Chasing Galaxies from the Garden State: Milky Way Over Judges Shack

Have you ever thought you needed to travel to the absolute darkest corners of the Earth to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Milky Way? Think again! This incredible shot, captured at Judges Shack in Island Beach State Park, New Jersey, proves that even in densely populated areas, pockets of dark skies can yield breathtaking results.

This stunning photograph was taken using a Nikon Z8 with a Nikkor 14-30mm F4 lens. The photographer employed a sophisticated stacking technique, combining 10 exposures of 15 seconds each at ISO 3200 for the sky to gather as much light as possible and reduce noise. The foreground, a critical element in grounding this celestial panorama, was captured in a single exposure with identical settings.

Finding Dark Skies in New Jersey

The question on many minds is: how is this even possible in New Jersey? The secret lies in location. Island Beach State Park is renowned for being one of the darkest accessible spots in the state. Its coastal position, away from major light pollution sources, and its eastward-facing views make it an ideal location for capturing the majesty of the night sky, including the prominent band of our own galaxy.

The photographer confirmed that this shot was taken in mid to late summer of 2023. This timing is crucial, as the Milky Way core is at its most visible during these months from the Northern Hemisphere.

A Celestial Surprise

The visibility of such a detailed Milky Way, extending beyond the familiar Scorpius region, even to observers in Southern California, is a testament to the quality of the capture and the persistence of the photographer. It highlights that under the right conditions and with the right equipment, the universe is closer than we think.

This image serves as an inspiration for aspiring astrophotographers everywhere, proving that you don't always need to venture to remote deserts to connect with the cosmos. Sometimes, a hidden gem closer to home is all it takes.