Lost in the Stars on Coney Mountain šā°ļø
Coney Mountain, standing at 2,267 feet, offers one of the darkest night sky experiences in New York. With a summit aphotic reading of 21.89 mag/arcsecĀ², it rivals even the darkest skies imaginable (22.00 mag/arcsecĀ²). This exceptional darkness places Coney Mountain firmly in Bortle Class 2, a rare haven where the Milky Way unfolds in all its spectacular glory.
On a recent hazy night, the starlight took on a unique, ethereal quality. The thin veil of high clouds scattered and diffused the light, causing each star to radiate with an intense, almost dreamlike glow. This phenomenon is perfectly captured in the panorama below, giving it that iconic, dreamy aesthetic.
It's important to remember that while our eyes can still appreciate the wonder of the Milky Way, they simply don't possess the low-light capabilities to perceive its vibrant colors and intricate details in the same way a camera can. Long exposure photography unlocks a level of detail and color saturation that reveals the true, awe-inspiring nature of our galaxy, transforming what we might see with our naked eye into a truly mesmerizing spectacle.
When visiting the beautiful Adirondacks, please remember to practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve these pristine environments for future generations.
Technical Details:
- Camera: Canon R6
- Lens: EF 24-70mm f/2.8 II
Sky Acquisition:
- 8 panels
- f/2.8
- 120s exposure
- ISO 1600
Foreground Acquisition:
- 10 panels
- f/2.8
- 120s exposure
- ISO 6400
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