Mono Lake Under a Sky of Stars: Capturing Andromeda and Airglow
Last night, I had the incredible opportunity to witness and capture a truly spectacular celestial display over the unique landscape of Mono Lake in Lee Vining, California. This image, taken on October 5th, 2018, showcases the majestic Andromeda Galaxy alongside a mesmerizing phenomenon known as airglow, with a hint of terrestrial light pollution adding warmth to the scene.
A Celestial Symphony
This photograph was captured using a 20mm lens at an aperture of f/1.8, with an exposure of 15 seconds and an ISO of 8000. The result is a stunning portrayal of the cosmos, where the faint, ghostly spiral of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is clearly visible. Its immense scale, even at a distance of 2.5 million light-years, is awe-inspiring.
What truly elevates this image is the presence of green airglow. This ethereal glow in the upper atmosphere is caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with oxygen molecules. It paints a delicate, otherworldly hue across the night sky, creating a magical backdrop for the deeper celestial objects.
The orange hues you might notice are likely the result of light pollution. Even in relatively remote locations, distant urban centers can cast a subtle glow upwards, reflecting off atmospheric particles. While often a nuisance for astronomers, in this instance, it adds a unique dimension and a touch of terrestrial connection to the otherwise extraterrestrial view.
This image is a testament to the beauty that can be found when we venture out under the darkness of night and look up. The clarity of the sky, combined with the power of astrophotography, allows us to connect with the vastness of the universe in profound ways.
It's a humbling reminder of our place in the cosmos, especially when framed against the ancient, alien beauty of Mono Lake.
