Under the clear skies of Oman stands Qasim bin Hamad al Busaidy, an astronomer and astrophotographer, holding his camera and telescope, turning simple nightly curiosity into a world full of creativity and discovery. A member of the Omani Astronomical Society, Qasim began his journey in astrophotography driven more by curiosity than anything else: “I didn’t have advanced equipment at the beginning, just a passion for the sky and a desire to understand what I saw every night and to find answers to many questions. Over time, this curiosity turned into a passion and then into a clear path in my life”.
The moment he realised that the sky was not just a beautiful view but a subject worth documenting was when he visited a site far from light pollution. “I was amazed by the details that were not visible in urban environments. At that moment, I understood the importance of sharing this visual experience with society, especially for those who had never had the chance to experience it or aspired to do so”, Qasim explains.
What sets Qasim apart is the combination of art and science. He doesn’t just capture images; he documents cosmic history and makes each shot tell the story of celestial bodies that are light-years away. “What attracted me to astrophotography is that it combines photography and astronomy in one field, where art meets science. We photograph the sky, but we also document cosmic history”.
His first photograph that felt truly complete was of Saturn, after acquiring an electronic telescope and an astrophotography camera. Qasim describes the moment: “That’s when I felt that I was on the right path and that the effort and patience I had invested were not wasted, but a real step forward, giving me strong motivation to continue in this field”.
His experience evolved over the years through trial and error, as each mistake was a chance to learn and gain new skills. A turning point in his journey came when he joined the Omani Astronomical Society: “I met friends who shared the same passion and through this astronomical community, I learned a lot. They were truly companions of the sky and astronomy and greatly contributed to refining my experience and expanding my horizons”.
Astrophotography has taught him patience and humility in front of the universe. “I became calmer and more accepting of the idea that some things take their natural time and I realised the true scale of human existence in front of this vast universe”, Qasim says.
Equipment is at the heart of the practical experience. Qasim relies on telescopes and cameras specialised for astrophotography, along with precise mounts and advanced software. He always chooses equipment that balances quality, reliability and cost: “Trusting the gear in the field is essential”.
In terms of techniques, Qasim prefers photographing solar system objects, especially Saturn, using methods like stacking multiple shots to extract the finest details. He also practices wide-field photography to capture the Milky Way’s arms and incorporates natural elements like mountains and trees, creating a visual balance that connects the sky to the Earth, adding an artistic and human dimension.
Weather and location play a major role in his technical decisions while photographing: “Weather conditions are factors we cannot control, but they directly affect planning. Things do not always go as planned, so taking weather into account is an essential part of any astrophotography session”.
Qasim has a unique vision of stars; he does not see them as mere points of light. Each star has its own identity; and scientific and cultural characteristics. “Each star has multiple names across different cultures, linked to stories and a long history, which adds a scientific and cultural dimension beyond the visual appearance alone”.
Among his most impactful photographs is a panoramic shot of the Milky Way from Jabal Shams, featuring an Al Allalan tree. The image “combines the vast sky with Oman’s authentic nature, documenting not only an astronomical scene but also the connection between Earth and sky, reflecting the place’s identity and spirit”.
Photography rules exist to be understood, not strictly followed and Qasim sometimes relies solely on instinct: “In some moments, feeling the scene is more important than strict adherence to settings, especially when the shot is unique and cannot be repeated”.
Audience is important to him, whether specialists who appreciate the details or the general public who respond to the feeling of the image. He adds, “When a photo succeeds in reaching both, that’s a true achievement”.
Qasim has won numerous local and international awards, including participation in the lunar eclipse competition in Kuwait, which was a significant moral boost, more than a goal in itself. Oman’s diverse landscapes have provided him with stunning backdrops, such as Khloof Beach with its bioluminescence phenomenon, adding a magical dimension to his work.
His journey could be summed up in a single image capturing the sky, Earth and humanity, reflecting his passion and patience in capturing cosmic beauty, highlighting the human connection to nature and the universe; and showcasing the constant search for hidden details that reveal the wonders of our world.
Qasim al Busaidy, with this passion, does not merely take photos; he documents humanity’s journey under the universe, transforming each star and planet into an artistic and scientific story that inspires admiration and thought, leaving Oman’s skies as a testament to the vision of a dedicated artist capturing cosmic history with a dreamer’s eye and perseverance.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
