This exhibition is held in the Xichong International Dark Sky Community in Shenzhen. In 2023, Xichong was certified as China's first International Dark Sky Community. With over 20 million residents, Shenzhen attracts many families and stargazers daily, who come to admire the breathtaking night sky and the excellent ecological environment benefiting from dark sky initiatives. Many enthusiasts have captured these beautiful moments, and the curator has also photographed the M16 Eagle Nebula at the Shenzhen Astronomical Observatory.

Eagle Nebula
鹰状星云

Yang Xinyu 
Supervisor：Liang Chong （梁翀）

​​This deep space photograph captures the M16 Eagle Nebula on the night of August 4, 2024. The image was taken using RGB channels. At the center of the photo, we can see the iconic Pillars of Creation—four elephant trunk-like structures composed of interstellar gas and dust, continually giving birth to new stars. Deep space photography results in color images derived from originally black-and-white negatives through various post-processing techniques. Just as there are a thousand interpretations of Hamlet, different photographers approach the same celestial body and its post-processing in unique ways. In this sense, deep space photographers are akin to artists, offering subjective interpretations and expressions of the objective universe through their personal aesthetics and experiences.
​
这幅深空摄影作品展现了2024年8月4日晚的M16鹰状星云。该作 品使用了RGB通道进行拍摄。在照片中间，我们看见著名的创生之柱——由星际气体和尘埃构成的四个象鼻管结构，用来不断创造新的恒星。深空摄影是通过对叠加后原本黑白的底片进行各种后期处理得 出的彩色照片。就像一千个人心里一千个哈姆雷特一样，不同人对同 一个天体的拍摄以及后期处理都不一样。所以，在某种程度上，深空 摄影师就像是艺术家，用主观的美学和感受对客观宇宙进行独特且富含个人思想的解读与诠释。 ​

Star Trails
​
Li Delai

This photograph employs multiple long-exposure images stacked together to illustrate the motion trails of celestial bodies in the night sky, commonly known as "star trails." The brightest trail at the center of the image represents the path of the Moon. This technique captures the Earth's rotation and the apparent movement of stars, creating a mesmerizing visual effect that showcases the dynamic nature of the cosmos. The resulting image beautifully conveys the passage of time and the continuous dance of celestial objects across the night sky.

这幅摄影作品利用很多张长曝光照片的叠加展现出了天体夜晚在天穹 上的运动轨迹，也就是“星轨”。照片正中间最亮的一条星轨是月亮。

Milky Way Over the Beach

Liu Jiyin

​This photographic work captures the Milky Way slowly rising from the beach in the West Chiong area during February and March each year. In the lower part of the image, the foamy waves reveal a local phenomenon known as "blue tears." This phenomenon, also referred to as "bioluminescent sea," is caused by two types of microscopic organisms: bioluminescent dinoflagellates and Pyrocystis fusiformis. Each year, the West Chiong community offers opportunities to witness this stunning display of blue fluorescence, enhancing the ethereal beauty of the night sky and the ocean. The combination of the starry sky and the glowing waves creates a magical and captivating scene, celebrating the wonders of nature.
​
这幅摄影作品描绘了每年2、3月，从西涌地区沙滩上慢慢升起的银河。 在照片下方的浪花里，可以看见当地著名的海洋现象——蓝眼泪。蓝眼泪，也就是荧光海，其实是两种会发出蓝色荧光的微型生物夜光藻 和希氏弯喉海萤组成的，每年在西涌社区都有机会可以看到蓝眼泪。

​Fireflies have specific requirements for their survival, including water quality, plant cover, and minimal light pollution. With the ongoing global urbanization, their habitats have become increasingly scarce. However, thanks to the favorable ecological environment in the West Chiong community and effective light management in recent years, these enchanting creatures can be observed in abundance. Each year, during May and June, the greenways near the rivers in West Chiong come alive at night with the flickering lights of fireflies. These little fairies, often referred to as "ground stars," create a magical scene, reminding us of the delicate balance of nature and the importance of preserving such habitats amidst urban development.
​
萤火虫的生存对水质、植物覆盖、光污染都有较高的要求，随着全球 城市化的进展，可以看到萤火虫的区域越来越少。得益于西涌社区的 良好生态环境和最近几年对灯光的有效管控，目前每年的5、6月份， 在西涌各个河道附近的绿道上，夜晚来临时，都可以看到这些跳动的 小精灵，她们就是地上的星星。

Dancing Fireflies

Xu Lianda

Orion Nebula

​Lu Buhe

​
​This photograph showcases the dazzling Orion Nebula in the night sky behind the Shenzhen Astronomical Observatory. The Orion Nebula, located in the Milky Way, is positioned at the location of Orion's Belt. As the centerpiece of Orion's Sword, it is one of the brightest nebulae, with an apparent magnitude of 4.0, and it lies approximately 1,344 light-years away from Earth. The image beautifully captures the nebula's intricate structures and vibrant colors, highlighting its significance as a stellar nursery where new stars are born.
​
这幅摄影作品展现了深圳天文台后方天幕中耀眼的猎户座大星云。猎 户座大星云是一个位于银河系的弥漫星云，在天空中坐落在猎户座的 猎户腰带位置。作为猎户之剑的中心，猎户座大星云是亮度最高的星 云之一，视星等为4.0，距离地球1344 光年。 

Sunset at Xiyong​
​
Liu Jiyin
​
This photograph captures the beautiful sunset over the Xiyong area. In the distance, the rolling hills create a serene backdrop, while the village and beach of Xiyong are illuminated by scattered lights. The warm hues of the setting sun reflect on the water, creating a tranquil and picturesque scene that showcases the natural beauty of the landscape. The blend of colors in the sky enhances the peaceful ambiance, inviting viewers to appreciate the harmony between nature and human habitation.

这幅摄影作品描绘了西涌地区美丽的日落。在远处连绵起伏的群山下， 可以看见西涌村落和海滩上的点点灯火。

​Milky Way​

Liu JIachen

​This photograph captures the stunning summer Milky Way as seen from Xiyong Beach. It showcases a rare view in a first-tier city, highlighting the beauty of the night sky where the galaxy's stars and structures are vividly displayed. The presence of the Milky Way amidst the coastal landscape symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature, offering a serene and awe-inspiring perspective of the universe. The image invites viewers to reflect on the wonders of the cosmos while appreciating the tranquility of the beach setting.
​
这幅摄影作品拍摄了夏季银河，在西涌海滩边拍摄 的夏季银河是在一线城市 中，难得一见的景观，是人与自然和谐共处的体现。 

​

​This photograph showcases the rising sun captured from the Shenzhen Astronomical Observatory. During sunrise, visitors often hike up the nearby mountains in Xiyong to witness the sun ascending over the sea, immersing themselves in the breathtaking scenery where the sky meets the ocean. The vibrant colors of dawn reflect the beauty of nature, inviting onlookers to embrace the tranquility and awe of this daily celestial event. The image serves as a reminder of the splendor of sunrises and the joy of experiencing such moments in the great outdoors.
​
这幅摄影作品展现了在深圳天文台上拍摄的冉冉升起的朝阳，日出时 分，经常有游客从西涌附近的山上，观看海面升起的太阳，体验海天 一色的风景

​Sunrise at the Observatory​

Wang Dong

​Constellation​

Zeng Yuepeng

​This photograph clearly depicts various constellations in the summer night sky, with the prominent stars within these constellations labeled for easier identification. The vibrant backdrop of the night sky highlights the celestial bodies, showcasing the beauty and richness of the universe. By marking the important stars, the image serves as an educational tool for stargazers, helping them to connect with the cosmos and appreciate the intricate patterns formed by these ancient celestial figures. This representation invites viewers to explore and learn about the stories and mythology associated with each constellation, deepening their understanding of the night sky.

这幅摄影作品清晰地展现出了夏季夜空中不同的星座，并将这些星座 中比较重要的星星标了出来。

This photograph captures the enchanting phenomenon that occurs around the 15th day of each lunar month when the moon gracefully sweeps past the dome of an observatory. The image beautifully illustrates the moon's luminous presence against the backdrop of the observatory's architecture, creating a stunning contrast between the natural and man-made structures. The timing of the shot emphasizes the moon's brightness and detail, making it a captivating spectacle for both astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike. This moment highlights the harmonious relationship between celestial events and earthly landmarks, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty of the cosmos in their local environment.

这幅摄影作品拍摄了每个月农历十五附近，都有那么几天，月亮掠过天文台圆顶的奇景。

Supermoon at the Observatory

Xu Lianda

---