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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.

Picture the scene, 22nd November; heading to the city on Bath. On board a bus. A friend from The Isle of Lewis pings me a message. Facebook only shows you a snippet of the message " Congratulations Josh!! I'm thinking to myself, what is this? Only to wait for a stable 5G connection only to find I had only gone and History Hit's History Photographer of the Year!! I thank Callanish Digital Design for letting me know the news. I was completely bessotted. Before I knew it, streams of newspieces were coming in from far and wide; Digital Camera, a friend in Somerset messaging me "You need to see this.." It was in The Times Newspaper! You name it! To see these tiles was an immense privilege let alone the following comments by Dan Snow!? See below: For any Photographer, this is an immense privilege and also a game changer. 2023 really was the year when I began to see change and was the time of resurgence. Lookijng back, I think why on earth did I give up Photography. After covid when life all got too much, things happen and I also wonder if they happen for a reason. Looking back at these photographs, I can can my photographic style has changed and so I believe one's artistic vision and outlook on life can do so as well. Callanish changed my life. How one trip can change everything. For the small amount of time I was there and to be greeted with wall-to-wall clear skies for 4 days at the time of new-moon really was a sight to behold. Not only having been recognised for Astronomy Photographer of the Year earlier in September, and now this. I could not be more greatful to Callanish and the islanders for their fountain of knowledge. It had always been somewhere I wanted to visit and to achieve these results, a book could not have written it.

On 27th February, I had the honour being invited to speak with Future Publishing Ltd; discussing my involvement as an Astrophotographer and collaborations across the Future Portfolio. It was great to see the audience take such a liking to astrophotography and being actively involved with the series of images Emphasising the importance of light pollution and changing attitudes towards climate change as well as environmental issues concerning Artfficial Light at Night (ALAN).

On 7th February, I was delighted to speak at South Petherton Photography Club. It was lovelt to see such a mixture of Photographers aspring towards Astrophotography!! This talk focused more on the technicalities with members asking questions in relation to camera settings to capture astornomical subjects, including the Milky Way, Meteors as well as the ellusive Aurora.

After the busy period of preparing for The Photography Show and now The Total Solar Eclipse, I can finally catch up on some blog posts which have been a on hold so managing to catch up now! Back on November 19th, I was honoured to speak for my local photography club, 'Focus on Photography'. They are a great group to be apart of and one of which the passion for photography really shines through. As I have learned throughout my own photographic jouney, the passion and the fun has to be there to make it worthwhile and in one sense, becomes a part of your life and that is evident to all photographers there. It was also so lovely to see such a strong turnout! During my talk, I provided an overview about my jounrey so far in becoming a Landscape Astrophotographer; alongside the trials and tribulations with Astrophotography, from equipment reccomendations, to technical aspects from camera settings, weather and one on many's bucket lists - aurora forecasting! This talk provided some advice on what to look out for in terms of compsition as well as astoonomical events looking into 2024.

It seems too long since I did a blog post!! There has been so much going on in the astronomy world and having to keep a few things under wraps, it has taken until now to catchup on what happened exactly on the build-up to one of humanity's most witnessed astronomical events. The Total Solar Eclipse of April 8th: All I can say is, what a build-up! It was earlier this year that I made the decision to travel to Dallas, Texas - in an attempt to witness the Total Solar Eclipse. I have to say, out of all celestial events, Eclipses are my favourite. The moment where you really do begin to see the celestial mechanics of our Solar System in action. This year took me on a jouney back when I was two-years old. Having a cuppa with one of my family members; I had a sudden flashback to what I seem to remember being one of my earliest memories. The Solar Eclipse of 1999. Family members telling me stories that my account of that event was feasting on Malteasers whilst watching the event!! We have a photograph of how the eclipse looked from The Mendips; and looking at the photograph brought it all in to focus. It was a decent coverage from Somerset of around the 80-90% margin and I just remember the eerie effect of the sunlight hitting the clouds. So the build-up to April 8th saw my early routes in becoming an Astrophotographer, because of the 1999 Eclipse! I have been lucky enough to witness over 5 Partial Solar Eclipses and one Total Solar Eclipse. Back in 2017, with thanks to some of my family members; they happened to be living on the 'path of totality' that sweeped from West to East coast of the United States. Only to find it would do so again - across the US; 7-years later. The account of witnessing Totality to my best description the closest you can get to Armageddon. It really does feel like the end of the world. Its funny because as an astornomer, you reassure yourself in those moments; of the science that is about to unfold. But, it does make you think for a moment, this is potentially how ancient civilisations felt when one of these events would occur. Quite an amazing thought being transported back in time and unlocking our primitive emotions to celstial wonders. Right, so back to April 8th - if we got this one, I would have been under the Moon's shadow for a total of a whole 5-minutes; my second Total Solar Eclipse. A lot of lessons were learned from 2017. Camera equipment, planning, set up. It was all riding on this one moment. To be honest though, I did think to myself in January - am I sure I want to go? You listen to the news reports, the statistics; it all seemed rather daunting to think of the numbers. Over 32-million people being able to witness the event. The most watched eclipse in humanity. The potential for flight delays with so many flights, the fear of food shortages, a state of emergency and blood supplies?!? (because of traffic congestion). Sweeping across from Mazatlan in Mexico, across Eastern US and then up through to Maine in Canada. A lot of pressure was riding on this one and just the cost overall to get over to the US at this point was quite frankly, Astronomical. I have always said that I would like to try and witness as many eclipses as possible. So I gave it a go. Like many others, I fell for the trap of historic weather data to make my decision on where to go. It was quite amazing to see the lengths that american astornomers had gone to; sourcing satellite imagery from as far back as 1979 to see what weather patterns may be doing on the big day and to get a trend. However, it was all rather hit and miss; one year changing to the next. Also considering that around the time of the eclipse; it is the stormy season in April for much of the US; either way I took my chances. I will never forget the build-up and anticipation with the weather forecasts. Waiting for the first weather predicitions and... it wasn't looking good. With most major news channels suggesting that most of the path; except parts of Canada would have clear skies. Some suggesting Texas to be the wost state to travel to!! Regardless, on the build-up to the big day, things were changing and as a lesson learned for me and other enthusists to look back to. On the day of the eclipse, the weather report changed from 'Many' clouds on April 7th for Dallas to 'Few' on April 8th. It doesn't matter how many times you look at those forecasts. They cannot predict with 100% clarity where the clear skies would be. Also, the weather was dramatised; high clouds are not thick clouds. Indiciations and graphics on the maps were overemphasised for what they should have been; a part of me thinking would this information not be revealed to nearer the time over fears of population density in those areas on April 8th. In the weeks building up to this celestial wonder, I had the honour of being interviewed by BBC's The One Show, which did an amazing short film highlighting coverage the April 8th Total Solar Eclipse. I had the privilege to speak alongside Dame Dr. Maggie-Aderin Pocock and it was so lovely to catchup with her after all these years. We spoke about what to do if this is your first eclipse, how to protect your eyes and what to do if you would like to capture your own images of the event. Also being featured alongside BBC Cameraman, Eugene Campbell who captured the live images of the Total Solar Eclipse of 1999. This aired whilst I was over in Dallas and again, I will not forget how busy my phone was in the moments after totality! TO be interviewed on BBC Radio and to listen to the build-up was an absaloute joy. The big day was approaching and we were ready to set off to Dallas. We got to the airport only to find a notification on my phone straight away, saying there was an update to one of our flights. It had been cancelled. We were catching a connection from our local airport to get to Dallas and it so turns out that the air-operator did nothing to support us. We had (what I will reiterate as) some of the most disgusting, ludicrous customer serice that I think we had experienced. From doing our own research, Dublin Airport was enountering a storm around this time and only on further inspection, their whole timetable of flights had been cancelled. It turns out later on, our flight from Dublin to Dallas was also cancelled. It was a good job we didnt go!! There was no way we were making it to Dublin to catch our connection. The attendees did not make us aware of this and we were left waiting for 6-hours in the airport. There was information that a flight was going the same day from London Heathrow and by this point, we were determined to get there. Only to find the Customer Service Line was completely swamped; no-one answering and because of this, all the remaining spaces for the flight were taken. Only to find the next best option, would be for a taxi to take us to Manchester; to then fly to Dublin (even though the flights were cancelled?!), then to Chicago and then to Dallas. This was asking way too much and by this point, my emotions were running high. You think to yourself in these moments that you have left yourself and others down. Not that it was our fault, but it makes you think those weeks and months of researching and rehearsing for this event were all for nothing. Only to be hanging on a thread of hope as to whether we would make it to the US; let alone the eclipse. We were told that all remaining flights on the build-up to April 8th from the UK were sold-out. By this time, the guilt inside of me grew and I remember saying to myself; that is it; we are not going. I didn't want to put me or other travel members in jeopardy and this all seemed too much for this eclipse. However, I must give a shout out to my Sister at this point. We got home; do what you normally do in times of despair; turn to food and mull. Researching herself, she miraculously found there were flights still going out from London Heathrow the next day; the day BEFORE the eclipse. I did not know what to believe; I had been lied to by the air-operator. We got straight on the phone and as if by magic, we were transferred on to this flight going out the following day directly from Heathrow to Dallas. With a large amount of compensation, we were going to Dallas. We had a breakthrough. If anyone has ever been in this position, you will reaslise the amount of stress and pressure it puts you under. In one way, it took the 'fun' off the event, but when you get there, your journey can resume. I had never felt so emotional to think we were going to make it to our final destination. The rest of the trip was a breeze. I did wish to air my story as it is a constant reminder for anyone planning their trip that anything can change; it is how you respond in those moments, which counts. But also I would like to thank my family for keeping me determined to get out there and get the shot. So; 9-hours on the plane, we landed in Dallas. Clear skies overhead; through the airport and out the other end. Another reminder back in January, most Car Hire companies had sold our by this point, so I opted for Uber. It might be more pricey, but takes the pressure of driving. Man I am glad I did. Got to our hotel, got to the service desk with my reservation only to be told "Your resevration is not on the list, Sir"...... Those of you who know, I aspire to the music of Grace Jones and the inner panther was really coming out in me now!!!!! The hotel had cancelled our reservation. We were not on the system to get a room. I was distraught; worried we were going to be sleeping on the streets by this point. After some two-ing and throwing, I was so glad to have printed off our reservation because this saved our booking (despite leaving a paper trail). Magically after a discussion with the Manager; they reimbursed our booking. Who only knows why they cancelled it?! We got to the room; migraine and all; seriously having enough by this point; let alone catching up with jet-lag!! The big day was coming so we made it our best interests to relax and concentrate on what needed to be done ahead of April 8th... What an eclipse this would be. So, the day come. Having not really recovered from the day before, the skies were looking good. As Josh does in typical fashion; constantly looking at the weather. By this point, the news bulletins were giving an idea of where may be clear and where may not be. However, I was really confused by this point. One astornomer saying the more north you go, the better your chances. The forecast said cloud for North Texas!!!! Anywhere north of I-20 would be clear. It was quite frankly, showing gaps in the cloud practically everywhere and really it was pot luck; a gamble if clouds would spoil the show. Looking at the numbers, I was quite reluctant to take my equipment to Downtown Dallas. Looking at the live broadcast afterwards, it probably was a good job I didn't. It was SO crowded. Luckilly for us, we found a patch of green land near to our hotel to observe the eclipse from. Same duration, but just away from the hustle and bustle to witness the event. At breakfast time, high-cirrus clouds were predicted. Not enough to ruin the show. Then 9am hit. A sweeping blanket of thick cloud decideding to make its presence known. My nerves were on end. It said in the forecast this was meant to clear by 11am and it sure did. The cloud broke up and it really was like any other spring day; gaps in the clouds. After tinkering with my setup, it was amazing to think other people also had the same idea; only a handful going to the same area. Who would believe near a parking lot you would bump into astornomers from Barbados, Chile and Europe?! Quite amazing. Then, the crucial time of 1233 began. The partial eclipse was underway. I love the nostalgia of eclipses; each reminscent of each other, when you see the first 'bite' being taken out of the Sun. Luckilly for us, gaps in the clouds allowed us to witness the partial eclipse. However, pressure was already mounting to think the moment, which we have been through hell and high water for - is coming. There was no more we could do. We made our decision to stay local and that was it. We really were at the mercy of the weather. Beforehand, I would say that I would do a Instagram Live on the event; to give others the chance to witness the event as it unfolded. Yes, it was not the greatest weather forecast. We could have travelled to Indianapolis, Arkansas, or Veromont. It was a good job we didn't by this point as we learned soon after, a large proportion of flights were again, "cancelled" from Dallas Fort Worth due to the storm in the evening!? It was a surpise we got home by this point!!! So with this against us, we stayed to see it through. The moment was upon us. The light was beginning to diminish, the surroundings were turning a dark pastelly colour. The final moments of light from the Sun casting everything all into this weird light. By this point, cloud was moving absaloutely everywhere. I notice this with eclipses; especially totality. They don't know what to do with themselves. I took snaps regardless and I really did not think I caught anything through the clouds. I really did think it was game over. On review of my rushes, I had the most pleasent surprise. I had captured the diamond ring. I got the prominces; the corona. Oh how beautiful they were; there was at least five on the solar disc. Some big ones too. Then, the moment when darkness flooded the landscape and the Moon's shadow reached Dallas. It was extroadinary. When I saw totality, I never realised the emotional impact this would have on me. I was in tears; the best description I can give is the feeling of hearbreak even though I was not. I was so overwhelmed to see it; flashing my trigger at every opportunity I could. The stars showed up; the planets: Jupiter and Venus could be seen. The sunset on the horizon in every direction. We made it. Even for a merciful 3-minutes 52-seconds, we were plunged into darkess. To bare witness to the 'Great American Eclipse' was awe-inspiring. The more I write now, I remember the tempreature drop, the light, the experience, the cheers of the crowds. Although, clouds did get in our way. We unfortunately just about missed third-contact visually, but my cameras got it. When daylight returned to the landscape, I felt I had been dragged through a hedge backwards. I was so dis-orientated. trying to get my bearings. By this point, my phone was going off after The One Show aired. I did not know really what to do with myself!! To bare witness to totality, is one of nature's greatest spectacles and makes you want to come back for more. I must say - as I said earlier. It really was luck of the draw and Downtown Dallas DID have clear skies. No-one was to know and even if I knew ahead of time, I would not have changed it for the world. I was so delighted to have witnessed the eclipse and with my Mum too - my fellow Eclipse Chaser who has always been such a plinth of support to help my achieve my goals. We were both so emotional. I was glad to have stayed in Texas because I soon learned during our visit, we began to learn more about Texas also being recognised as 'The Lone Star State'. Myself, I thought what a fitting tribute it would be for anyone to witness the Eclipse form Texas; paying hommange to the Sun; the 'Lone Star' of our Solar System and to say we captured 'The Lone Star Eclipse'. What a title!! It was also again (theme developing here), emotional to learn of their traditions and heritage. It played such a large story in the meaning and build-up to the eclipse. Each one telling its own story. Soon after we witnessed to partial-phases of the eclipse, we made our way to Southfork Ranch; the setting for the television show, 'Dallas'. What an expeirence to see all the props, the ranch itself and the culture as well; the longhorns as well as the tall cowboy hats. Then, on to Fort Worth to witness the Stockyards. It was so lovely to see how proud the locals were of their cowboy heritage. To think in the astornomy world, this was their time. Being in Dallas, I wanted us to celebrate in style. If you have never been, there is a great resturaunt at the top of The Reunion Tower; "The Crown Block". It was one of the best dining experiences that I have had in a long time. And what a way to see Dallas and the Eclipse out in style; dining away in a skyline resturaunt; overlooking the city that witnessed it all. Watching the storms on the distant horizon. It was *perfection. On arrival in the UK, the amount of oppirtunities this eclipse opened up was immense. Again I could not be more thankful for the kindness and generosity of my family and all those involved in helping me get there and keep us going. We reached totality and we got to our end goal. If there is anyone who feels like everything is up against them. It's easier said than done but do not give up hope. Keep determined until the very last munte. Even then, you never know - you may reach your goal.

Josh headlines the BBC News and BBC News UK Social Media Channels with his image, "Symphony in Starlight" capturing the peak of the Geminids Meteor Shower from The Mendip Hills in Somerset, UK. This image attracted further media coverage from BBC Points West, BBC Radio Somerset, ITV News West Country and Photographic Lens Supplier, Sigma. This was later broadcast on x2 radio interviews with both BBC Radio Bristol and Somerset:

You heard it right! The Mendips Hills (AONB*) (SSI*) under the order of His Majesty, King Charles, has been recognised as a part of The King's Series of new National Nature Reserves. The term "Super" National Nature Reserve (SNNR) is the second of its kind here in the United Kingdom, with the first being declared at Purbeck Heath in Dorset. The Mendip NNR is largely recognised for its large stretches of limestone grasslands, ancient wooded ravines, and stunning geology. Local species such as adder, greater horseshoe bats, and skylark; and woodland and grassland plants such as the Cheddar pink are identified and is a protected home to nature. As it currently stands, the Mendips stands as a fragmentation of sites. By farmland, nature reserves, this newly defined status is hoped to join The Mendips together as one protected area, combined. This initiative in turn will protect over 1,400 hectacres of land between Brean Down by Weston-super-Mare, across the south-facing grasslands and woodlands of the Mendip Hills, to the eastern side of Wells. The NNR links ecologically important sites along the popular walking route of "The Mendip Way". More than 400 hectares will be land that has not previously been managed primarily for conservation. The main objectives: FOR WILDLIFE. Creating this new NNR will enhance the biodiversity of the Mendip Hills, making it a bigger, better and more joined up place for wildlife to thrive. It will help create a sustainable future for local communities, farmers, and businesses through the development and promotion of a nature rich landscape. FOR PEOPLE. A key ambition of the Mendip NNR is to improve inclusivity – both for the local community and the surrounding urban areas. Within a 20-minute drive there is an urban population of 700,000 people. We want to enable people of all backgrounds to enjoy nature and will create accessible ways to enjoy the landscape. TOGETHER. Nine organisations will work in partnership to improve collaboration and management for wildlife and geology. This partnership will be at the heart of nature recovery in the Mendip Hills. It will enable land managers to work together to maximise the benefits for nature, science, and people, improving access and creating more opportunities to connect with the natural world. But what does this important news mean from an astronomical perspective? As a Landscape Astrophotographer that is proud to call the Mendips, their home - this leap in conservation is not only the first of its kind for the area and second across The United Kingdom, but from the perspective of Dark Skies, this is an important step in the right direction. Not only does this mean the protection of land for nature conservation, but this also protects our "Dark-Sky Status" for years to come. Every day, the impact of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is growing as a posing risk for our protected areas with potential increase for greenfield and housing development - posing a risk to our natural landscapes and views of the night-sky. As it stands, The Mendips measures as 4.5 on The Bortle Scale, which can be used to measure the amounts of light pollution generated by both skyglow and skyglare from nearby towns and cities. Its this spread of ALAN that affects dark skies and when considering our protected areas where lighting should be used only where and when needed. This means The Mendips sits in the middle of this scale between light and dark. It's not hard to see from The Bortle Scale Map below how extensive Light Pollution has come from across The United Kingdom. In the words of my friend and one fo the greats in Dark-Sky Conservation - The Late, Bob Mizon "It has gotten out of control". Through the impacts of urban sprawl, we are lucky to have the quality of dark skies we have left. And it is my hopes of partnering with The Mendip Hills AONB to raise public awareness of dark skies through this initiative to consider for the local area and surrounds as to how lighting not only affects our 'window to the universe', but how this will hang a knock-on effect with nocturnal wildlife, migratory corridors as well as human health, which I am sure will be positively impacted by this initiative. I personally hope this initiative see's a changing attitude towards lighting in mimising our place on The Bortle Scale. Do I see this as a step in the right direction? - 100%. As a part of The King's Series, The UK will see the creation of 25 reserves over the next five years to tackle nature loss and enable species to thrive, all while improving access to these precious landscapes. It is my hope alongside protecting endangered British Wildlife and our precious landscapes that the night-sky will also be considered. I can certainly see this initiative to be seen as a 'trend setter' not just for the United Kingdom, but other countries in protecting and unifying our protected areas. Click the link here for the from the Government Website declaring the change as a Super National Nature Reserve. This has since led to being partnered with The Mendip Hills AONB in Partnership with the National Trust; being involved as a part of their initiative to 'join together' the landscape once more. I couldn't be more proud to support my homelands and rural heritage; knowing I am doing my part to protect dark skies and local ecology for future generations. AONB - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. SSI - Site of Special Scientific Interest.

And so, the day had arrived. Through months of anticipation and excitement built up through media and news coverage, Starman hit the big smoke, to the city of London and onwards to the Royal Observatory of Greenwich. Josh next to his installation, presenting his shortlisted image "The Enigma of the North" in the exhibition for The Astronomy Photographer of the Year (2023) at The National Maritime Museum. On the day itself, I had a lot of emotions. The experience brought back a lot of nostalgia for me. Having last been shortlisted for the competition back in 2017, with my image "Glastonbury Tor and the Double Flash". I had been invited to a tour of The Royal Observatory of Greenwich before proceeding on to The National Maritime Museum to view my shortlisted entry in this year's exhibition. Travel back in time to (2017 )when I was last shortlisted for The Astronomy Photographer of the Year. Photographed next to BBC Sky at Night Presenter, Chris Lintott. My shortlisted entry of that year "Glastonbury Tor and the Double Flash". When arriving to the National Maritime, I was awestruck to think I would be meeting some of the greats of the astrophotography community. It was here during the opening speeches that I saw my shortlisted image being presented. A massive moment for me, which made the experience all more real. Then, all shortlistees in attendance were invited to view the exhibition. "The Enigma of the North" presented in The Astronomy Photographer fo the Year Exhibition at The National Maritime Museum (2023). That moment. When you step around the corner and see your image being proudly displayed in the 'hall of fame', is a moment that really takes you back. When you see your image and think back to the story, which ultimately got shortlisted for this year's competition. Believing at the moment I took that photograph, 6-months had passed, thinking I would never pick up a camera again and then to believe that Callanish is what re-ignited my passion in connecting me with the stars. But I was not to expect the recognition it would obtain from both the media and the press. To having been interviewed on television, radio and even in print. Callanish started a real conversation about my astrophotography and it was not over yet. But most importantly, to lend thanks to the site of Callanish itself. An iconic stone circle that only few have been fortunate enough to travel to. Only to find that news had spread to the Isle of Lewis 'bringing the trophy home' to the islanders of Lewis. It was really emotional to think I have made their community and heritage, proud. Josh Photographed with some of the greats from this year's Astronomy Photographer of the Year Competition (Left: Yuri Beletsky, Middle: Ed Bloomer, Right: Josh photographed with his print going on sale at the shop for Astronomy Photographer of the Year). So after meeting the shortlisted photographers, I had been invited to attend the podcast for the competition, where in groups we were able to discuss our work and what got us into Astrophotography. The whole experience was heightened when I saw my image being displayed in the shop for this year's competition and to meet one of my idol in the Astrophotography world, Yuri Beletsky. Josh's photograph printed in this year's photobook publication for Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2023.

When I captured the photograph that went on to be remembered as "The Enigma of the North", never did I believe it would be recognised for such a prestigious photography competition, I never thought I would pick up a camera again... When finding out earlier this year from an email sent to my spam folder, never did I think my image of Callanish would make it to the Skyscapes Category of 1 in 15 images for the shortlisted category, and the 140 shortlisted images from over 4,000 submissions!! When fact became reality, I really was lost for words. But this was only the beginning... "The Enigma of the North" shortlisted for The Astornomy Photographer of the Year Competition in The Skyscapes Category. The link to the Royal Observatory Greenwich Website featuring my shortlisted image can be found here: Not only did the news hit my local newspapers, it reached Bristol, then ITV news, BBC One and then news travelled as far as where this all started. Callanish itself. I couldn't believe the recognition this image was given. I owe a lot to it, because if it wasn't for that moment at Callanish; braving my camera one final time, I wouldn't be here writing this and having the confidence to carry on. "The Enigma of the North" tells of a very emotional experience, to capture the image and the journey it has taken me on to rebuild myself as a recognised Astrophotographer in the field. The highlight for me has to be when summoned to BBC Broadcasting House in Bristol for my interview on BBC Points West. Something I have always wished to achieve and to voice this to the South-West really was a privilege. Josh on the Red Sofa with BBC Points West Presenter, David Garmston discussing his shortlisted image for the competition. Aired 14th September 2023. Check out the interview with BBC Points West below. On the 26th September, I have been invited to a private viewing of the event by The Royal Observatory of Greenwich, where I will be given a physical copy of the year's publication including my image alongside being featured in a podcast! So watch this space!

On Tuesday 12th September, I presented a talk to Devizes Camera Club, titled: "Astrophotography - Our Window to the Universe". What a great event it was a priviledge speaking to locals near many places I have photographed over the years in the Wiltshire Landscape, including Stonehenge and Avebury. Absolutely amazing to have a full house with recognised local photographers, including Robert Harvey in attendance.