From a Portlaoise Back Garden to the Cosmos: One Man’s Messier Mission
In Portlaoise, a quiet town in County Laois, a backyard hobby is turning into a bold mission. Don Kelly, a local astrophotographer, has set out to photograph all 110 Messier objects—galaxies, nebulas, clusters, and supernova remnants—primarily from his home on the Dublin Road. What began as a fascination with the night sky has evolved into a systematic project that bridges accessible technology and timeless cosmic wonder.
The Messier Catalogue, assembled by the 18th-century French astronomer Charles Messier, is famous for listing some of the universe’s most striking deep-sky objects. Kelly’s goal is not only to capture each object but also to compile the results into a large printable collage—a visual atlas of his journey through the cosmos.
How a Hobby Becomes a Skill: The Tools and the Mindset
Like many amateur stargazers, Kelly initially believed that deep-sky photography required expensive, high-end gear. His perspective changed with the advent of affordable, user-friendly smart telescopes. He now operates with a Seestar S50 telescope, a setup he describes as accessible enough for beginners yet powerful enough for serious work. From his backyard, he captures images that reveal the universe’s diverse beauty, from stellar nurseries to sprawling galactic arms.
“I’ve always had a keen interest in science and technology, and astronomy has always held a sense of wonder for me,” Kelly explains. The practical side of his project—planning, patience, and precision—has become as important as the images themselves. He notes that some targets, like the star clusters M6 and M7, sit close to the horizon and require clear southern views, prompting occasional field trips to locations such as Wicklow’s Dunbur Head for optimal seeing.
Behind the Lens: The Human Side of the Cosmos
Kelly’s work is more than just pictures; it’s a narrative about chasing light and sharing it with others. He emphasizes that the joy of astronomy is amplified by community. Online forums and social media groups allow hobbyists to share results, exchange tips, and receive constructive feedback. For Kelly, the online astrophotography community is a vital resource, offering encouragement as he adds another Messier object to the list.
Beyond the night sky, Kelly’s life in Portlaoise has been shaped by service and entrepreneurship. He previously ran a pet minding business, known locally as PetMinder, where he even streamed live video to owners abroad. That blend of technology and care—applied to both pets and planets—underscores a practical, modern approach to photography and community engagement.
What’s Next on the Messier Marathon?
Kelly aims to complete the entire Messier list within the next two years. He’s even aware of the Messier Marathon—the challenge to observe all 110 objects in a single night—yet his priority is enjoyment over deadline pressure. He plans to continue leveraging accessible gear and favorable viewing conditions from his Laois home, while occasionally traveling to capture more demanding objects that lie lower on the horizon.
Anyone curious about starting astrophotography can draw inspiration from Kelly’s journey. He highlights that smart telescopes and smartphones now empower beginners to produce striking images without a steep financial barrier. He also points to online communities as a path to skill-building and encouragement. His closing message is simple but resonant: dive in, enjoy the process, and wish for clear skies.
Follow the Journey
To view more of Don Kelly’s space photography and track his progress with the Messier objects, follow his Instagram at @donkellyastrophotography. His work not only showcases the beauty of the night sky but also demonstrates how modern hobbyists can transform a backyard into a gateway to the universe.
