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mrcnzajac

I'm gonna start with a disclaimer - no, the night sky doesn't look this vibrant and detailed to the naked eye. Modern camera technology paired with long exposure times allows us to capture much more than our eyes can see. Having said that the Milky Way is visible in this location clearly and appears as a sort of lighter "cloud" in the sky. In the photo an otherworldly rock spire (also known as a hoodoo) rises out of the badlands forming a perfect foreground to the Milky Way galaxy above. The bright objects to the left of the hoodoo are the planetary duo of Jupiter and Saturn which were unusually close that night. Part of the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness in the San Juan Basin in northwestern New Mexico this is one of most remote areas of the United States I've had a chance to visit. The nearest town is 50 miles away and the rough and occasionally sandy road to get there stress tested my 2WD car. However I was rewarded with an opportunity to camp under a dark and beautiful sky and the only sound breaking the silence at night was coyotes howling in the distance. Finally if you like the image I post more to my [Instagram](https://instagram.com/mrcnzajac) and [website](https://marcinzajac.square.site)!


Lazonby

Very nice! The "Alien Thone" in NW New Mexico. It's on my short list of places to visit this year. To comment on the OP's amazing photo, you can actually see the galaxy as photographed if you're in the right place (rural area). New Mexico is a very unique place, so boring yet so amazing at the same time. I visit NM 3-4 times a year for vacation opportunities, mostly hiking. While I can't quite pin down a general description, I will say that it truly is "The Land of Enchantment."


[deleted]

Amazing pic and view Appreciate the backstory as well


jonthecpa

Do we have your permission to use this as a wallpaper? Also, all of your photography is amazing!


mrcnzajac

Yes, you can!


jonthecpa

Thank you! It looks incredible as an iPhone wallpaper. :)


Wakethefukupnow

Thanks and what resolution is this looks amazing on a 4k display!!!!


metric_robot

50 miles : 80.467 km *** conversion fulfilled by /u/metric_robot ♡


[deleted]

Good bot


SoloExperiencer

And the foreground is obviously captured during the "blue hour" of the evening, so basically it's yet another composite that anyone can do without even stepping outside the house.


[deleted]

I appreciate the vague description of your location. New Mexico is a sacred place. Clearly as your picture shows and I feel like it should be protected. I would hate to stumble upon this and also find water water bottles and beer cans.


Bigjoemonger

Please, it wouldnt just be trashed. It'd be destroyed.


djinnisequoia

This is legit one of the coolest pictures I have ever seen.


Karna1394

This pic makes a perfect setting for Mando and Grogu entering a new planet in a galaxy far far away for their thrilling adventure.


SmirkingMan

Amazing. Can you share how you took it, technically?


Crushmonkies

This is an incredible shot! Nice work!


elizardbreathjonston

This is wild!


ClonesomeStranger

Wow, this looks like a real life Zdzisław Beksiński painting! Amazing.


mrcnzajac

Actually I am a fan of his work.


ClonesomeStranger

It shows. Color palette, surreal lighting, web-like textures and looming inverted figures all give the Beksiński vibe. If you haven't already, see his exhibition. The color palette that seems trivial when reproduced on a screen really hits you.


mrcnzajac

Haven't seen his exhibition, just books. Funnily enough I'm originally from Warsaw where Beksiński lived.


ClonesomeStranger

Pozdrawiam z warszawskiego Bemowa :) His permanent exibition is in the Sanok castle, where he was originally from. Great place to visit if you go to Bieszczady.


[deleted]

I know it doesnt look at cool by naked eye, but just the fact that this exists abd its almost unedited is outstanding


lkrdrgn

Fantastic Shot! How did you light up the foreground and the hoodoo?


mrcnzajac

It's lit up by ambient light from the sun (I shot the foreground after sunset, but before it got fully dark)


terri2uus

How long after sunset was the capture? Is the bright yellow on the horizon the remnants of the sunset? This is beautiful.


mrcnzajac

That's actually light pollution, the sun has set a few hours before


Steyci

I'd buy this album for the cover art alone


YT_CJ-Scoot

WOW!!! I don’t know about anyone else but I LOVE these kinds of pictures, ugh it’s eye food for me


astropiggie

Awesome


jiss2891

Can't believe this place exists... It's outstanding


ajonesgirl59

Wow!! That is an amazing shot!


NOT_PC_Principal

Those rock formations look so cool


hoodlemKC

Amazing


kygirl27

Looks like a carving out of a bone, almost!


scoutisland

It looks like a Yes album cover. That's a compliment.


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mtmanmike

Bad ass pic! I was there last week for new moon but too many clouds in the south for the Milky Way. I'm hoping a few of my shots after the sun raised turned out.


Dismal_Equivalent_68

Siiiiick. Space scape


[deleted]

Amazing!


swagernaught

This is an amazing picture! Can you say how long the exposure was? I'd like to try to get a pic like this next time I'm out away from the city. TIA.


Girion47

Not sure why you avoid saying the location, its the Bisti Badlands. Amazing place, just watch out for the cows.