I am Ondrej Králik, an amateur astrophotographer from Považská Bystrica, Slovakia. I have been engaged in astrophotography since 2014. I focus on photographing rare celestial events, deep-sky objects, and landscape astrophotography, which brings the beauty of the night sky above usually familiar landscapes closer to people. Through my work, I also aim to raise awareness of the significant problem of light pollution, which has increased at an incredible rate over the past few decades. As a result of light pollution, nocturnal animal species are dying, people’s health is being harmed due to reduced sleep quality, and too much money is being spent on energy. Light pollution is also robbing us of the beauty of the night sky, which increasingly requires traveling far from cities and high into the mountains. Although I am tired after every sleepless night, astrophotography fulfills and recharges me.

In a world full of negative information, chaos, and nervousness, it is essential to find a safe place full of tranquility. For me, a night spent in nature with a clear sky above is an oasis of peace created for mental hygiene. The starry sky, majestic panorama, priceless views, and sounds of the forest are a true balm for the soul. Antoine de Saint Exupéry wrote: „…what is essential is invisible to the eye.“ And this also applies to astrophotography. When observing the night sky, it is impossible for the human eye to capture what a camera sensor can. This is due to the imperfection of the human eye and the technical advancement of the camera. You can enjoy detailed shots of distant celestial objects and the beauty of the night landscape in high resolution at your fingertips through my photographs.

Some of my photos have been awarded by the American NASA: Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD), Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD), The World at Night (TWAN). Among my other achievements are Czech and Slovak awards: Let’s Light Our Way, Not the Stars, Universe Without Borders – Light Pollution, the Award of the Czech and Slovak Astronomical Society, and participation in both domestic and international astrophotography exhibitions.

I am Ondrej Králik, an amateur astrophotographer from Považská Bystrica, Slovakia. I have been engaged in astrophotography since 2014. I focus on photographing rare celestial events, deep-sky objects, and landscape astrophotography, which brings the beauty of the night sky above usually familiar landscapes closer to people. Through my work, I also aim to raise awareness of the significant problem of light pollution, which has increased at an incredible rate over the past few decades. As a result of light pollution, nocturnal animal species are dying, people’s health is being harmed due to reduced sleep quality, and too much money is being spent on energy. Light pollution is also robbing us of the beauty of the night sky, which increasingly requires traveling far from cities and high into the mountains. Although I am tired after every sleepless night, astrophotography fulfills and recharges me.

In a world full of negative information, chaos, and nervousness, it is essential to find a safe place full of tranquility. For me, a night spent in nature with a clear sky above is an oasis of peace created for mental hygiene. The starry sky, majestic panorama, priceless views, and sounds of the forest are a true balm for the soul. Antoine de Saint Exupéry wrote: „…what is essential is invisible to the eye.“ And this also applies to astrophotography. When observing the night sky, it is impossible for the human eye to capture what a camera sensor can. This is due to the imperfection of the human eye and the technical advancement of the camera. You can enjoy detailed shots of distant celestial objects and the beauty of the night landscape in high resolution at your fingertips through my photographs.

Some of my photos have been awarded by the American NASA: Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD), Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD), The World at Night (TWAN). Among my other achievements are Czech and Slovak awards: Let’s Light Our Way, Not the Stars, Universe Without Borders – Light Pollution, the Award of the Czech and Slovak Astronomical Society, and participation in both domestic and international astrophotography exhibitions.