A Celestial Encounter: My Milky Way Self-Portrait at Red Rock State Park

Last month, on April 17th, 2021, I had the privilege of capturing a truly magical moment under the vast expanse of our galaxy at Red Rock State Park in California. This self-portrait is more than just a photograph; it's a testament to the enduring wonder of the night sky, even in areas increasingly affected by light pollution.

The Setup for the Shot

The conditions for astrophotography at Red Rock State Park, despite its proximity to urban centers like Palmdale and Los Angeles, were surprisingly decent. However, it's a reality that light pollution seems to be an ever-growing concern, making nights like these all the more precious. For this shot, I used my Sony a7iii with a Rokinon 20mm lens, set to an aperture of F1.8. The exposure was 13 seconds with an ISO of 5000, perfectly balancing light gathering with image quality.

The Experience

There's an unparalleled feeling of connection when you stand beneath the glowing band of the Milky Way, looking up into the cosmic core. It's moments like these that inspire a profound sense of wonder and our place within the universe. The placement of myself in the frame, gazing upwards, is intended to evoke that very feeling of awe.

Red Rock Canyon vs. Red Rock State Park?

I've had a few people ask if this location is connected to Red Rock Canyon in Nevada. While they share a similar name and are geographically somewhat close, they are distinct parks. However, both offer unique opportunities for appreciating the natural world, and Nevada's Red Rock Canyon is generally considered to have darker skies, especially when facing southwest to west.

The Challenge of Light Pollution

It's a sobering thought that light pollution is an increasing issue. As our cities expand, the glow that obscures the stars becomes more prevalent. This makes finding darker locations and planning astrophotography trips even more important. The question of whether good astro photos can still be taken in areas like Red Rock State Park is a valid one, and I believe the answer is still a resounding yes, with careful planning and an appreciation for the darker pockets that remain.

This image is a reminder that even with the challenges, the beauty of the cosmos is still accessible, waiting to be discovered and shared. Keep looking up!