NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick has gifted us with another stunning time-lapse from his home away from home – the International Space Station (ISS). Dominick, who has been residing and working on the ISS since March, has quickly established himself as a master of creative photography, capturing both the interior and exterior of the orbital laboratory with incredible skill. His latest offering, shared on social media, presents a breathtaking frame filled with numerous stars, with sections of the ISS silhouetted against the radiant light.
Dominick’s dedication to his craft extends beyond simply capturing beautiful images. He openly shares the technical aspects of his work, inviting feedback from his audience and actively seeking ways to improve his photographic techniques. In his recent post, he describes his experiment with time-lapses from different windows on the ISS, focusing on a particular window facing away from Earth. He reveals the intricacies of his settings, including the high ISO and the potentially long exposure, which results in a slight streaking of the stars. Dominick poses a question to his viewers, seeking their thoughts on adjusting the settings for crisper stars while retaining the ethereal nebulosity.
Dominick’s passion for astrophotography is evident in his previous work. Last month, he shared a time-lapse that captivated viewers with its portrayal of an aurora, satellites, stars, and a fleeting meteor. He’s also produced a series of highly creative images from inside the ISS, employing techniques like long exposures and multiple flashes to capture the unique environment.
Recently, Dominick engaged in an online discussion with renowned space photographer Don Pettit, a seasoned astronaut with an impressive portfolio of space photography. The conversation, available online, provided valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of astrophotography in low-Earth orbit. Pettit, at 69, is currently NASA’s oldest active astronaut and is set to embark on his fourth space mission in September. His return to orbit is highly anticipated, with everyone eager to witness the awe-inspiring images he will capture from his unique vantage point. Dominick’s dedication to capturing the beauty of space and his willingness to engage with his audience make him an inspiring figure in the world of astrophotography. His work not only showcases the wonders of the universe but also serves as a testament to the human spirit’s unyielding desire to explore and understand the vast unknown.
