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From left: Josh, with his friend and Mum in front of Ahi Renga. Reflecting back on the events of 2024, it certainly was the year of astronomy. Thinking back to the incredible meteor showers, aurora displays and the Lone Star Eclipse from Dallas, Texas. There was one particular event that stood out for me on the astronomical calendar and it was that of an event not to be see again for three-generations. An Annular Solar Eclipse from the island of Rapa Nui, more famously known, as Easter Island. During my photographic career, I have been lucky enough to have already visited Easter Island pre-pandemic in November 2019. The mystery of the Moai statues had always fascinated me since I was a youngster; from reading the works of Thor Heyerdalhl and the Kon Tiki expedition. I will never forget watching the eclipse coverage in 2010 of the Total Solar Eclipse; wishing that I could be there. I was too young at that age unfortunately to witness this particular event, but have fond memories of the photographs I saw from that eclipse. I remember creating a painting when I was 13-years old; thinking "Will I ever see a view like that one?". With the next Total Solar Eclipse due in the year 2324 and the next Annular in 2345, the weight and power of Astronomy was on my shoulders. This would be the last chance in my lifetime to witness a dramatic celestial event from the island. In my eyes, it was un-missable. Josh speaking in Spanish with Chilean tourists about the Annular Solar Eclipse. With a good duration of 6-minutes. An Annular Solar Eclipse occurred, also referred to as a 'Ring Of Fire'. This is when the moon in its relative orbit appears slightly smaller than the disc of the Sun. Quite an extraordinary, rare event that I aways wanted to tick off my bucket list. So on the 26th September, we set off for South America - 5-years later. Fortunately, the travel much better than what we had encountered 6-months earlier en route to Dallas! The experience was nothing short of emotional. To think we were back and set for the path of annularity ahead of 2nd October. What made the experience more emotional for me was to meet friends that I hadn't seen in five-years; teaming up again for the eclipse only to see a wave across the shores of Hanga Roa. Over the coming days, the intensity of the eclipse was building. Seeing groups from Sky and Telescope, Astronomy Magazine as well as ALMA homing in on Rapa Nui for the main event. As the day approached, I did my best to keep an eye on the weather and it really was looking hit or miss; nail biting. As of 1st October, projected for partly cloudy conditions. But would they strike at the crucial time 14:07; the peak of annularity? One of the first images from the GOES Satellite - capturing the darkening Umbral Shadow tracking across the Pacific and Rapa Nui. For this event, I witnessed the Ring Of Fire Solar Eclipse from the mystical Rano Raraku Quarry. As a UNESCO World Heritage Island and within the National Park, this is a highly restricted area of the island; where the majority of the Moai statues had been carved. There were a number of hoops to jump through, but it was an immense privilege to photograph this event from such a spectacular setting. I will never forget the moment of walking the path and setting up my equipment in the works of greatness; being surrounded by the elusive Moai; the ancestors of the land. Because of the extraordinary support I had from the islanders, I felt it inside of me to give something back to the people. The shock for me was to see how many people left the island on the day of the eclipse and after. So being able to exhange solar eclipse glasses and t-shirts from the UK, it was my way of giving back for such a privileged invitation. I felt great homage to celebrate this event with the islanders and share in awe and wonder of a culturally significant eclipse. Interacting with tourists from South America and passers by, it was so great to inform and educate others in native tongue on the importance of this event. There was one Moai that I had my eyes set on. However, I was not to understand the full story before I arrived. Our friend informed us this Moai statue had a name, called Ahi Renga. Translated into English as "Fire Flames". Was that a coincidence of what?! We were photographing a Ring Of Fire Solar Eclipse from a Moai statue named fire flames! On the neck of the Moai, the remains of paint and motif resembling flames can be seen. The cherry on the cake was a petroglyph on the Moai's left shoulder depicting the island's deity, Make-Make. It is now understood this decoration was to identify this Moai as a prototype; for the Rapa Nui Artists for the creation of future Moai. To add to the story, the path of annularity would sweep over multiple tectonic plates, including The Pacific Ring Of Fire. Just - wow. Then, the crucial time of 12:23 was upon us. The eclipse had began. I couldn't quite believe my eyes as clear skies were overhead. Sending material back to the UK, it was fascinating for Space.com to share my live coverage of the eclipse and to think, we were sharing the experience with the world. Nothing short of fascinating. Our team was taking centre-stage for this eclipse. Screenshot of the Space.com coverage. A concern I was aware of, there was a storm south-west of the island, which I was keeping track of and luckily, missed the island by a few miles or so. Otherwise, a few clouds passed by but not enough to miss the great event. These events are quite frankly - stunning. Nowhere near the same intensity as a Total Solar Eclipse, but the landscape does become somewhat mute and anonymous. A slight drop in temperature and light. Then, we heralded baileys beads; the final moments when the moon appeared to 'detach' from the sun. The annular solar eclipse was there; hanging in the sky, above Ahi Renga; Fire Flames. The 312-year eclipse. Composite photo documenting the moment of Annularity. For me, I kept replaying the facts over and over in my head. "321-years, 321-years". Those 6 minutes were so precious. Watching the celestial performance from a place which I have studied, researched and loved. One observation I have made in my career is to hold on to those memories. Before you know it - they are gone. You are writing about the event, like in this blog post as a piece of history. But for those few precious moments, it gives you time to register the memory; that which you will cherish for life. It was hard work, grit and determination but as I look back, I really felt that I had touched the holy grail. Travelling 13,472 miles for 6-minutes. Am I mad? Nothing short of - yes. It is also a reminder for how I see the practice of Astrophotography evolving. I see many Photographers who seek to chase every eclipse, or location with the milky way. But there is a distinguished attitude between one who embraces themselves with the cultural connection of Astronomy over commercialism. That is why I say from my experience, you make it your best efforts to see what you want to see. There is no pressure to chase each and every one. For me, Rapa Nui was my connection to place and to witness the event and one that I hold dear in my experiences as an Astrophotographer. I would encourage other photographers to look inside themselves and to follow the chase to experiences that are personal to them. My final image being a celebration of that event. A legacy for the islanders for many years to come. Another joy for me, being able to send prints to my friends and the community; displaying the image at their community hubs so they have memories of this incredible celestial event for eternity. Josh's photograph. El Cinturón De Fuego del Pacifico (The Pacific Ring Of Fire) taking place above Ahi Renga (Fire Flames) for one last time in three-centuries from Rapa Nui | Easter Island.

In the build-up to the now infamouns Friday 10th May, strange things were going on. Looking at the Sun through my eclipse glasses, I was awed to see one the biggest sunspot groups (known astronomically as AR3664). I couldn't believe my luck through the sheer scale of this group and being safely observed using appropriate solar filters; to the naked eye. I knew somethinfg big was going to happen after multiple reports of major M and X-Class Flares hurtling towards Earth. Eventually merging into one big Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) inbound for Earth. For this reason and for the rare prospects of high-pressure being in the right place at the right time, the goldilocks effect had been reached with much of the entirety of the UK under clear skies. Now was the time to act. It was therefore my decision to go somewhere close to my heart; to chase a dream I have always dreamt of seeing. The aurora from the Castle Ruins of Corfe Castle. Yes - many may say it is heavilly photographed, but each Photographer has their own story to tell. Arriving at the moment of twilight, the reports were coming in. They were getting stronger. The aurora oval models were increasing; to levels that I had never-before witnessed. Reports coming in from observers in Kent and Norwich where astornomical darkness would reach first. Signs of pink 'pillars' in the sky. On reaching my location (which just so happened to be a graveyard of all places!!) I waited for the moment of darkness and to see if my camera would pick up anything. And there it was. Red, diffuse aurora high up in the sky!! I couldn't beliueve the extreme scale of the aurora oval; it was overhead!!! As it gew evermore darker, the green bands of the aurora were visible at lower extremeties near to the castle. Only then, for one of the biggesrt light shows of my life was about to unfold... After recviewing the rushes in the build-up to this heck of a celestial light show, the green auroral arc was pushing further and further south; increasing in magnitude. Before long, the gravestones and the ground were illumiated green. Then, there she bows. The pillars started to dance, coloursa of pink and red were now becoming visible with some fo the biggest aurora pillars I had seen in my life jetting off in every direction. Quite frankly, I did not know what to do with myself. As with the recent Total Solar Eclipse, I was overcome with emotion. I was positively dismayed. I had never seen like this before; the power of mother nature. Before long, the depth and extremity of the storm would unfold. Growing in light and intensity as the inbound CME reached the Earh's magnetic field. It was awe-inspiring. Capturing my images from the castle ruins and the tomb stones, it was almost fanatical. I will not forget calling my nearest and dearest to let them know. To see Instagram being flooded with messages from enthusiasts and astrophotographers alike, we were all on standby to bare witness to a moment shared by all. I know in my heart now - what I observed was to be cherished. Unless I am wrong, I am positively certain this may be one of the only magnetic storms of this scale; with reports dating as far back as 2003 and then, 1935. I hope really that I am wrong, but to see the lights dancing for what seemed like hours, I knew I would have to do an all-nighter and it so turns out, many Astrophotographers did the same and ended up feeling 'aurora-hangover' from the night before and for many nights to come!!! I wanted to make the best of my night under the aurora so I pushed to go to as many locations as possibke; and in the smallest amount of time possible. This is when I headed out shortly after to Knowlton Henge. After meeting to many lovely Photographers in my travels, I soon learned from a passer-by doing a head-count, over 100-Photographers made their way to Knowlton Henge?!? I could not believe the scale of Photographers there hoping to catch their dibs of the great event?! This is what I loved at the same time. It was connecting a community more than ever. The public showing an interest, getting up to see it. We were all bound by the same thing; in telling our story of the great cosmic event. Shortly after, I was deciding to travel to Stonehenge, but I am glad I didn't with probably, more photographers lining the A303. It was then that I decided to head homebound when I stopped of at Cranbourne Chase before dawn. For once, I took my photos and then I just looked up and stared at it. As mentioned before, I knew this would be special and I took it all in; to grace the wonders of what were visible in the heavens. I just could not get over the scale of the aurora this night; being seen all the way across Europe, Slovenia, Northern Africa, The Southern States of Amercia and likewise for the Southern Hemisphere with the Aurora Australis. Imagine being able to see the aurora from The Atacama Desert in Chile?! This event was purely mind-baffling and an event the world shared in unity.

For a while now, I had been amde aware of a comet, which was due to brighten in magnification from March onwards and was beginning to see the first images of the comet coming through. Therefore I decided to give it a go and to see if I could photograph the infamous, Comet 12/P Pons Brooks from Somerset. This comet has an orbital period of around ever 71-years; so if I did not get it this time, it may well be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Fortunately for me in Somerset, we had clear skies in our faovur for once. This was during the time when the comet was passing relateively close to the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). The relatively close conjunction between the two were making for some stunning compositions and this was one I could not afford to miss.. Then there is the old-age question with Photography. You know what you want to photograph, but what do you photograph it with in terms of a subject? There are always iconic landmarks but they are photographed qute often. FOr this one I wanted something that was unique to me and that is why I decided to photograph the comet from my homelands of The Mendips Hills in Somerset. There are some beautiful places here on The Mendips and as with any locations in Photography, I have comed to learn it was a matter of trial and error. So with a rough idea of where Andromeda anf 12/P were going to be, I headed out with clear skies overhead. I must admit, it was not an easy captures by any stretch. Where I eventually decided on was right next to the edge of a thorny bush so not ideal - but as visual artists, we know what things look like and sometimes you need to make comprimises to get that shot. What really was an eye-opener for me and should not have come as a surprise, was the amount of light pollution surrounding The Mendips which could not necessarilly be detected by the unaided eye but more so by using longer expsures. This was when I saw the comet and it was indeed visible. But not to the same extent as I had seen by other photographers capturing the comet from Bortle-Scale 1 locations. Regardless, it was putting Somerset on the map and before I knew it, this image took off. Days later, I found out this image was picked up by Television, The Radio and The Press. Below are a section of newspaper inserts from The Times, Daily Express and Daily Star. The biggest hommage for me, was to have my image recognised by The World At Night (TWAN): This is an initiative I have wanted to be apart of for a long time and followed the work of this initative since I was a youngster. The World At Night (TWAN) is an international effort to present stunning nightscape photos and timelapse videos of the world’s landmarks against celestial attractions. TWAN is a bridge between art, science, and culture.

Josh's recent appearances in Television and Video featuring recent interviews and sponsorships.

Josh Dury Photo-Media (AKA Starman), is a Recognised, Award-Winning Professional Landscape Astrophotographer, Presenter, Speaker and Writer from The Mendip Hills Super National Nature Reserve in Somerset, United Kingdom. His work recognised by the BBC, ITV and CNN alongside Major UK Photography and Newspaper Titles. X2 Shorlistee The Insight Astronomy Photographer of the Year Competition (2017/2023), Overall Winner of Historic Photographer of the Year (2023). 3_R8B1850-2 Total Lunar Eclipse Composite: This image captures the sequence of the Total Lunar Eclipse from Somerset, United Kingdom in 2015. Callanish Stone Circle and The Northern Lights This image captures the drama of the Callanish Standing Stones against the backdrop of the Northern Lights. Isle of Lewis, United Kingdom. 3_R8B1850-2 1/9 Josh Dury Photo-Media AKA 'Starman' (B.A. FRAS), is an Internationally Acclaimed, Award-Winning Landscape Astrophotographer, Presenter, Speaker, Best-Selling Author and Writer from The Mendip Hills AONB in Somerset, United Kingdom. His images have received notable endorsements, including NASA + Buzz Aldrin, the last living APOLLO 11 Astronaut. Further accolades include: The European Space Agency (ESA) + British Astronaut - Tim Peake, The World At Night (TWAN), PPOD, BBC & CBS amongst others. He also acts as a Delegate of Dark Sky International for Bristol, UK. 52 ASSIGNMENTS NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY: FIND OUT MORE Best-selling publication - designed to promote Sustainable Astrophotography practices in photographing celestial wonders. Amazon.co.uk #1 Best-Seller Amazon.com Top New Release ORDER YOUR COPY NASA'S ASTRONOMY PICTURE OF THE DAY (APOD): PERSEID METEORS OVER STONEHENGE: MONDAY 12TH AUGUST 2024: NASA.GOV PERSEID METEORS FROM DURDLE DOOR: WEDNESDAY 21ST AUGUST 2025: NASA.GOV ARINGA ORA O TE TUPUNA: TUESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2024: NASA.GOV SUNSET SOLSTICE OVER STONEHENGE: MONDAY 22ND DECEMBER 2025: NASA.GOV ECLIPSE PAIR: FRIDAY 3RD JANUARY 2025: NASA.GOV ENDORSEMENTS BY APOLLO 11 ASTRONAUT, BUZZ ALDRIN SEE POST HERE SEE POST HERE ENDORSEMENT BY EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY BRITISH ASTRONAUT, TIM PEAKE: SEE POST HERE FEATURED BY THE SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL, NATURE SEE POST HERE SHORTLISTED | LOW LIGHT BRITISH PHOTOGRAPHIC AWARDS 2025 SHORTLISTED | PEOPLE & SPACE | ASTRONOMY PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2024 SHORTLISTED | SKYSCAPES | ASTRONOMY PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2023 OVERALL WINNER | HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2023 WHERE YOU MAY HAVE SEEN MY WORK... 2026 CALENDAR THE YEAR OF THE MOON ORDER NOW BBC MORNING LIVE - JOSH DURY INTERVIEW WITH SPRINGWATCH'S MICHAELA STRACHAN: BBC THE ONE SHOW - JOSH DURY INTERVIEW WITH DAME DR. MAGGIE ADERIN-POCOCK: WHATS IN MY CAMERA BAG? SIGMA CREATOR I choose Sigma for the quality of their wide-angle lenses and the advancements being made to correct lens distortion and chromattic aberration when shooting at wide focal lengths to preserve details in my astro images. NISI AMBASSADOR I am a purveyor of Nisi's products; to aid in the battle against light pollution. With Nisi's Starsoft and Natural Night Filters, these will revolutionise the way you take astrophotos in capturing images of our window to the universe. BENRO PARTNERSHIP I have been long-term supporter of Benro since choosing some of my earliest tripods. They design products that are rigid, high-quality and affordable, which is why I am more than delighted to review their products. MOVESHOOTMOVE Over the past few months, I have been very fortunate to collaborate with MoveShootMove - to test out their latest portable star tracker, the NOMAD. 1720110 "JOSH DURY | STARMAN" R.A, DEC: 5H 46M 24.33S 8' 8' 31.94" JOSH TALK AT THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW EXCEL, LONDON | 2025: SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAILING LIST: Subscribe to the mailing list for insider news, product launches, and more. ➡ Thank you for subscribing to the mailing list.Shortly you should begin to receive the latest news and more! FIND OUT MORE To find out more about working with me or arranging a workshop, follow the link below. WORK WITH ME Josh Dury Josh Dury | Television Josh Dury | Radio Josh Dury | Writer Donate / Become a Patron Legal & Shipping Search Contact Information Privacy Policy Refund Policy Become a Patron! Become a patron and support Josh's Photography while also getting rewarded with access to exclusive content. Terms o f Service

Josh's published writing portfolio, including physical and digital articles. PUBLICATION AND WRITING: ASTRONOMY MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2026 DIGITAL CAMERA | ISSUE 292 PAGE 118 DIGITAL CAMERA | ISSUE 292 PAGE 118 DIGITAL CAMERA | ISSUE 288 PAGE 72 DIGITAL CAMERA | ISSUE 288 PAGE 72 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER | ISSUE 280 PAGES 14-21 OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHER | ISSUE 305 PAGE 32-37 DIGITAL CAMERA | ISSUE 277 PAGE 62-65 DIGITAL CAMERA | ISSUE 275 PAGE 22 DIGITAL CAMERA | ISSUE 272 PAGES 54-55 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER | ISSUE 266 PAGES 56-57 N-PHOTO | ISSUE 150 PAGES 48-49 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER | ISSUE 234 PAGE 114 COUNTRYFILE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2024 PAGES 58-63 COUNTRYFILE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2024 PAGES 58-63 AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2024 PAGES 42-43 AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER MAGAZINE | JUNE 2024 PAGES 42-43 DIGITAL CAMERA | ISSUE 281 PAGE 82 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER | ISSUE 275 PAGE 50-55 AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER MAGAZINE | DEC 2023 PAGES 14-20 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE | ISSUE 228 PAGES 24-26 DIGITAL CAMERA | ISSUE 270 PAGES 8-15 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER | ISSUE 260 PAGE 114 N-PHOTO | ISSUE 127 PAGES 6-15 PROFESSIONAL PHOTO | ISSUE 189 PAGES 10-15 Below are a series of previous newspaper and magazine features both in print and online articles: Josh is interviewed by lens brand, Sigma - on showcasing his latest images and how he developed a career in Landscape Astrophotography. Read the article here Josh's image of the Quadrantid Meteor Shower from Glastonbury Tor features in The Times' News in Pictures: Josh's image "Symphony in Starlight" capturng the peak of the Geminids Meteor Shower was selected as 'Astrophoto of the Month' by Space.com Magazine! Josh's Award-Winning Image "The Majesty of the Stones" headlined The Times Newspaper on 30th November 2023 , which was crowned Overall Winner of History Photographer of the Year. Josh's Award-Winning Image "The Majesty of the Stones" headlined The Daily Mail on 22nd November 2023 , which was crowned Overall Winner of History Photographer of the Year. From six-months of not picking up a camera, to becoming an Award-Winning Photographer , The BBC leads news coverage on Josh's Overall Win with Historic Photographer of the Year. Ahead of Josh's interview on BBC Points West, The BBC release a news piece highlighting the shortlisted entry for The Astronomy Photographer of the Year. Read the article here: Grabbing the attention of the UK's Climate Capital, Bristol 24/7 highlights the emotional journey to capturing Josh's shortlisted entry for Astronomy Photographer of the Year. Read the article here: Josh's news on his shortlisted image "The Enigma of the North" for The Astronomy Photographer of the Year Competition as commended by ITV News. Read the article here: This is Josh's article with the BBC's Sky at Night Magazine that he produced whilst studying for his degree at Bristol UWE. Walking in the footsteps of Sir Patrick Moore to revisit the Summer Solstice Sunrise from Stonehenge. In raising a profile in the UK's Climate Capital, Josh worked alongside the International Dark Skies Association; collaborating across a worldwide network of advocates as a voice to protect the night in raising a profile for light pollution amidst the climate crisis. In Josh's efforts to protect the night, he collaborated alongside the countryside charity, the CPRE - Campaign to Protect Rural England. This feature discusses the multiple impact that light pollution has not only to the night-sky, but to nocturnal wildlife as well as human health. Following his studies from the University of the West of England and the emergence of Bristol's background of Natural History, Josh focused his articles with local news agencies to continue raising awareness of light pollution and its impact to astronomy and other natural environments. He began writing for local newspapers within the Chew Valley and was recognised amongst The Chew Valley Gazette and The Mendip Times. Josh's feature below features one of his first page-spreads focusing on the impact of light pollution to the natural world. SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAILING LIST: Subscribe to the mailing list for insider news, product launches, and more. ➡ Thank you for subscribing to the mailing list.Shortly you should begin to receive the latest news and more! Josh Dury Josh Dury | Television Josh Dury | Radio Josh Dury | Writer Donate / Become a Patron Legal & Shipping Searc h Contact Info rmation Privacy Policy Refund Policy Become a Patron! Become a patron and support Josh's Photography while also getting rewarded with access to exclusive content. Terms o f Service