Gazing into the Unspeakable Beauty of Montana's Night Sky
The night sky, particularly in places blessed with clear air and minimal light pollution, holds a beauty that often surpasses what our unaided eyes can perceive. This image, captured on a July 4th weekend in southwest Montana, is a testament to that fact.
Using a Nikon D850 and a Sigma Art 20mm f/1.4 lens, I aimed to capture the vibrant colors and intricate details of the cosmos. With settings of ISO 6400, f/2.8, and a 10-second exposure, I took multiple images – 6 light frames and 10 dark frames – which were then stacked using Starry Landscape Stacker and processed in Lightroom Classic CC.
Unveiling the Invisible Colors
The colors you see here, extending diagonally across the frame, are the hidden hues of our night sky. What we are witnessing is our view through a small segment of one of the Milky Way Galaxy's spiraling arms. The sheer scale of our galaxy is almost incomprehensible: a diameter of 52,850 light-years, with a light-year equating to 5.88 trillion miles. The immensity is truly mind-boggling.
Cosmic Landmarks in the Frame
Beyond the sprawling arms of the Milky Way, this image reveals other fascinating celestial features. Just above the summit of Black Butte, the distinctive silhouette of the Dark Horse Nebula is visible. Nebulae, vast clouds of gas and dust, can be the remnants of exploded stars or the very cradles for new star formation. This Dark Horse Nebula contributes to what is known as the Great Rift, the darker lanes that cut through the core of the Milky Way, clearly discernible in this photograph.
During the year this image was taken, the planet Jupiter was also a prominent celestial visitor. It appears here as a bright white point of light, situated to the right of the Dark Horse Nebula.
The Power of Astrophotography
The techniques employed in capturing this image allow us to see stars that are invisible to the naked eye. The density of stars can be almost overwhelming, prompting photographers like myself to sometimes reduce their apparent number and size in post-processing to create a more relatable image.
This entire experience, from the technical execution to the final viewing, can be summed up in a single word: WOW.
The Impact of Light Pollution
Montana's clear air and limited light pollution are a blessing for stargazers and astrophotographers. However, even here, the faint orange glow visible behind the mountains originates from light pollution over 100 miles away from Idaho Falls. These artificial light domes not only hinder our view of the stars but also disrupt wildlife, particularly migrating birds.
As stewards of our natural world, let's be mindful of our lighting practices. Reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting can make a significant difference, allowing us all to better appreciate the wonders of the night sky. The next time you find yourself marveling at the stars from a mountain top, you'll be grateful for these efforts.
