Today is the shortest day of 2018 but for the night owls tonight will be the longest night of the year.
These photos were taken this morning (June 21) under a clear sky and bright Milkyway on my compulsory half hour logbook break from 5 to 5:30am at the Hills Creek Rest Area near Oturehua on the Ida Valley.
I have been working nightshift for the ODT for many years (30 this year) so have long had an interest in capturing the night sky on camera. For the last 5 years I have developed my skills with no formal training and have enjoyed the long winter nights and clear southern skies.
You can see the Southern Cross and Pointers obove and to the left of the truck.