Galaxy by the Lake

This 180 degree panoramic night sky skyscape captures our Milky Way galaxy as it arcs above the horizon on a winter’s night in August.

Near midnight, the galactic center is close to the zenith with the clear waters of Lake Traful, Neuquen, Argentina, South America, planet Earth below.

Zodiacal Light, dust reflected sunlight along the Solar System’s ecliptic plane, is also visible in the region’s very dark night sky. The faint band of light reaches up from the distant snowy peaks toward the galaxy’s center.

Follow the arc of the Milky Way to the left to find the southern hemisphere stellar beacons Alpha Centauri and Beta Centauri. Close to the horizon, bright star Vega is reflected in the calm mountain lake.

This mesmerizing view is a testament to the wonders of astrophotography, capturing the essence of the cosmos and celestial marvels visible from Earth’s surface.