Milky Way Majesty Over the San Juan Peaks
Recently, a camping trip in the stunning San Juan Mountain Range in Colorado provided the perfect backdrop for a night of stargazing and astrophotography. Scouted near a campsite south of Silverton, this location offered an unobstructed view of the cosmos.
Despite a windy day, the conditions at this particular spot were calm, allowing for a short venture from the campsite to capture this incredible scene.
Technical Details:
- Camera: Panasonic S1Rii
- Lens: Sigma 40mm f1.4
- Technique: Tracked / Blended / Pano
- Sky Exposure: 180s f2.8 iso400 (4 portrait panels)
- Foreground Exposure: 180s f2.8 iso400 (3 landscape panels)
- Processing Software: Darktable, Siril, Starnet++, Cosmic Clarity, and Gimp
The resulting image is a testament to the dedication involved in capturing such celestial wonders. The detail in the gas clouds around the Milky Way's core is exceptional, perfectly complemented by the sharp, detailed foreground. The photographer is particularly pleased with the clarity and low noise, attributing some of it to the high-resolution sensor and the quality of the Sigma lens. Future experiments might involve hyperfocal distance for even sharper foreground focus, but for now, this capture represents a remarkable achievement in bringing the universe closer to us.
