The Celestial Emu: A Cosmic Spectacle Over Boonwurrung Country

Behold the awe-inspiring sight of the Celestial Emu, a celestial marvel rendered visible through the skilled lens of astrophotography. This incredible capture, taken over Tunnahan (Cape Schanck) on Boonwurrung Country, showcases the Milky Way in all its glory, forming the unmistakable silhouette of an emu against the night sky.

This remarkable 3-shot vertorama, composed at a wide 17mm focal length, was taken during a retreating tide. The Sagittarius Star Cloud shines brightly, piercing through a subtle green airglow. The darkness of the 'Great Rift,' a prominent feature of the Milky Way, beautifully defines the body of the emu, creating a truly captivating celestial scene.

The image was captured using a Sony A7III camera paired with a Tamron 17-28mm lens set at 17mm, f/2.8. A lengthy 20-second exposure at ISO 5000 allowed for the capture of these faint details, bringing the cosmic emu to life.

For those fortunate enough to reside in remote, rural areas, this majestic sight can often be observed with the naked eye, a profound reminder of the wonders that lie beyond our everyday lives. This photograph serves as a stunning testament to the beauty and vastness of our universe.