill said the book also acknowledges a need to preserve the night sky from the challenge of light pollution.
"The prevalence of light pollution increases around six to seven per cent each year worldwide, and many people have never even seen stars," he said.
"We're lucky to have such clear skies in the Central West, and it's important we preserve them into the future."
To inquire about a copy, visit the Night Skies of the Central West Facebook page.