North Prong Trail Caprock Canyon Milky Way: Capturing Cosmic Hues
Last night, I had the incredible opportunity to capture the majesty of the Milky Way from North Prong Trail in Caprock Canyon State Park. Despite a touch of cloud and haze, these conditions lent a unique, almost surreal green blurred airglow vibe to the sky, transforming the familiar celestial river into something truly magical.
What makes this location so special for astrophotography is its accessibility. This breathtaking shot was remarkably easy to capture, requiring only a short half-mile trek from the parking lot. The surrounding canyons perfectly block out the setting sun, allowing for exceptionally early blue hour shots that lay the groundwork for stunning night sky photography.
Technical Details
The capture involved a Sony A7rV (modded) and a Sigma 14mm f1.4 paired with a Sigma 24mm f1.4 DG DN lens.
- Sky: 5 exposures, each 1 minute long, at f1.4 with the 24mm lens.
- Ground: An early blue-hour focus stack consisting of a single 1/6 second exposure at f13.
The result is a vibrant and detailed panorama that highlights the subtle beauty of the night sky, even under less-than-perfect conditions. The green airglow adds an unexpected and captivating dimension, making this a truly memorable capture.
