Milky Way Aligned with a Historic German Oak
What a spectacular sight! For the first time, I've managed to capture the awe-inspiring Milky Way with a genuine landmark in the foreground. This magnificent 300-year-old Oak tree, affectionately known as the 'Oak of the Russians', stands proudly in Hesse, Germany.
A Tree Steeped in History
The tree earned its name from Russian soldiers who camped beneath its branches. Legend has it they fought back against Napoleon's troops in this very area during the Napoleonic Wars in 1813. Today, it's a registered natural landmark, and its colossal trunk, split wide open on one side, tells tales of centuries past. While the crown might look more impressive from other angles, I had to prioritize this particular perspective to perfectly align it with the celestial grandeur of the Milky Way.
Technical Details
This image was captured using:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Tamron SP 15-30 mm F2.8 DI VC USD G2
- Settings: Single Image - 15 seconds exposure, F2.8 aperture, ISO 6400
- Software: Adobe Lightroom Classic
It's truly a privilege to merge the beauty of the night sky with a piece of living history. I hope you enjoy this shot as much as I enjoyed creating it!
Cheers and thanks for reading!