Chasing the Stars: Witnessing a Rare Planetary Alignment in the Peak District

While the alignment of six planets was undoubtedly the highlight of the night, the journey itself—the decision to seek out darker skies, the quiet moments of reflection under the stars—was equally meaningful.

Every so often, the universe orchestrates a celestial spectacle so rare and awe-inspiring that it humbles us, reminding us of the infinite cosmos and our tiny place within it. On the night of January 25th, 2025, I embarked on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Peak District to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event: the alignment of six planets—Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn. Armed with my trusty Samsung S23 Ultra and an unyielding sense of adventure, I set out to chase the stars and capture the magic of the night.

The Journey to the Stars

The evening began at Higger Tor, a well-loved location for its rugged beauty and panoramic views. As I stood atop its rocky outcrops, the anticipation built, but it quickly became clear that the conditions weren’t ideal. The light pollution from nearby areas dulled the brilliance of the night sky, making it hard to spot the celestial wonders I had come to see.

Not one to give up easily, I decided to move to a place I knew wouldn’t disappoint: Stanton Moor. Nestled deeper into the Peak District, Stanton Moor is one of my favorite spots for stargazing. Its remote location offers a dark, unspoiled sky, free from the intrusive glow of city lights.

Driving there in the stillness of the night, I felt a renewed sense of excitement. Stanton Moor has a timeless quality to it, with its ancient stone circles and quiet landscapes. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time, connecting with something far greater than yourself.

The Celestial Theater Unveiled

Arriving at Stanton Moor, I was immediately greeted by a canopy of stars, shimmering brightly against the inky blackness. The alignment wasn’t yet visible, but as I adjusted to the darkness, the planets began to reveal themselves one by one.

Mars stood out first, its reddish glow unmistakable. Jupiter followed, a bright and commanding presence. Venus shone like a brilliant jewel, while Saturn added a golden touch to the celestial display. Uranus and Neptune, though faint, completed the arc, forming a breathtaking alignment across the heavens.

Standing there, surrounded by the quiet beauty of Stanton Moor, I couldn’t help but marvel at the rarity of this event. Six planets, millions of kilometers apart, coming together in perfect harmony — a fleeting moment orchestrated by the universe itself.

Capturing the Moment

With my Samsung S23 Ultra in hand, I began capturing the scene before me. The phone’s Astrography mode performed beautifully, picking up the planets and surrounding stars with surprising clarity.

As much as I love using drones and professional cameras for my adventures, there’s something refreshing about relying on a smartphone. The simplicity allowed me to focus on the moment rather than the gear, and the results were stunning.

I took a mix of long-exposure shots and quick snaps, ensuring I captured the memory in all its raw, unfiltered glory. Each image felt like a small piece of the universe preserved in time.

Reflections Under the Stars

As I stood under the vast expanse of the cosmos, I felt a profound sense of connection. Stargazing has a way of putting everything into perspective, making life’s worries seem small and fleeting. It reminds us of the beauty in moments like these, where the world stands still, and the universe takes center stage.

Stanton Moor, with its dark skies and ancient energy, was the perfect place to experience this celestial event. It reaffirmed my love for exploration and my mission to share these moments with others.

Tips for Your Own Stargazing Adventure

If this story inspires you to chase the stars, here are a few tips:

Pick the Right Location: Choose a spot with minimal light pollution. While Higger Tor is stunning, Stanton Moor offered the darkness I needed.
Check the Weather: Apps like Stellarium or Clear Outside can help you find clear skies.
Dress Warmly: Winter nights in the Peak District can be freezing. Layers, gloves, and a thermos of tea make all the difference.
Bring Simple Gear: A smartphone like the Samsung S23 Ultra with good night mode capabilities is all you need for incredible astrophotography.
Be Patient: Let your eyes adjust to the darkness, and take time to soak in the moment.

The Call of the Universe

As I packed up and began my descent from Stanton Moor, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. The alignment of six planets may have been the highlight of the night, but the journey — the decision to seek out darker skies, the quiet moments of reflection under the stars — was just as meaningful.

This adventure reminded me that the universe always has something extraordinary to offer if you’re willing to chase it.

So, the next time the stars align, will you be there to see it?

Until the next adventure,
Papa Bear

Astrophotography Cheat Sheet for Samsung S23 Ultra (Expert RAW Mode)

1. Preparation:

Location: Find a spot with minimal light pollution (e.g., dark skies like Stanton Moor).
Tripod: Use a sturdy tripod to keep your phone stable during long exposures.
Timing: Shoot during a clear, moonless night (check apps like Stellarium or Clear Outside).

2. Expert RAW Setup:

Open Expert RAW: Download it from the Galaxy Store if you haven’t already.
Switch to Manual Mode (inside Expert RAW):
- ISO: Start with ISO 800–1600 (adjust based on light conditions).
- Shutter Speed: Set to 20–30 seconds for star trails or clear skies.
- Focus: Switch to Manual Focus (MF) and set focus to infinity (∞).
- White Balance: Use 4000–5000K for natural-looking stars.
- EV Compensation: Set to 0 or slightly negative (-0.3) to avoid overexposure

3. Shooting Tips:

Stabilize: Ensure no vibrations; use a remote shutter release or timer (2–5 seconds delay).
Framing: Use the grid feature to align your shot (rule of thirds for horizon or objects).
Pro Mode: Enable RAW + JPEG to allow maximum editing flexibility later.

4. Enhancing Shots (Post-Processing):

Use photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed, or Samsung’s built-in editor:
- Noise Reduction: Smooth out graininess from high ISO.
- Highlight Adjustment: Enhance star visibility without over-brightening.
- Color Tuning: Bring out natural blues and whites in the sky.

5. Quick Settings Reference

Setting	Suggested Value	Notes
ISO	800–1600	Higher ISO captures more light but adds noise.
Shutter Speed	20–30 seconds	Long exposure for capturing faint stars.
Focus	Manual (∞)	Focus manually for pin-sharp stars.
White Balance	4000–5000K	Neutral tones for astrophotography.
Timer	2–5 seconds	Avoid camera shake when pressing the shutter.
Image Format	RAW + JPEG	Maximize flexibility for post-editing.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different settings based on your conditions. If stars appear blurry, lower shutter speed slightly.

Happy shooting under the stars! 🌌

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