Astro images

I first began my voyage in observational astronomy on 9th January 1968. This page records my very first telescopic observations.

The transit of Venus 2004 team from the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT) at Yala. (Extreme right: Rex De Silva - Guest observer).

The ACCIMT team to observe and record the Annular Solar Eclipse on 15th January 2010 at Arachchikattuwa observing station. (5th from left Rex De Silva - Guest observer).

Annular Solar Eclipse photographed from Arachchikattuwa on 15th January 2010

(Above)Triple conjunction of Sun, Moon and Venus around noon is unique in showing the Sun, Moon and planet in a single exposure. An Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SLR camera with 200mm lens, polarizer and 2x teleconverter was used with Kodak ISO 400 negative film. The Sun's image was reflected off an optical flat in order to reduce heat and brightness. I believe that this is the only image in existance showing a conjunction of the Sun, Moon and Venus.

Transit of Venus on 6th June 2012 observed and photographed from Sri Lanka

(Right) Transit observation team

Transit of Venus 6 June 2012

Above (L & R) Moon and Venus in the predawn sky on 26th February 2014

Right Moon and Jupiter. Click on image to enlarge.

I photographed the Japanese Infrared Astronomy Satellite AKARI (Astro F) from SXT 94 at 05h05 on 14th May 2011 (13 may 2011 at 23h35 UTC). It is seen here in the early morning sky with Jupiter, Venus and Mercury. (AKARI RA: 1h 52', Dec. + 12 deg. 17', Alt. 697km). Click on image to enlarge.

The Moon and Asteroid Irene (14)

Click on image to enlarge.

I photographed the International Space Station (ISS) as it passed over my home at Dampe in the pre-dawn hours of 10th April 2013. I hand-held a simple 5 mp digital camera to record this image. Click on image to enlarge.

I bought these International Year of Astronomy (IYA) commemorative coins in Melbourne in January 2009.

Giant sunspot AR2665 on 11th July 2017

More images of AR 1944 on 10th January 2014.