Bortle 2 Bliss: A Pixel 7's Journey to Death Valley's Dark Skies

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to venture out to Death Valley, renowned for its exceptionally dark skies. Armed with just my Google Pixel 7 and a thirst for the cosmos, I set out to capture the celestial wonders that await under a truly dark sky.

The Capture: Pixel 7 Under the Stars

The result? A stunning 4-minute exposure that allows you to not only see the vastness of the night sky but also a glimpse of ourselves – myself and the boys – enjoying the spectacle from our lawn chairs at the bottom of the frame.

Understanding Airglow

One of the fascinating aspects of these incredibly dark environments is the visibility of phenomena like airglow. As one commenter pointed out, the image shows "a lot of airglow." For those curious, airglow is a natural emission of light by a planetary atmosphere. It's a result of various chemical reactions occurring high in the atmosphere, and it's most visible in areas with minimal light pollution.

While it might seem like a dispersion effect, it's distinct from atmospheric dispersion. The key to seeing it is indeed truly dark conditions, as the light is very faint and easily overwhelmed by artificial light sources. Even in what's classified as Bortle 2 skies, regional influences like the "Glow" from nearby Las Vegas can still subtly impact certain directions, emphasizing the importance of timing and location even in seemingly ideal spots.

This experience in Death Valley was a powerful reminder of the beauty that lies beyond our city lights, and how even with relatively accessible technology, we can capture a piece of that cosmic awe.