Under the Stars in Atacama

There's a special magic that happens when you find yourself far from city lights, gazing up at a truly pristine night sky. I recently had the incredible opportunity to capture this moment in the Atacama Desert, a place renowned for its exceptionally clear and dark skies.

A View from Above

This image was taken last year at an altitude of over 14,000 feet (more than 4,000 meters). The thin, dry air at these heights, combined with minimal light pollution, creates a celestial panorama that is simply unparalleled. It feels as though the stars themselves form a dome above you, stretching out in a way that instills a profound sense of wonder.

For those curious about what the naked eye can perceive on such nights, while you can indeed see the Milky Way, its colors are not as vivid as captured in photographs. Our night vision primarily operates in black and white, and the intricate details seen in long-exposure astrophotography are naturally beyond our unaided perception. Nevertheless, the sheer brilliance and density of stars visible are still an absolutely incredible experience.

This shot was a labor of love, and I'm thrilled to share it with you. The Atacama Desert truly is a special place, offering a glimpse into the vastness of our universe. You can find more of my work on Instagram at .