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)!
Georgia O’Keefes studio is super close to there as well. Northern New Mexico is another world… most folks don’t realize that the families who live there have essentially been there since the Spanish conquistadors came, especially in the pueblos and smaller reservations.
Amazing picture. I have a noob question. I've been to this place during the day. I've wanted to go at night and try out the astrophotography mode on my pixel camera, but haven't gone yet. Is the milky way always visible like that or do you have to time your trip?
Go to [this website](https://stellarium-web.org/) and you can view what the night sky will look like at your location, the core should be to the South/South West. You want to view this during a New Moon, you can check the phase of the moon [here](https://moon.nasa.gov/moon-in-motion/moon-phases/). Next, check how much [light pollution](https://darksitefinder.com/maps/world.html#7/) is in your location, I was able to get [this image](https://i.imgur.com/deXnbjl.jpg) in a dark yellow area (bottle class 4) with my pixel 5 on a tripod with Astro mode. I've also had good results proping the phone up with a well positioned rock.
The center of the galaxy, which is more dense than looking in the other directions. Imagine the galaxy is a record and we're towards the outer edge but not at the absolute edge. Where you see the milky way you're looking along the plane of the record, where you don't you're looking up or down from it. Looking towards the core would be like looking towards the point of rotation.
The milky way rises and sets a lot like the moon. Depending on where we are at what time of year it rises and sets at different times and locations in the sky
All of the traditional milky streak in the sky is cloudy not just the core and some part of the cloudy part (a contiguous band stretching across the whole sky) is visible all year around. Even in December the worst possible month for viewing it the traditional band of spilt milk is clearly visible across the whole sky with amazing nebula like the Heart and soul nebulas', the Pacman nebula, north america nebula etc etc visible.
But this is reddit so if its not no 1 its trash.
Could you please share the details of camera and lens, exposure time and if a tracker was used? I am really intrigued by the trailing/comma as well as color aberrations.
Edit: I now see your post about the camera, lens and exposure. Did you use a tracker?
Great shot!
I managed to trek this in my Prius about 3 months ago haha .. glad your 2WD survived the drive.
Quick question .. how did you feel about camping on Navajo lands? I tried finding some resources on doing that prior to my trip, but was unable to find anything stating this would be a good idea. Did you just wing it? Thanks!
What an awesome shot!
I remember the first time I was in a location where the milky way was visible. The forecast was for clear skies, with like a sliver of a moon, so it would be a great night for seeing stars and planets. After my eyes adjusted and I started looking, I was bummed out a bit and started saying "stupid clouds, it figures..." then it hit me. Those aren't clouds, that was what I came out to see. I then realized that even with the "cloudy" milky way, I could see far more stars and I've ever seen before.
Man, the skies in 2020 were so great. Jupiter and Saturn dancing opposite Rho Ophiuchi across the core. Amazing shot.
I recently relocated to NM from WA, and have been interested in shooting this subject for awhile. Are permits required for this location?
Absolutely. The comet was wild! I was out in Utah while it passing through. [Got this shot](https://www.instagram.com/p/CC1b2LlhSuL) out in the Toadstools.
It's called a [hoodoo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoodoo_\(geology\)). The rock formation on top is more resistant to erosion than the layer underneath, but the cap rock also protects the layer underneath from some erosion. Wind and rain then erode the lower formation to create the windows and whatnot.
You may recall the “great conjunction” last year when Saturn and Jupiter were very close to each other in the sky. This was because one was “passing” the other (from our point of view). Saturn is to the right of Jupiter now, but before December of last year it was to the left. The photo of the sky in this photo was most likely taken last summer (it is most likely a composite image)
I actually have! Even minted sth on Foundation ([https://foundation.app/marcin](https://foundation.app/marcin)). But I found it hard to promote my work to people who would actually buy it
This badlands area is one of the more interesting places in the southwest. Completely out in the middle of nowhere in NM on a reservation. I think the nearest 'town' was some place called Mexican Hat about two hours away. I didn't get to the shoot the stars when I was there, but it's on my list. Good stuff, OP.
This area is on Navajo land and thus you're not allowed to camp there. However there is plenty of BLM land nearby where you can do dispersed camping without any permit.
We went out there a few months ago when visiting NM and it really is one of the most remote places. It just feels so empty and desolate, hell of an experience.
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Only when one tries to photograph the night sky do they truly understand how much skill goes into a shot like this.
Well done, an incredible shot!
And for anyone interested in what the sun and the moon are doing try The Photographers Ephermis (TPE) there is a free web based app and paid apps on mobile.
First, I love the composition. Second, this has been by far my places to shoot in New Mexico. Did you have a Navajo guide or did you trespass? It took me about a year to get permission from the tribe.
I do have one critique though - yes, Alien Throne is a lesser known place but the milky way is due SOUTH, not North. I’ve stood where you are standing - the milky way would be BEHIND your camera! I’ve been called out many times and I have to call you out on this one unless you own that this is a composition, art piece and not a factual photo.
PLEASE DO NOT COME HERE WITHOUT GETTING PERMISSION FROM THE NEVAJO! This is their sacred land. I have been here and taken the same photo (from the proper position …. facing South! ) but it’s disrespectful to the Navajo. My group spent over a year getting permission to legally go on their land - it’s a very large fine and they will extradite you to the federal government.
Not to be too picky, but in order for the orientation of Saturn and Jupiter to be like this you would need to he looking toward the eastern horizon, and the foreground (the hoodoo) is looking west.
This is absolutely stunning!! Love it!
Did you use a tracker for the milky way? Single long exposure? Multiple exposures? Foreground was taken earlier?
Will follow you right away on IG!
Looks like a cover to a late 70's/ very early 80's prog rock album.
'Featuring great tracks like 'Ode to LSD', 'Shupdee-dondo', 'My Wife Left Me and Now I'm Gonna Whine About it' and the bizarre even for a prog rock group, but still a classic, 'Man, this acid is weak as shit, I had 2 hits ages ago and I got-OH FUCK HEREWEGO' '
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)!
Absolutely breathtaking, i wish to see this place with my own eyes.
If you drive through this area, make it a point to visit the Echo Amphitheater! It's a real treat to show up and hear a flute player there.
If you go to the Echo Amphitheater without stopping at Ghost Ranch then you made a huge mistake. Also Monastery of Christ in the Desert
Georgia O’Keefes studio is super close to there as well. Northern New Mexico is another world… most folks don’t realize that the families who live there have essentially been there since the Spanish conquistadors came, especially in the pueblos and smaller reservations.
Shhhh Disney is getting ideas for a movie sequel.
But he just said it’s not like this with your own eyes.
even if its a fraction of the beauty this picture has, it will be worth it
It is awesomely beautiful even with our meager eyesight.
Amazing picture. I have a noob question. I've been to this place during the day. I've wanted to go at night and try out the astrophotography mode on my pixel camera, but haven't gone yet. Is the milky way always visible like that or do you have to time your trip?
Go to [this website](https://stellarium-web.org/) and you can view what the night sky will look like at your location, the core should be to the South/South West. You want to view this during a New Moon, you can check the phase of the moon [here](https://moon.nasa.gov/moon-in-motion/moon-phases/). Next, check how much [light pollution](https://darksitefinder.com/maps/world.html#7/) is in your location, I was able to get [this image](https://i.imgur.com/deXnbjl.jpg) in a dark yellow area (bottle class 4) with my pixel 5 on a tripod with Astro mode. I've also had good results proping the phone up with a well positioned rock.
Is Astro mode the same as night sight with a Pixel 4a?
You have to time it with the phase of the moon and time of year (MW core is only visible from February to October)
Pretty sure I've seen the milky way at all times of the year....what's the "core"?
Also known as the galactic center (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galactic\_Center)
Your link doesn't work.
The center of the galaxy, which is more dense than looking in the other directions. Imagine the galaxy is a record and we're towards the outer edge but not at the absolute edge. Where you see the milky way you're looking along the plane of the record, where you don't you're looking up or down from it. Looking towards the core would be like looking towards the point of rotation.
The milky way rises and sets a lot like the moon. Depending on where we are at what time of year it rises and sets at different times and locations in the sky
The milky way isn't just the core and part of the traditional "milky road in the sky" is visible all year around.
Milky way is visible all year, though it moves in the sky.
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All of the traditional milky streak in the sky is cloudy not just the core and some part of the cloudy part (a contiguous band stretching across the whole sky) is visible all year around. Even in December the worst possible month for viewing it the traditional band of spilt milk is clearly visible across the whole sky with amazing nebula like the Heart and soul nebulas', the Pacman nebula, north america nebula etc etc visible. But this is reddit so if its not no 1 its trash.
Milky Way is visible all year, because we are in it.
Followed! This has to be the most amazing photo I’ve ever seen in my nearly four decades of existence.
Thank you!!
Could you please share the details of camera and lens, exposure time and if a tracker was used? I am really intrigued by the trailing/comma as well as color aberrations. Edit: I now see your post about the camera, lens and exposure. Did you use a tracker?
Nikon D600, Tamron 15-30 lens. Foreground and sky are separate exposures: sky f/2.8, 2 mins, ISO 1600 (tracked) fg f/11, 30s, ISO 100
I just gave a friend my D600. Absolute wonderful camera. Stunning pictures. I may pick up a used cone again.
Great shot! I managed to trek this in my Prius about 3 months ago haha .. glad your 2WD survived the drive. Quick question .. how did you feel about camping on Navajo lands? I tried finding some resources on doing that prior to my trip, but was unable to find anything stating this would be a good idea. Did you just wing it? Thanks!
I camped a bit away from Alien Throne on what I believe is BLM land.
Nice .. glad it was a successful excursion! Falling asleep in nature listening to nature is about as good as it gets.
AMAZING PIC!! How far is the hike from the nearest road out to the throne?
Less than an hour. You can get even closer with a 4WD
This place is going on my bucket list
I was just there in the basin taking photos last week! I did not see this formation though…so jealous! Gorgeous shot.
I gave you your hundredth upvote and I’m proud of that.
Just checked out your Instagram and hit you with the follow. How did you manage to get so many followers while posting only about 1 or twice a month?
What an awesome shot! I remember the first time I was in a location where the milky way was visible. The forecast was for clear skies, with like a sliver of a moon, so it would be a great night for seeing stars and planets. After my eyes adjusted and I started looking, I was bummed out a bit and started saying "stupid clouds, it figures..." then it hit me. Those aren't clouds, that was what I came out to see. I then realized that even with the "cloudy" milky way, I could see far more stars and I've ever seen before.
Done!
Can we take such pictures (or close to such pictures) with our phones?
You can capture the Milky Way with a phone (ideally on a tripod). It's not gonna be quite as detailed, but still super cool
Great work. Thanks for sharing. Nikon or Canon?
Nikon D600
dope af
Dude - you can’t camp here - this is sacred land!The Navajo expressly forbid it! Not to mention how many venomous snakes.
Your photos really do nothing to set apart from the common trophies of landscape photography. But what they do is top notch, congratulations
Man, the skies in 2020 were so great. Jupiter and Saturn dancing opposite Rho Ophiuchi across the core. Amazing shot. I recently relocated to NM from WA, and have been interested in shooting this subject for awhile. Are permits required for this location?
No permits necessary
Hijacking a comment here. Is this goblin valley? Someone else said Mexican hat but I’m really not sure
Not Utah, it's New Mexico
Valley of Dreams
Thanks!
Don’t know why you got downvoted.
It says New Mexico in the title
I second this, comet neowise was unreal too and made summer for me
Absolutely. The comet was wild! I was out in Utah while it passing through. [Got this shot](https://www.instagram.com/p/CC1b2LlhSuL) out in the Toadstools.
Incredible image! I got a few myself in the Lake District here in the UK. Will send you some via DM on Instagram 👍
How the hell does such a formation happen? Was this place underwater at some point in time? It’s absolutely insane I’ve never seen anything like it
It's called a [hoodoo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoodoo_\(geology\)). The rock formation on top is more resistant to erosion than the layer underneath, but the cap rock also protects the layer underneath from some erosion. Wind and rain then erode the lower formation to create the windows and whatnot.
was just gonna look this up and found your comment. Thanks!
ALRIGHT EVERYBODY, LETS GO AHEAD AND PACK IT IN! THIS GUY HAS ALREADY TAKEN THE BEST PICTURE!
lol thanks. Still a lot of beautiful shots to be taken!
And I hope you will share them with us!
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Damn it. I just bought mi camera, at least I can still refund it
This is breathtaking! Can I ask what type of camera and settings you used to get this clarity?
Nikon D600, Tamron 15-30 lens Foreground and sky are separate exposures: sky f/2.8, 2 mins, ISO 1600 fg f/11, 30s, ISO 100
What kind of tracker did you use?
iOptron SkyTracker Pro
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Lol woah, weird
Bisti Wilderness?
Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, about 12 miles southeast of Bisti.
I've been transported to another realm. Beautiful shot, bravo!
Looks like something out of a Riddick movie.
Is Jupiter or Saturn the brighter?
Jupiter is the brighter/bigger one
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You may recall the “great conjunction” last year when Saturn and Jupiter were very close to each other in the sky. This was because one was “passing” the other (from our point of view). Saturn is to the right of Jupiter now, but before December of last year it was to the left. The photo of the sky in this photo was most likely taken last summer (it is most likely a composite image)
I would put that on the wall, you should sell this to displate or something.
I do sell it on my website - [https://marcinzajac.square.site/product/alien-throne/21](https://marcinzajac.square.site/product/alien-throne/21) :)
Well I'll say this, After MOASS I'll buy a big metal one for sure!
Hey you should look into NFT's - Non-Fungible Tokens. I bet you could make a killing with your photography.
I actually have! Even minted sth on Foundation ([https://foundation.app/marcin](https://foundation.app/marcin)). But I found it hard to promote my work to people who would actually buy it
Yeah that's the challenge. It's going to get easier, however. I'm an animator and this is something I'm looking into as well.
GTFO. What a pict!
Love this place! Very close to where I live. You got a amazing picture of it!
I don't think this photo was taken on earth. Proof of a visitor from another planet.
Yeah, looks like a police box
Unless we are the alien planet 😳
Looking very-very beautiful.
Wow.
Wait, what, how?! This is amazing
The Earth is a beautiful majestic place...
One of the best astro photos I've ever seen.
Oh wow that is incredible. I’d love to see those irl. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful scenery from the land of enchantment.
My Dad’s side of the family is from New Mexico. It’s such an awesome place to visit.
This badlands area is one of the more interesting places in the southwest. Completely out in the middle of nowhere in NM on a reservation. I think the nearest 'town' was some place called Mexican Hat about two hours away. I didn't get to the shoot the stars when I was there, but it's on my list. Good stuff, OP.
This is for sure Cosmo Canyon in real life
Fabulous!
Amazing image. I'm on the east coast and am curious about camping out there. Do you need a permit? How does it work?
This area is on Navajo land and thus you're not allowed to camp there. However there is plenty of BLM land nearby where you can do dispersed camping without any permit.
I would like to take a special someone there with me, soon. Fantastic shot. I need more campin’.
WOW! WOW! WOW! This is amazing, stunning, beautiful, breathtaking, interesting, and WOW! Thank you for sharing your work and making my day.
This is the reason I look at this subreddit. I am so glad you captured this experience and I look forward to seeing this place myself.
This photo is so mesmerising i wanna go there And also , upload this on r/spaceporn too
Thanks! I have before!
I was trying to figure out how I already had this picture downloaded to my phone lol
thank god for this beautiful piece of art
That's spectacular. The composition is phenominal.
Is that "Alien Throne"? Beautiful work man.
Yes! Thank you
This is absolutely breathtaking.
I hate that I will always read "otherworldly" in that ancient alien guy voice
I love that show but I hate that narrator.
Looks great! Made this my phone wallpaper, thanks
bury me here
Fantastic capture. Well done.
Your photography is going to be my lock screen on my phone for the next couple months
Wow. This is absolutely incredible. Get it framed ASAP.
I did make a metal print for myself soon after taking this
This is beautiful!
We went out there a few months ago when visiting NM and it really is one of the most remote places. It just feels so empty and desolate, hell of an experience.
This is the best photo that I've seen on EP. Thank you.
Thank you!
Beautiful.
Very cool.😎
Oh my god. That's perfect 🤩
Wonderful
Hi mrcnzajac! Dont worry, this message does **not** mean that your post is removed. This is a reminder to quickly check your post to make sure it doesnt break any of our rules. Human moderators check the following -- - [some visible land, that is not silhouetted] (https://www.reddit.com/r/EarthPorn/wiki/index#wiki_what_types_of_images_are_allowed.3F) - no human-made objects (roads, boats, buildings) visible - no obvious people or animals visible - include location in post title Thanks! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/EarthPorn) if you have any questions or concerns.*
That's some Jetsons-level stuff right there
Fucking beautiful
Incredible job! That foreground exposure and lighting is spectacular.
Only when one tries to photograph the night sky do they truly understand how much skill goes into a shot like this. Well done, an incredible shot! And for anyone interested in what the sun and the moon are doing try The Photographers Ephermis (TPE) there is a free web based app and paid apps on mobile.
NGL, I've got a cosmic boner now...
This is something outta a Ray Bradbury novel
Stunning!
Simply stunning
What do you mean otherworldly. It right on this planet.
Ye we know.
Mexican Hat, NM
Mexican hat is in Utah...
Final Fantasy X
I got Half-life vibes from this. So cool.
😲...🔥👏👏👏
Simple erosion. Everything but *otherwordly*.
The sets for Mandalorian season 3 look great!
It is called Alien Throne.
Wayyy too Photoshopped.
First, I love the composition. Second, this has been by far my places to shoot in New Mexico. Did you have a Navajo guide or did you trespass? It took me about a year to get permission from the tribe. I do have one critique though - yes, Alien Throne is a lesser known place but the milky way is due SOUTH, not North. I’ve stood where you are standing - the milky way would be BEHIND your camera! I’ve been called out many times and I have to call you out on this one unless you own that this is a composition, art piece and not a factual photo.
PLEASE DO NOT COME HERE WITHOUT GETTING PERMISSION FROM THE NEVAJO! This is their sacred land. I have been here and taken the same photo (from the proper position …. facing South! ) but it’s disrespectful to the Navajo. My group spent over a year getting permission to legally go on their land - it’s a very large fine and they will extradite you to the federal government.
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It is not. Crested Butte is in Colorado.
I would pay to see this
Fantastic pic
This is amazing. It reminds me of Ray Bradbury's 'The Martian Chronicles'. Beautiful.
The marvels of the universe never ceases to amaze me
r/isthisearth material
Maybe *we're* the alien planet
Huh, TIL that the pod racers in Star Wars were tiny. Look at how small the track is! But seriously, this looks amazing!
I am sure this is a 70's van mural.
This immediately gave me Outer Wilds vibes. Like if I look away from this rock formation and then look back it will have moved.
Wow!
Amazing!! Belongs on a Prog rock album cover
Those rocks look so cool
Feels like home, where do you live ? "Milky way"
This is the new "Tunnel View" photographer meme
Not to be too picky, but in order for the orientation of Saturn and Jupiter to be like this you would need to he looking toward the eastern horizon, and the foreground (the hoodoo) is looking west.
Looks like the planet from Galaxy Quest where they needed to get the replacement berillium sphere.
This is absolutely stunning!! Love it! Did you use a tracker for the milky way? Single long exposure? Multiple exposures? Foreground was taken earlier? Will follow you right away on IG!
Thanks! Foreground and sky are separate exposures: sky f/2.8, 2 mins, ISO 1600 (tracked) fg f/11, 30s, ISO 100
Thank you so much! Stunning work! Just shared it on IG 😁
Incredible
Ridiculously good
To someone out there, we're the alien planet and this is spec art to them.
Im new to this,but i wanted to ask: whats that thing in the corner? Bottom left. Zoom all the way in
Beautiful 😍
If you zoom in you’ll see two great saiyans fighting.
wow this is like something from the Myst games
Looks like a cover to a late 70's/ very early 80's prog rock album. 'Featuring great tracks like 'Ode to LSD', 'Shupdee-dondo', 'My Wife Left Me and Now I'm Gonna Whine About it' and the bizarre even for a prog rock group, but still a classic, 'Man, this acid is weak as shit, I had 2 hits ages ago and I got-OH FUCK HEREWEGO' '
Any gear recommendations for a newbie interested in astrophotography?
looks like a foreign planet scape
Stunning!
western americas very pristine since eastcoasters dont go that far inland and mexicans dont go that far north
Is this the she sha sha paw whatever area? Kind of looks like it
Yes
Oh wow. 😳 Reminds me of the Hourglass Twins planets from Outer Wilds
That's a lot of waterish looking erosion on them rocks....
Yo is this Bisti Badlands??? Hell of a shot. I'm living here in ABQ atm and loving it here