Milky Way Majesty Amidst the Clouds: A Hurricane Mountain Adventure

Last Easter break, the lure of the Lyrid Meteor Shower and the celestial spectacle of the Milky Way drew me to Hurricane Mountain in the Adirondacks. Setting out around 10:30 PM, the summit was my goal, with hopes of a perfectly clear sky for capturing the night's wonders.

Summit Views and Unexpected Guests

Upon reaching the summit around midnight, the forecast of 0% cloud cover proved to be a bit optimistic – I was greeted by a roughly 50% cloud cover. While disheartening, the experience was immediately redeemed by the sight of a massive Lyrid fireball, a truly unforgettable moment that made the strenuous hike with a 40lb bag entirely worthwhile. I spent the next couple of hours simply lying down, watching the meteor shower, and hoping for the clouds to dissipate. They, unfortunately, never fully cleared, but brief pockets of visibility offered a precious opportunity.

Crafting the Panorama

These fleeting clear skies were enough for me to set up my star tracker and begin a multi-row panorama, a technique I was eager to employ. This method is crucial for capturing the Milky Way in April, as it begins to mature and climb higher into the early morning sky, a position that becomes even more pronounced as the months progress.

The process went smoothly, though clouds stubbornly lingered on the northern side, resulting in the absence of the Milky Way's left flank, with some patches also affecting the southern view. Despite these challenges, I'm incredibly happy with the resulting image and the chance to share this stunning celestial display.

The Power of Long Exposure

It's important to remember that what you see in photographs like this is far beyond what the human eye can perceive. Our eyes, while amazing, lack the low-light capabilities to capture the vibrant colors and intricate details present in the night sky. However, this doesn't mean the Milky Way isn't observable with the naked eye; it simply means that a camera, with its long exposure capabilities, can reveal a universe of detail that remains hidden to our direct vision.

A Note on Preservation

When venturing into beautiful natural environments like the Adirondacks, always remember to practice Leave No Trace principles. Let's keep these wild places pristine for future explorers and astronomers alike.

Technical Details:

• Camera: Canon R6
• Lens: EF 24-70mm f/2.8 II
• Sky: 18 panels | f/2.8 | 120s | ISO 1600
• Foreground: 6 panels | f/2.8 | 180s | ISO 3200

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Check out a timelapse from this adventure on Hurricane Mountain .

Love Hurricane Mountain! Fantastic shot.