Nic has been experimenting with Solarcan for many years, testing new placements and ideas, always chasing fresh ways to explore the sky. But one project in particular has risen above the rest, a year-long experiment that required dedication, patience, and absolute commitment. For this reason, we have decided to award Nic with the very first Solarcan Super User Spotlight – which grants the user not only with a dedicated page on our site, but also the most coveted product of all: A Solarcan Superuser pin. 

Nic successfully captured an Analemma. This graceful figure eight traced by the Sun in the sky when photographed at the same time each day across a full year. Achieving this with a Solarcan is no small feat: it demands precise setup, faith in the elements, and the determination to see the year through. The result is both scientifically fascinating and visually stunning, a Solarcan masterpiece.

To celebrate, we’re also proud to announce that Issue 11 of the Solarcan manual is now shipping with every new Solarcan and Nic’s Analemma graces the cover. It’s a fitting tribute to a project that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with pinhole solargraphy.

Nic is a STEM ambassador and popular figure in the world of Solar Astronomy. Over the years Nic has produced many different Solarcan results, and although the analemma tops the lot, the others in her portfolio are also incredible… Just take a look:

We’ll let Nic explain this “Tangoed” image in her own words:

A Solargraph (long exposure pinhole photograph to record the path of the sun) featuring the historic railway sign which marks the halfway point between London and Edinburgh. The 50ft wide sign was handmade by apprentice engineer Ken Bainbridge from Newton-On-Ouse when he was 17 in 1938 using only chisels, a hacksaw and a file. It was restored by Network Rail in October this year at the request of the family. I was aiming to catch the sun’s path from Summer Solstice to Winter Solstice using a Solarcan, however a hilarious prankster decided to crush the can and replace it with a Tango can so the experiment has apparently been ‘Tangoed’! Solargraph fanatics embrace damaged cans and water damage however, as it often adds a unique style to the image… so thank you prankster, you did me a favour! As the only thing in the foreground were weeds in the shade, you have added an explosive burst of light to the bottom of the image which I love.

Nic calls the holy grail of solargraphy, a complete solargraph that captures the midsummer peak – and she achieved it with one of the Solarcan Colours which positions a pinhole closer to the top to allow for higher captures. It was exposed from summer solstice to winter solstice 20 June – 21 Dec 2024. Nic worked the colours out in Photoshop and saw some wonder in the internal reflections inside the Solarcan that made the beautiful arcs. Nic says she was “Thrilled to bits with it as I’m always seeking something unusual!”