A Collaboration for the Stars

In an exciting collaboration with ESA/Hubble, the National Science Foundation's NOIRLab has just released an incredible array of high-resolution images showcasing all 88 recognized constellations, as well as what is touted to be the largest open-source all-sky photo of the night sky ever made!

Educational Resource

These breathtakingly detailed images are not merely artistic; they serve as a vital educational resource. NOIRLab astronomers stated, “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 individual and scholastic levels.”

The Art of Astrophotography

The talented German astrophotographer Eckhard Slawik is behind the lens of these phenomenal images. According to the astronomers, the photographing technique employed involved two separate exposures for each panel: one taken with a diffuser filter to allow the colors of the stars to shine vividly, and another without it. This meticulous approach captures the essence and vibrance of the night sky.

Comprehensive Educational Package

Each constellation image comes with a comprehensive educational package, providing a detailed description of the constellation's historical origins, a standardized stick figure outline, and finder charts. For those fascinated by deep-sky phenomena, the collection includes existing astronomical images of notable deep-sky objects, captured through various NOIRLab telescopes.

Enhanced Educational Resources

To further enhance the educational potential of this stellar collection, downloadable flash cards and an array of audiovisual materials were also released. These resources make it incredibly easy for educators to introduce students to the wonders of the constellations.

The Highlight: A Record-Breaking All-Sky Photo

But that’s not all! The highlight of this project is the colossal all-sky photo, which boasts an impressive resolution of 40,000 pixels, making it one of the finest images of its kind ever produced. This magnificent sky-scape was meticulously pieced together using images captured in some of the world’s best and darkest viewing locations, including Waldenburg in Germany, Tenerife and La Palma in Spain, Namibia, and Chile.

An Invitation to Explore

Whether you’re an aspiring astronomer, a school educator, or just a curious night sky enthusiast, this vast collection is open for exploration by all ages and is particularly suited for planetariums and museums. Don’t miss your chance to journey through the cosmos from the comfort of your classroom or living room!