ZWO FF65 telescope on a Chicago rooftop with the city skyline at dusk

Chicago · Bortle 9 · Rooftop

The universe is within reach.

Deep sky astrophotography from a Chicago rooftop — under some of the most light-polluted skies on earth. Proof that you don't need dark skies or expensive gear to explore the cosmos.

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Hours of imaging
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Targets captured
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Imaging nights

Image Archive

— targets.
One rooftop.

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The Mission

Capturing the cosmos from the city.

I'm Brett Horin — a hobbyist astrophotographer shooting deep sky objects from my Chicago rooftop. No dark sky preserves. No rural retreats. Just a telescope, a camera, and a Bortle 9 sky above one of America's most light-polluted cities.

My work is built on one idea: the universe is accessible from wherever you are.

Brett Horin — Chicago