Milky Way Over Amboy Crater
Last weekend, I ventured out to Amboy Crater with the ambitious plan of capturing a panoramic view of the Milky Way over the iconic landmark. While the vision didn't quite pan out as initially hoped, the resulting image is still a breathtaking testament to the dark skies available in this unique location.
The primary challenge was finding a suitable foreground and angle. We couldn't get as close to the crater as desired, which made it appear smaller in the frame than anticipated. To compensate and capture as much of the celestial spectacle as possible, I opted for a wider 14mm lens.
Technical Details:
- Date: March 9, 2024
- Time: Approximately 2:45 AM
- Camera: Sony A7iv
- Lens: Samyang 14mm @ 14mm
- Aperture: F2.8
- ISO: 1600
- Processing: Stacked
- Foreground Exposure: 93 seconds
- Tracked Sky Exposure: 120 seconds
The drive to Amboy Crater proved to be well worth the effort. The darkness here rivals that of Joshua Tree National Park, offering an incredible canvas for astrophotography. It's a spot that has also fostered a sense of community, with fellow photographers often encountered in the parking lot, sharing the passion for capturing the night sky.
The clarity and vibrant colors in this shot are truly a reward for braving the early morning hours. It's moments like these that remind us of the vast beauty that stretches above us, waiting to be discovered.
