Orion seen from Bortle 9 during the blackout

I wish to share an extraordinary experience with you. On August 20, 2023, at 1 a.m., Tunisia was enveloped in complete darkness due to an unusual blackout. However, amidst this profound darkness, something exceptional unfolded.From the Lafayette rooftop, nestled in the heart of downtown Tunis, I had the privilege of capturing a rare image of the Orion constellation.

This marked a historic first for Tunisia, and I am deeply honored to present it to you.For a mere 5 minutes, the heavens cleared, offering a pristine view despite the heavy humidity and a gentle haze. Surprisingly, the backup power generators of hotels, clinics, banks, and various other establishments allowed us to witness a celestial display reminiscent of the desert's clarity.

This transcendent moment serves as a poignant reminder that even in the darkest of hours, the beauty of the universe can pierce through the shroud of clouds.
It imparts a lesson in humility and a profound connection to the natural world that surrounds us.I am truly delighted to share this photograph with you all, and I sincerely hope it captivates your imagination as profoundly as it did mine.

Equipment
Imaging Telescopes Or Lenses
Sigma 28mm F1.4 DG HSM (Art)
Imaging Cameras
Canon EOS Ra
Mounts
iOptron SkyTracker Pro
Filters
Optolong L-eXtreme F2 2"
Accessories
ZWO ASIAIR Pro
Software
Adobe Photoshop · Pleiades Astrophoto PixInsight

Acquisition details
Dates:
Sept. 20, 2023
Frames:
Optolong L-eXtreme F2 2": 3×105″(5′ 15″)
Integration:
5′ 15″
Avg. Moon age:
5.07 days
Avg. Moon phase:
26.37%