Bruce Murray Space Image Library

Milky Way on the Alpine Tundra

Milky Way on the Alpine Tundra
Milky Way on the Alpine Tundra Planetary Society member Zaakary Barnes photographed this panorama of the Milky Way over Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Zaakary Barnes

"The alpine tundra is one of my favorite environments in which to photograph the Milky Way," said Zaakary. "To me, the rugged but delicate landscape mirrors the effort that goes into capturing beautiful but fragile dark skies. Even from the roof of Rocky Mountain National Park, the glow of the metro Denver area is ever present. But when the skies are clear and the winds are calm, the Milky Way can still be seen arcing across the heavens. I always feel privileged to experience it – and called upon to protect it."