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Observing the night skies with Ajith Everester

Ajith Everester

Biography

Ajith Everester, an expatriate from Tamilnadu, India, has been living in Qatar since 2005. In 2011, he started developing his photography skills; starting with wildlife photography. He grew interested in astrophotography after his daughter asked for a telescope to see the planets. Observing the stars and other celestial objects, he was fascinated and started taking photos of them. He is now a dedicated astrophotographer and has turned the roof of his house into a personal observatory.

“Don’t mimic anyone, create your own identity”

Ajith Everester
Ajith Everester Astrophotographer
Dolphin Nebula

A story worth sharing

"Being a professional astrophotographer means you can spend up to 21 hours and three weeks capturing a single shot; it’s a long and lonely process. What is more, experiencing the silence of the skies and the loneliness of the cosmos, makes you love and appreciate human connection even more – it makes you a better person."

Why Qatar

Qatar is considered to be one of the best places in the world to practice astrophotography thanks to its ideal weather conditions with clear skies and no clouds almost all year long!

Useful information

Astrophotography is highly dependent on weather conditions and as such, it can be time-consuming. Also, keep in mind that urban light pollution is also a big challenge. Street and house lights are significant factors that affect visibility and thus, astrophotography.

Best places for astrophotography

  • To capture the star-studded skies, head to the South of Qatar; Khor Al Udaid, Al Kharrara, Mazrat Al Turanya are the best places for stargazing in Qatar and for enjoying outstanding sky views unbothered.
  • You can also visit the West Coast, from Al Numan until Al Zubarah, ideal locations for observing the skies.
  • Al Aamriya is the perfect place to capture the magic of the universe.

How to access the locations

You can reach all the above places with a Sedan car, except for Khor Al Udaid, where an SUV is recommended.

When to visit

The best time to visit is at night time during the New Moon- a phase where the moon is on the same side of Earth as the sun. However, you can stargaze any night!

Nearby attractions

The locations above are must-visit ones. Khor Al Udaid is a truly unique place. Al Khararra is an attraction by itself, as it offers beautiful land formations, along with Al Aamriya and Turanya.

Al Zubarah Fort is a nearby attraction. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into the country’s history.

The sky is the best attraction, and these are the ideal places for stargazing

Ajith Everester
Ajith Everester Astrophotographer

Tips for amateur astrophotographers

If you have just began your astrophotography journey or are considering it, you should invest in a good quality camera with normal lens. 

If you have a star tracker mount (a mount that fits on top of a tripod and perfectly captures stars, galaxies, nebulae) and a basic DSLR camera, you can take some great photos. 

However, if you want to do it in a thoroughly professional way, additional gears are required, including an equatorial mount, dedicated astrophotography cameras and guiding systems.

There is an Astronomy Club and a Science Forum at Qatar National Library which will support and guide you through the process.

Qatar is my second home!

"I cannot really select my favourite locations, as I find the whole country fascinating. But if I have to choose a few, I would say Mazrat Al Turayna for stargazing in peace and Khor Al Udaid for a stargazing experience with the whole family. A great place to also enjoy the beach and the desert.

What I truly enjoy and appreciate is how safe Qatar is. My family and I feel perfectly safe here, and that is so important. Moreover, the hospitality is incomparable. I invite you all to visit Qatar and experience the Qatari hospitality!"

Ajith Everester
Ajith Everester

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Things to know before travelling

  • Visas

    Want to travel visa-free? Check if you qualify here.
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Ajith Everester
Ajith Everester