Altair and Aquila: A Glimpse of the Milky Way from Montana's Wilderness
The core of the Milky Way is now rising very early in the East, offering a spectacular celestial display. This image captures that moment, with the galactic heart soaring above a mixed forest of Douglas Fir, Lodgepole Pine, and Subalpine Fir.
The snow-covered meadow in the foreground is a cherished spot, especially in early summer. It will soon be alive with a vibrant array of wildflowers: Glacier Lilies, Shooting Stars, Wild Iris, Sticky Geranium, and at the edges, cheerful Arnica blooms will dot the landscape like specks of sunshine. Nearby springs nourish Globe Flowers and Trillium, and a tranquil pond on the north side is a known habitat for moose seeking fresh grass shoots.
The prominent, bright star in the center of the frame is Altair. This star is a key feature near the head of the Eagle, within the constellation known as Aquila. Interestingly, Altair is approximately 1.8 times the size of our Sun, but it rotates significantly faster. This rapid spin even distorts its normally spherical shape, a fascinating characteristic of fast-spinning stars.
During the capture of this image, a meteor streaked across the sky, just outside the frame. It's a powerful reminder of how our atmosphere interacts with light, creating fleeting moments where distant stars seem to flare for a second before returning to their steady brilliance.
Spending time under such a magnificent sky is a profound experience, even if it means an early start at 3 a.m. This particular shot was taken just a few miles south of Bozeman, Montana.
Technical Details:
- Camera: Nikon D850
- Lens: Sigma Art 20mm 1.8
Sky Exposure: ISO 4000, f/2.8, 10 seconds (10 lights and 30 darks stacked in Starry Landscape Stacker, processed in Lightroom, with star reduction using the Ministars action in Photoshop).
Land Exposure: ISO 1000, f/3.5, 140 seconds (processed in Lightroom, with sky and land blended in Photoshop. Topaz Denoise applied with "too soft, normal" settings).
