From a Portlaoise back garden to the Messier catalogue
In a quiet suburb of Portlaoise, a science-minded photographer is turning a routine night into a cosmic mission. Don Kelly, a Laois-based astro-photographer, has embarked on a bold project: photograph all 110 Messier objects—galaxies, nebulae, star clusters and supernova remnants—without leaving his back yard.
A hobby that grew into a mission
Kelly recently moved to Portlaoise from Waterford in 2020, just before the pandemic, and says the night sky has offered a constant source of wonder. “I’ve always had a keen interest in science and technology from a young age, and astronomy the night sky and the wonder of the universe at large,” he explained. Though he was an avid photographer of wildlife and landscapes, deep-space images felt out of reach—until affordable, user-friendly smart telescopes changed the game.
With a Seestar S50 telescope, Kelly says the dream of deep-space photography became accessible. “What once felt like a dream became something I could achieve in my own backyard.”
What the Messier catalogue represents
Compiled by French astronomer Charles Messier in the 18th century, the Messier catalogue lists 110 objects that span galaxies, nebulae, star clusters and supernova remnants. Kelly’s goal is to capture all of them and assemble the images into a large, printable collage that traces the breadth of the night sky—from bright star-forming regions to the faint wisps of distant galaxies.
Planning, perseverance and a touch of travel
While many of the easier objects rise high in the Irish sky, some require patience and travel. Kelly has already tackled challenging targets such as the star clusters M6 and M7, which hover only a few degrees above the horizon. For the best southern views, he has driven to Dunbur Head on Wicklow’s coast. He also notes the Rock of Dunamase as a favorable vantage point for dawn-harboring objects near the horizon.
The journey so far and what’s next
Having been active for just over a year, Kelly has already captured several Messier objects and continues to share his progress, including standout shots like the Orion Nebula and pictures of the Moon and Sun. He envisions completing all 110 objects within the next two years and invites space enthusiasts to follow along as the collection grows.
Tips for budding astrophotographers
Kelly offers practical advice for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike. He emphasizes that the era of accessible astrophotography is here: affordable smart telescopes make it possible for people of all ages to engage with the night sky. He also highlights the importance of community online, noting how Facebook groups and other networks provide feedback and encouragement as photographers grow their skills. His final message is welcoming and simple: dive in and enjoy the journey, and may the skies be clear for newcomers to this rewarding hobby.
More about the photographer
Beyond his astrophotography pursuits, Kelly previously ran a pet-minding business in Portlaoise, gaining local recognition for innovative live-streaming services. His transition from local entrepreneur to space photographer underscores a broader message: curiosity can lead to captivating new hobbies at any stage of life.
To view more of Don Kelly’s space snaps and follow his Messier journey, visit his Instagram at @donkellyastrophotography.
