Julien Looten, a 24-year-old astrophotographer from Arras in northern France, has mastered the art of capturing impossible shots that combine earthly heritage with celestial wonders. When this archaeology doctoral student isn't at work, he trades his trowel for his camera to photograph the cosmos.
As the Night of the Stars event takes place from Friday, August 1st to Sunday, August 3rd, this northern French photographer is sharing his secrets for immortalizing the stars. His work has gained international recognition, including being featured by NASA in 2023 for his photograph of 'Air Glow' - the nighttime sky luminescence captured in the Dordogne region of France.
Currently traveling in Chile, Looten reveals the numerous parameters essential for successful astrophotography. 'There are countless factors to consider, like weather conditions and light pollution,' he explains. 'Summer is ideal when the weather is milder and the sky is clearer - that's when you go out to shoot.'
Looten's passion for astronomy began with family. 'My grandfather and father loved astronomy in general. We had a small amateur telescope and would look at Jupiter, the Moon, and Saturn. To observe more, I quickly bought a bigger telescope that could adapt to a camera at night. This allowed me to capture certain nebulae and even luminous galaxies.'
Astrophotography offers unique advantages over naked-eye observation. 'Through the lens, we can observe the sky better than the human eye, which can only distinguish a few stars. In photography, we see the Milky Way and galaxies in much greater detail,' Looten notes. 'With a camera, it's incredible to think we can capture objects that are millions of light-years away. I find it fascinating. Astrophotography is somewhat the symbiosis between art and science.'
On his Instagram account, Looten shares stunning images from northern France, including some remarkable phenomena. On October 11, 2024, while positioned in Ambleteuse on the Opal Coast, he experienced an extraordinary moment. 'I was able to see the northern lights. I had never seen this with my own eyes. As a photographer, it was like a dream to see this phenomenon at home.'
Beyond this rare event, Looten achieved another remarkable shot - capturing the Moon perfectly crowning the Golden Lion of the Arras belfry. 'Many people thought it was a photomontage, but this image was completely real,' he says. To accomplish this precise shot, he positioned himself nearly five kilometers away. 'Very precisely, I had to choose the right angle for my framing. I wanted the Moon to be perfectly aligned with the monument. It required good weather conditions and a perfectly clear horizon.'
As both an archaeologist by profession and astrophotographer by passion, Looten brings a unique perspective to his work. 'I blend heritage with the beauty of the sky. I love making connections between what's on Earth and in space. This allows people who look at my photos to better identify and be more or less sensitive to astronomy.'
Currently in Chile, Looten is experiencing some of the world's purest skies. 'When I go out to observe the stars, I'm blown away. At the zenith, we can observe our galaxy in detail with the dust filaments that are in space. In photography, it's just incredible. There are colors everywhere,' he describes enthusiastically.
The location offers significant advantages over European shooting conditions. 'There, unlike in France, light pollution is minimal. Nowadays, artificial lights alter the quality of the sky. In the middle of the city, we only see a few stars, while in the countryside, we can distinguish them better.'
Looten's trip to Chile serves a greater purpose beyond personal photography. 'If I'm on the other side of the planet, it's to immortalize skies that are purer than in Europe. With photographer friends, we plan to create a documentary and photo report.'
Beyond simply photographing the sky, Looten is passionate about raising awareness of light pollution. 'It's close to my heart to raise awareness about the fact that light pollution represents a major scourge, whether for flora, fauna, or even the human species.'
The young photographer's work demonstrates how astrophotography can serve as both an artistic medium and a scientific tool, capturing celestial objects millions of light-years away while highlighting the importance of preserving our dark skies. His unique approach of combining terrestrial heritage with cosmic beauty creates images that resonate with viewers and potentially inspire greater interest in astronomy and environmental conservation.
As the Night of the Stars event continues through the weekend, enthusiasts can choose from various observation methods - naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes - to explore the wonders that Looten captures so expertly through his lens. His work serves as both inspiration and education, showing how the marriage of art and science can create truly spectacular results while advocating for the protection of our natural night sky heritage.
