Trona Pinnacles Under the Stars: A Milky Way Masterpiece
Step into an otherworldly landscape where ancient tufa spires reach for the cosmos. This image captures a tranquil night at the Trona Pinnacles, with the vibrant core of the Milky Way blazing across the star-dusted sky.
To create this breathtaking scene, a delicate balance was struck between capturing the celestial wonders and respecting the serene environment. The astrophotographer employed a dual-capture technique, blending a tracked and stacked night sky with a meticulously exposed and stacked foreground. The use of an H-alpha filter was key in revealing the subtle, glowing pink nebulas nestled within the Milky Way's heart.
Capturing the Cosmos: The Technical Details
- Camera: Sony A7iii (Astro modified)
- Lens: Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM
- Mount: Sky Watcher Star Adventurer
Sky Acquisition:
- Exposure: 6 x 60 seconds (tracked and stacked)
- Aperture: f/1.8
- ISO: 640
Foreground Capture:
- Exposure: 5 x 60 seconds
- Aperture: f/1.8
- ISO: 640
- Technique: 3 Image Focus Stack
H-alpha Continuum:
- Exposure: 4 x 60 seconds
- Aperture: f/1.4
- ISO: 3200
This dedication to technique and equipment allowed for a truly stunning portrayal of the Trona Pinnacles under a glorious night sky. For more captivating images and behind-the-scenes content, check out on Instagram.
