From Portlaoise to the Cosmos: A Backyard Mission
In Portlaoise, a town tucked away in Ireland’s midlands, an aspiring cosmologist is turning a familiar suburban space into a window to the universe. Don Kelly, a Laois-based photographer, has embarked on a bold project: photograph all 110 objects listed in the Messier Catalogue. This is not a studio project or a high‑budget expedition; it’s a backyard challenge powered by curiosity, a Seestar S50 telescope, and a lot of patience under the night sky.
Why the Messier Catalogue?
The Messier Catalogue, compiled by French astronomer Charles Messier in the 18th century, includes galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and supernova remnants. For amateur and professional stargazers alike, it offers a curated roadmap to the most dramatic deep-sky objects visible from Earth. Don Kelly’s goal is to build a large printable collage featuring all 110 objects, highlighting the beauty and variety that these celestial bodies offer.
Tools, Talent, and a Long Night’s Sky
Don describes how affordable, user-friendly equipment has transformed what once seemed like a distant dream. “With the advent of affordable and user-friendly smart telescopes I was fortunate enough to combine my two favourite interests into my current passion, astrophotography using a Seestar S50 telescope,” he shared. From a back garden near the Dublin Road, he has captured a growing number of objects, including fan favorites like the Orion Nebula. The practical side of his pursuit means planning sessions that often involve chasing targets that lie low on the horizon, such as the star clusters M6 and M7, which demanded trips to southern vantage points like Wicklow’s Dunbur Head for clearer views.
Strategic Stops Along the Way
While many of the targets are nearby, some require a bit more travel. Kelly notes that he has ventured to scenic spots such as Rock of Dunamase for deep-sky objects closer to the horizon. These journeys aren’t just about snapping pictures; they’re about understanding how geography, weather, and light pollution shape the night-sky photography experience. He hopes to complete the entire Messier list within two years, balancing shooting nights with the realities of Irish weather.
Community and Connection in Astrophotography
Beyond equipment and images, Don emphasizes community. Modern astrophotography thrives on online groups and social networks where enthusiasts share results, troubleshoot, and celebrate successes. “There has never been a better time to delve into the rewarding hobby that is astrophotography. Smart telescopes are affordable now and are extremely user-friendly,” he said. For him, the journey is as meaningful as the destination, a sentiment echoed by many who’ve joined the hobby in recent years.
Beyond Hobby: A Local Portrait
His life in Portlaoise extends beyond space imagery. Don once ran a pet-minding business, also pioneering live video streaming for pet owners. Today, his evenings are reserved for the constellations above, yet his sense of curiosity—whether about the cosmos or a bearded dragon in Australia—remains ever-present. His advice to newcomers is simple: dive in, enjoy the process, and connect with online communities for feedback and encouragement.
How You Can Follow the Journey
To view more of Don Kelly’s space photography and to follow his Messier mission, you can find him on Instagram at @donkellyastrophotography. His updates remind us that the night sky is accessible to anyone with the right tools, a steady gaze, and a bit of wanderlust. The Ireland-based project stands as a testament to the idea that you don’t need a remote desert or a professional observatory to chase the Milky Way—just a backyard, a telescope, and a dream.
What This Means for Amateur Astronomers
Kelly’s journey is a case study in modern, accessible astrophotography. His use of a Seestar S50 highlights how entry-level gear can produce compelling results, encouraging others to try their手 at deep-sky imaging with minimal barriers. Whether you’re a student, a retiree, or a busy parent, the Messier objects offer a structured path to learning imaging techniques, processing workflows, and astronomy terminology, all while sharing the wonder of the night sky with a wider audience.
