NewZNew (Chandigarh) : Renowned astrophotographer, Ajay Talwar shared his experiences of capturing the night sky in the Himalayas at auditorium of Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector-10 today. The event ‘Introduction to Astrophotography and night sky of Himalayas’ was organised by the Society for Promotion of Science and Technology in India (SPSTI). It was inaugurated by Anurag Agarwal, IAS, Home Secretary, Chandigarh Administration.
Talwar shared the thrill of countless nights spent in wild waiting for the skies to glow through a presentation of his work. From a monotonous job of purser in an airline to chasing the star on mountains, Talwar has come a long way following his dream.
Talking about the challenges in astrophotography, he said, “When I started off in 1987, astrophotography was uncommon and difficult too when film was prevalent. It made me feel special. Though digital photography is easier now but still the challenges remain. Now the challenges are to shoot time lapse movies at unknown remote locations, image the Orion nebula and Andromeda Galaxy right on the horizon in an earthly frame. There were moments when I had lie awake in wintery nights just to catch glimpse of the morning star or go without food in remote areas. But all of that is worth the spectacle”.
Ajay travels with all his astrophotography gear to all across India, especially the Himalayas, places like high altitude Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanle, Ladakh, high peaks in Himachal Pradesh. Ajay Talwar regularly holds astrophotography workshops, including practical programs in the Himalayas where participants are provided necessary equipment to photograph the sky. The next task he has put for himself is to capture heritage cities like Shimla and Agra in its night glories.
On this occasion, the former chief Secretary of Haryana and President of SPSTI, Dharamvir Singh said that the society would keep organising these kinds of events in future also.