Cottonwood Pass: Chasing Stars at 12,126ft

Last night, a detour to Buena Vista, Colorado, led me on an unexpected adventure to Cottonwood Pass, a stunning location situated at a lofty 12,126 feet. Drawn by the allure of a clear night sky, I ventured out at midnight for a session of stargazing and astrophotography.

Facing the Elements

The conditions were certainly challenging. A few wisps of thin clouds played tricks with the starlight, causing some stars to appear bloated on the right side of the frame. The biting wind, gusting steadily at 32ºF, made for a truly chilly experience. While the ambient starlight was just enough to guide me and prevent me from venturing too close to the cornice edge, it wasn't quite enough to reveal the source of the mysterious song dog calls echoing in the darkness.

The Image: A Stitched Masterpiece

This stacked panorama is a testament to the dedication required for capturing the vastness of the night sky. Utilizing a Nikon D850 with a Sigma Art 20mm 1.4 lens, the shot was captured at ISO 6400, f/2.8, with a 10-second exposure. The final image is a composite of 8 individual shots, each meticulously processed. For optimal noise reduction and detail, 5 light frames and 10 dark frames were stacked using Starry Landscape Stacker, followed by careful processing in Lightroom. A single pass through Photoshop, employing the Ministars Action at level 4, further enhanced the celestial details.

The Reward

Despite the cold and the atmospheric nuances, the resulting image offers an incredible glimpse into the cosmos. It's moments like these, standing beneath a blanket of stars with only the sounds of nature for company, that make braving the elements entirely worthwhile. The absence of artificial light pollution, as noted by fellow enthusiasts, was a significant bonus, allowing the true brilliance of the night sky to shine through.

Technical Specifications:

• Camera: Nikon D850
• Lens: Sigma Art 20mm 1.4
• ISO: 6400
• Aperture: f/2.8
• Exposure: 10 seconds
• Processing: Starry Landscape Stacker (5 light + 10 dark frames), Lightroom, Photoshop (Ministars Action - Level 4)

This experience serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that awaits those willing to venture out into the night, especially from elevated vantage points like Cottonwood Pass.