The Reliable Rhythms of Nature and the Night Sky

Nature offers a comforting sense of reliability, a predictable dance that we can always count on. We know the Sun will rise and set, its light ushering in the day and its absence deepening the night. This predictable rotation of our Earth allows us to forecast celestial events with accuracy. For instance, as an astrophotographer, I know the heart of the Milky Way graces the spring sky in the southeast, gracefully shifting to the southwest by October. Even before complete darkness descends, familiar beacons like Antares, the orange star beside the Milky Way's core, become recognizable.

Beyond celestial predictability, nature's reliability extends to the powerful element of water. Water possesses a dual nature, capable of both soothing and invigorating the soul. There's an unparalleled serenity found in a perfectly still body of water mirroring a celestial expanse – a billion stars reflected in its depths. On this particular night, the reservoir was exceptionally full, meaning the water in this area was quite shallow. This minimizes the swells typically found in deeper water, creating an incredible mirror-like surface. The stillness was so profound that standing at the edge and gazing down created a disorienting yet exhilarating sensation, akin to standing on the precipice of a canyon overlooking a sea of stars.

In such pristine darkness, the stars truly shine with inverse brilliance. Within mere minutes, your eyes begin to adjust, allowing you to discern the landscape's details illuminated solely by starlight. The silhouettes of Hyalite Peak, Divide Peak, Maid of the Mist Mountain, and Palace Butte were readily identifiable. It was possible to navigate gently without a headlamp, and even the trees began to emerge from the shadows, revealing their intricate details. Speaking of reliability, these majestic peaks possess an enduring ability to evoke a sense of wonder that transcends any human-created divisions. While these spots can be bustling with activity during the day, under the cloak of night, it was just my friend, myself, and the quiet presence of sleepy campers.

The night sky is indeed sustenance for the soul, and this evening provided a feast. The entire night was a testament to nature's dependable beauty, a profoundly satisfying experience.

Technical Details:

Sky and Reflection:

• Nikon D850
• Sigma Art 14-14mm 2.8
• ISO 8000, f/2.8, 15 seconds
• 10 light and 10 dark images stacked in Starry Landscape Stacker
• Processed in Lightroom

Landscape:

• Nikon D850
• ISO 8000, f/2.8, 206 seconds
• Noise reduction in Topaz Sharpen
• Blended in Photoshop using the Ministars Action (level 5) to minimize star appearance.
• Warp tool used to straighten trees on the edges (final adjustments in Lightroom's transform panel).
• Pucker tool in Liquify filter used to minimize a few stars bloated by high, thin clouds.