Author
BAS Member Feature
Keith Mombourquette Captures the Deep Sky from Southampton and Starfront
Bluewater Astronomical Society recognizes Keith Mombourquette, one of our top award-winning astrophotographers, for his recent deep-sky images and his continued contribution to learning, skill development, and image sharing within BAS.
Bluewater Astronomical Society is pleased to feature recent astrophotography work by BAS member Keith Mombourquette. Keith has developed an impressive imaging practice through years of learning, experimentation, and careful refinement.
From his own Osprey Perch Observatory in Southampton, Ontario, and from Starfront Observatories in Brady, Texas, Keith captures deep-sky objects that are often faint, distant, and technically challenging to photograph.
His work combines advanced telescope setups, long exposure imaging, precise guiding, and careful image processing. Keith uses astronomy software such as NINA for image acquisition and automation, along with PHD2 for guiding, helping his equipment track the sky accurately over many hours.
Astrophotography is more than taking a picture
These images are not quick snapshots. Each one represents planning, patience, accurate tracking, calibration, processing, and a strong understanding of both astronomy and imaging technology.
Keith’s Recent Deep-Sky Images
M94
M94 is a bright spiral galaxy surrounded by a rich star field. Keith captured this image from Osprey Perch Observatory in Southampton.
| Photographer | Keith Mombourquette |
|---|---|
| Object | M94 |
| Date Taken | 2026-05-09 |
| Location | Osprey Perch Observatory, Southampton, Ontario |
| Telescope / Lens | Askar 107PHQ |
| Camera | ASI2600MM |
| Mount | AM5 |
| Filters | LRGB |
| Exposure Time | 6 hours |
M97 — Owl Nebula and M108
This wide field captures the Owl Nebula and nearby galaxy M108, showing the variety of deep-sky objects that can appear together in one field of view.
| Photographer | Keith Mombourquette |
|---|---|
| Object | M97 — Owl Nebula, M108 |
| Date Taken | 2026-04-22 |
| Location | Osprey Perch Observatory, Southampton, Ontario |
| Telescope / Lens | Sharpstar SCA260 |
| Camera | ASI2600MM |
| Mount | AP Mach 1 |
| Filters | LRGB |
| Exposure Time | 12 hours |
M51 — Whirlpool Galaxy
M51 is one of the best-known interacting galaxy systems in the northern sky. Keith’s image captures its spiral structure and surrounding background galaxies.
| Photographer | Keith Mombourquette |
|---|---|
| Object | M51 — Whirlpool Galaxy |
| Date Taken | 2026-05-09 |
| Location | Osprey Perch Observatory, Southampton, Ontario |
| Telescope / Lens | Sharpstar SCA260 |
| Camera | ASI2600MM |
| Mount | AP Mach 1 |
| Filters | LRGB |
| Exposure Time | 6 hours |
Hewett 1
Hewett 1 is a faint and challenging target. Keith notes that this image is still a work in progress, with many more hours planned to reveal additional faint structure.
| Photographer | Keith Mombourquette |
|---|---|
| Object | Hewett 1 |
| Date Taken | March–May 2026 |
| Location | Starfront Observatories, Brady, Texas |
| Telescope / Lens | Askar FRA300 |
| Camera | ASI2600MM |
| Mount | AM5 |
| Filters | LRGB + Ha + OIII |
| Exposure Time | 59 hours |
Alves 2
Alves 2 combines RGB and narrowband data, showing how advanced imaging techniques can help reveal faint emission structures in the night sky.
| Photographer | Keith Mombourquette |
|---|---|
| Object | Alves 2 |
| Date Taken | March–April 2026 |
| Location | Osprey Perch Observatory, Southampton, Ontario |
| Telescope / Lens | Askar 107PHQ |
| Camera | ASI2600MM |
| Mount | AM5N |
| Filters | RGB + Ha + OIII |
| Exposure Time | 13.2 hours |
Learning, sharing, and advancing together
Keith’s work reflects one of the strengths of BAS: members learning from one another, sharing knowledge, and helping each other advance in astronomy and astrophotography. Whether someone is just beginning with binoculars or operating a remote imaging system, every step adds to the enjoyment and understanding of the night sky.
