In a truly remarkable fusion of two seemingly different worlds, a builder from the West Midlands has captivated the scientific community with his stunning photographs of distant galaxies. While his days are spent on building sites, his nights are dedicated to a passion that takes him light-years away from Earth. Through a combination of dedicated effort and sophisticated equipment, this amateur astrophotographer has captured breathtaking images of the cosmos, proving that a passion for the stars can be pursued by anyone, regardless of their profession. His work has since garnered global recognition and serves as an inspiration to people everywhere.
The man behind the lens is Chris Hatfield, a builder and father of two from Stourbridge. For years, Hatfield would finish a long day of construction work and return home to set up his portable observatory in his backyard. Using a powerful telescope, a specialized camera, and complex tracking software, he began to document the night sky. His photos have captured the awe-inspiring beauty of nebulae, planets, and most notably, the Triangulum Galaxy, a spiral galaxy located over three million light-years away. His work has been featured in astronomy magazines and on social media, where he has amassed a large following of fellow enthusiasts.
Hatfield’s journey into astrophotography began as a childhood fascination with the stars. He was always curious about the universe, but the high cost of equipment and a demanding career meant his dream had to be put on hold. It was only later in life, as technology became more accessible, that he was able to fully dedicate himself to the hobby. He has spent countless hours learning the technical aspects of the equipment and the art of image processing, which is required to bring out the faint details of cosmic objects. His commitment demonstrates that the pursuit of scientific curiosity is not limited to those with formal academic training.
The story of the builder who photographs galaxies is a powerful reminder of the passion that can exist outside of one’s profession. Hatfield’s work has been praised by professional astronomers for its high quality and detail, and he has been invited to speak at astronomy events across the UK. His unique blend of a hands-on, practical career and a deeply technical and artistic hobby shows that the spirit of exploration and creativity can be found in all walks of life. His journey from the building site to the cosmos is a testament to the idea that with enough passion and perseverance, anyone can reach for the stars.
