MUST READ: Inspiration from the sky above (GALLERY included)
Angus Burns has opened the eyes of many to the wonders of the sky.
The year was 1986.
Young Angus Burns set up his vintage refractor telescope on the roof of the house, ready to witness another historic passing of Halley’s Comet.
More than 30 years have passed since then.
While the technology and equipment are light-years ahead of the 80s gear, Mr Burns still keeps his eyes to the sky, charting the movement of the stars and planets.
His passion for astronomy has endured since he was nine years old.
“I was taken with the universe. I kept a notebook and a huge interest, and after moving to Newcastle, I found the sky was often ink-black at night.”
Many Newcastillians will recognise Mr Burns’s name, not only for his contributions to conservation and music, but from his astro-photography posts on Facebook.
One image at a time, Mr Burns is sharing his passion for the skies above.
His astro-photography posts actually began in response to another post about the New Year’s fireworks, one which began to take a racial turn.
“I looked at steering the argument in another direction; I posted a photograph of the Orion Nebula with a call for residents to witness this natural fireworks display.”
Beyond his first intention, Mr Burns’s image received hundreds of likes and comments, and a flurry of requests to post more each week.
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For Mr Burns, images like his make for philosophical introspection.
“We live on one planet under the same sky, and need to look after each other and this planet because it’s all we have. What matters is how we care for others, because our problems are insignificant.”
A follower of acclaimed astronomer, cosmologist and scientist, Carl Sagan, Mr Burns also believes astronomy teaches humanity much about the vastness of the universe, and puts life’s problems into perspective.
He is amazed at how many others share an interest in the cosmos.
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“I try to give people information. Posting on social media has exposed my photographs to people who wouldn’t otherwise see them.”
In an era of anti-intellectualism and hopelessness, Mr Burns noted many turned to faith at the expense of science.
However, he considered his images a go-between for people, science and mathematics.
“It’s created a bit of harmony and I’m sure Sagan would have liked that.”
From humble beginnings with a second-hand telescope, Mr Burns has spent in the region of R100 000 on new telescopes, mounts, software and a specialised camera which has a built-in filter for better colour in planetary and star photography.
Mr Burns admitted he would step up to observatory class equipment if he could.
“Each picture I take is different – the sky changes and processing an image is like opening a treasure chest. I get wowed with the end result and it’s freaky to get these pictures in my back yard.”
Concluding, Mr Burns said many took the stars for granted, given the critical role the Sun played in the survival of life on Earth.
He called astronomy ‘connecting the dots’.
“It brings in a strong message for preserving the environment, and gives us a reason to care for our resources. Earth is only habitable because of a star and the heliosphere shielding us from cosmic radiation. This symbiosis is unique and keeps us alive.”
For more images taken by Mr Burns, view our gallery online at newcastleadvertiser.co.za
