The Milky ay arches over Snoopy's Belly no more than 2 miles from downtown Sedona, Arizona. The people of Sedona are very interested in limiting light pollution. Their efforts are to be commended.
The Galactic Center of the Milky Way rises over Bell and Courthouse Rocks just south of Sedona, Arizona. Colorful light pollution is from the Village of Oak Creek whose citizens are very interested in minimizing light pollution. Kudos to each of them.
Courthouse Rock is bathed in warn evening light which accentuates the colors of the red rock. Many easily walked trails wind through the rock formations in and around Sedona, Arizona.
The evening color lasts only a few minutes, but Cathedral Rock explodes in color. This panorama was taken along the Upper Red Rock Loop Road. Sedona's red rock formations are other-worldly. Even beautiful photos can not adequately convey the beauty of the area. You must go if you can. The Red Rock area of Sedona is a short drive north of Phoenix.
The golden hour bathes Cathedral Rock and Courthouse Rock in warm light. You must have your vantage point chosen well in advance because the soft light on the red rocks last a scant few minutes.
Along Munds Wagon Trail the Milky Way Arch stretches over Snoopy's Belly. The arch is so wide that it is necessary to stitch together several photos into a panorama that shows the full arch. Dark skies, a New Moon and patience are required to get photos like this.
Downtown Sedona is less than 2 miles away, and yet the Milky Way is easily visible and photographed. That is because the people of Sedona have taken a strong interest in minimizing light pollution. They are doing a very good job. We on Earth are in the Milky Way which is over 100,000 light years across. You want a big number? A hundred thousand light years is equal to 600,000,000,000,000,000 miles. Take lots of snacks.
As viewed from Munds Wagon Trail, the Galactic Center of the Milky Way is easily visible. Get to an area where there is little light pollution and go around the time of a New Moon. Look to the Southern sky and you will see a sight like this.
From the Village of Oak Creek on the right to Sedona on the left the magnificent Arch of the Milky Way stretches over Bell Rock and Courthouse Rock. Route 179 runs in front of the Rocks and even at 11 o'clock at night is it hard to get multi-photo panoramas that do not have car lights. I think the car lights add a certain reality to the scene.
It takes 5 or 6 photos taken in quick succession and then stitches together to get the full arch of the Milky Way in one panorama. Sedona, Arizona where this shot was taken is only a couple of miles away. But the light pollution is minimal because the citizens of Sedona are very committed to reducing light pollution comiing from their city.
The Arch of the Milky Way stretches from the Village of Oak Creek to Sedona. Light pollution from both cities is kept to a minimum by concerned citizens. They are to be applauded for their efforts.
Courthouse Rock is bathes in light from the Village of Oak Creek while Bell Rock is in shadows. The Galactic Center of the Milky Way points to the Village. If you are ever there and like Chinese food, I highly recommend Red Chopstick. Cars along Rt. 179 light up the foreground a little.
The Galactic Center of the Milky Way lines up perfectly with the Village of Oak Creek and the arch stretches to Courthouse Rock on the left. I was amazed at how dark the night sky was around Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. Both cities are dedicated to reducing their city's light pollution.
Golden hour light bathes rock formations just south of Sedona, Arizona. Later at night the Milky Way will become visible over this area.
A different angle shows Bell rock on the left and Courthouse Rock on the right. Courthouse is bathed in light from the Village of Oak Creek which is over my right shoulder. This view shows why it is called Bell Rock.
The Milky Way seems to rise out of Courthouse Rock near the Village of Oak Creek in Arizona. Soft light pollution from the Village giver Courthouse colorful light similar to golden hour light.