Chasing the Galactic Core at Zion National Park: Your Essential Guide

Zion National Park, renowned for its stunning canyons and dramatic landscapes, also offers an incredible canvas for astrophotography, especially when the Galactic Core graces the night sky. If you're planning a visit this weekend (September 20th - 23rd), you're in for a treat! With the Galactic Core expected to be visible around 25-30 degrees elevation and facing southwards, particularly on Saturday and Monday nights, this is the perfect opportunity to capture a breathtaking scene.

For those new to Zion and eager to photograph this celestial wonder, finding the right foreground is key. Here are some iconic locations within Zion National Park that offer fantastic vantage points for capturing the Galactic Core:

Iconic Locations for Galactic Core Photography

• Pa'rus Trail: This paved trail offers relatively open views and easy access. The Virgin River and surrounding canyon walls can provide beautiful foreground elements. The southern facing direction of the Galactic Core means you can potentially frame it over some of Zion's iconic southern vistas.

• Canyon Junction Bridge: While accessible and offering a classic Zion view, be mindful of safety and potential crowds. The bridge itself, with the Virgin River and the Watchman peak, can make for a dramatic foreground to the star-filled sky.

• The Watchman Overlook: For a slightly elevated perspective, this overlook can provide expansive views. The silhouette of The Watchman against the Milky Way is a classic composition.

• Kolob Terrace Road: If you're looking for slightly less crowded areas and different perspectives of the park, this road offers several pull-offs with opportunities for wide-angle shots that can include the galactic core.

Tips for Capturing the Galactic Core in Zion

• Scout Your Location: Visit your chosen spot during daylight to plan your composition and identify any potential light pollution sources. Consider how the rising Galactic Core will fit into the landscape.
• Check the Weather and Moon Phase: Clear skies are paramount for astrophotography. A new moon phase will offer the darkest skies, maximizing the visibility of the Milky Way.
• Gear Up: A wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster is ideal), a sturdy tripod, and a camera capable of manual settings are essential.
• Camera Settings: Experiment with your settings, but a good starting point is an ISO of 1600-6400, an aperture of f/2.8-f/4, and a shutter speed of 15-30 seconds. Use a remote shutter release to avoid camera shake.
• Focusing: Manual focus is critical. Focus on a bright star or a distant light source using live view and zoom in to ensure sharpness.
• Light Painting: Consider using a flashlight with a diffusion cover to subtly light paint your foreground elements, adding depth and interest to your images.

Imagine capturing a view like this at Zion!

Local Expertise

For on-the-ground insights and specific recommendations tailored to Zion's unique dark sky opportunities, consider reaching out to local stargazing experts. The folks at Stargazing Zion are known for their expertise and could offer invaluable advice for your photography mission.

Happy shooting, and may your images be as breathtaking as Zion's canyons under a canopy of stars!