Milky Way Arch on the Eastern Plains of Colorado
The night sky above the Eastern Plains of Colorado put on a spectacular show, revealing the majestic arch of the Milky Way. This image marks the first capture of our galaxy's core for the year, a testament to the captivating beauty that unfolds when we look up.
While a 25% moon did cast its presence, rising near the heart of the Milky Way, and there might have been a touch too much light pollution subtly enhancing the foreground beneath the arch, the overall result is a view to behold. The intricate details of the galaxy, stretching across the darkness, are beautifully rendered.
This photograph was achieved using advanced techniques, including tracking and blending to capture the full splendor of the scene. The gear involved was a Panasonic S5a camera paired with a Sigma 20mm f1.4 lens and an MSM Nomad tracker.
Technical Details:
- Sky: 9 portrait shots, each 60 seconds at f2.2 and ISO 1250.
- Foreground: 9 portrait shots, each 60 seconds at f2.2 and ISO 1250.
The processing journey for this image involved a suite of powerful tools: PTGUI for stitching, Siril for raw processing, Darktable for adjustments, Gimp for final touches, and Cosmic Clarity for enhancements. The result is a truly awe-inspiring capture of our cosmic neighborhood.
