Milky Way Majesty Over the Peter Iredale Shipwreck
There's a unique magic that happens when the grandeur of the cosmos meets the poignant beauty of human history. This past Saturday night, that magic unfolded as the Milky Way arched its luminous band directly over the iconic Peter Iredale shipwreck. Standing on the Oregon coast, gazing at this massive lattice of steel, a sense of reassurance washed over me. The shipwreck, a testament to time and resilience, rusted yet standing prominently, stoically, and proudly in silence, provided a powerful foreground to the celestial spectacle above.
This composite image is the culmination of a long-anticipated photographic endeavor, aiming to capture the profound connection between our terrestrial past and the infinite expanse of our galaxy.
Capturing the Cosmic Core
The technical details behind this shot were crucial in bringing the vision to life:
- Camera: Nikon z6 II
- Lens: Rokinon 50mm f1.4
- Exposure:
- RGB: 239 seconds, ISO 1250
- H-Alpha: 180 seconds, ISO 3200
- Tracking Mount: Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI (SWSA GTI)
This combination of equipment and settings allowed for the capture of both the broad spectrum of the Milky Way and the finer details of its nebulae, all while maintaining the imposing presence of the Peter Iredale.
It's moments like these, where the ancient story of our galaxy intertwines with the more recent narrative of human endeavors, that truly inspire awe and a deeper appreciation for our place in the universe.
