Milky Way Aligned Over Mount Rainier: A New Moon Spectacle
On a clear new moon night, the cosmos put on a truly spectacular show, with the magnificent band of our Milky Way galaxy arching perfectly over the iconic peak of Mount Rainier. This image captures a fleeting moment where the terrestrial landscape and the celestial expanse merge into one awe-inspiring vista.
The Magic of a New Moon
A new moon phase is a photographer's dream for capturing the night sky. Without the overwhelming light of our own moon, the fainter details of distant stars and nebulae become incredibly visible, allowing the Milky Way to truly shine. This alignment over Mount Rainier highlights how our familiar world can provide an incredible foreground to the grand tapestry of the universe.
Behind the Shot
This captivating image was captured using a Canon R5 Mark II with an RF 15-35mm f/2.8 lens. It's a single, untracked exposure, demonstrating the impressive capabilities of modern astrophotography equipment. The settings used were:
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Exposure: 20 seconds
- ISO: 3200
- White Balance: 4000K
These settings allowed for ample light gathering while keeping the image sharp and capturing the vibrant colors of the Milky Way against the dark silhouette of Mount Rainier.
This photograph serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that awaits us when we look up, especially during those rare nights when the sky is at its darkest.
