AN ASTRONOMER has taken a series of stunning photographs during the lockdown.

Robin Durant said the absence of aeroplane trails and a dramatic drop in air pollution has left Sussex skies far clearer than normal.

This allowed him to capture a shot of the International Space Station blazing over Westdene in Brighton at the weekend.

The 85-year-old, from Withdean, said: “With the lockdown, air pollution has decreased incredibly due to less cars being on the roads and less manufacturing going on.

The Argus:

“As astronomers, we are experiencing beautiful skies which we don’t normally have.

“Without Gatwick and other airports running, we are not getting all the contrails from planes.

“For a normal photograph, I will leave it for a four minute exposure. But in that time an aeroplane will often fly over and mess things up.”

The Argus:

Robin, who is the chairman of the Adur Astronomical Society, said the space station had been visible several times this week.

He said: “I took a 40 second exposure which shows the trail. If I had taken a normal photo it would just look like a star.

“But it’s fast-moving. It comes from the west and goes into the east.

The Argus:

"It’s funny to look at it and think there are people on board.

"We always give it a wave when it flies over.”

"Though this might be the most extreme example of social distancing possible, Robin has had much closer contact with those on board the station in the past.

The Argus:

"He said; “A few years ago we messaged those on board and asked, ‘when you go over Brighton, can you take a photograph for us?’

"And they did.”

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund