Landscape Astrophotography

Astrophotography landscapes, Night photos, Milky Way and Star Trail Photos

Landscape astrophotography by natural history photographer Phillip Colla

Milky Way and Shooting Star over Delicate Arch, as stars cover the night sky, Arches National Park, Utah
Milky Way and Shooting Star over Delicate Arch, as stars cover the night sky.
Milky Way over the Watchman, Zion National Park.  The Milky Way galaxy rises in the night sky above the the Watchman
Milky Way over the Watchman, Zion National Park. The Milky Way galaxy rises in the night sky above the the Watchman.
Milky Way and stars at night above Mount Rainier, Sunrise, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Milky Way and stars at night above Mount Rainier.
The Wave at Night, under a clear night sky full of stars.  Photographer is illuminating the striated rocks with a small handheld light. The Wave, an area of fantastic eroded sandstone featuring beautiful swirls, wild colors, countless striations, and bizarre shapes is set amidst the dramatic surrounding North Coyote Buttes of Arizona and Utah. The sandstone formations of the North Coyote Buttes, including the Wave, date from the Jurassic period. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Wave is located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness and is accessible on foot by permit only
The Wave at Night, under a clear night sky full of stars. Photographer is illuminating the striated rocks with a small handheld light. The Wave, an area of fantastic eroded sandstone featuring beautiful swirls, wild colors, countless striations, and bizarre shapes is set amidst the dramatic surrounding North Coyote Buttes of Arizona and Utah. The sandstone formations of the North Coyote Buttes, including the Wave, date from the Jurassic period. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Wave is located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness and is accessible on foot by permit only.
The Second Wave at Night.  The Second Wave, a spectacular sandstone formation in the North Coyote Buttes, lies under a sky full of stars, Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, Arizona
The Second Wave at Night. The Second Wave, a spectacular sandstone formation in the North Coyote Buttes, lies under a sky full of stars.
Yosemite Falls and star trails, at night, viewed from Cook's Meadow, illuminated by the light of the full moon, Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite Falls and star trails, at night, viewed from Cook's Meadow, illuminated by the light of the full moon.
The Milky Way arches over Half Dome, and the Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park
The Milky Way arches over Half Dome, and the Yosemite High Country, Yosemite National Park.
Light Painting and the Milky Way and Stars over Delicate Arch, at night, Arches National Park, Utah
Light Painting and the Milky Way and Stars over Delicate Arch, at night, Arches National Park, Utah.
Owachomo Bridge and Milky Way.  Owachomo Bridge, a natural stone bridge standing 106' high and spanning 130' wide,stretches across a canyon with the Milky Way crossing the night sky, Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
Owachomo Bridge and Milky Way. Owachomo Bridge, a natural stone bridge standing 106' high and spanning 130' wide,stretches across a canyon with the Milky Way crossing the night sky.
The Milky Way at Night over Sky Rock, panorama, spherical projection.  Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them
The Milky Way at Night over Sky Rock, panorama, spherical projection. Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them.
Panorama of the Milky Way over Mesa Arch, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Panorama of the Milky Way over Mesa Arch.
Stars and the Milky Way over ancient bristlecone pine trees, in the White Mountains at an elevation of 10,000' above sea level. These are some of the oldest trees in the world, some exceeding 4000 years in age, Pinus longaeva, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Stars and the Milky Way over ancient bristlecone pine trees, in the White Mountains at an elevation of 10,000' above sea level. These are some of the oldest trees in the world, some exceeding 4000 years in age.
Landscape Arch and Milky Way, stars rise over the arch at night, Arches National Park, Utah
Landscape Arch and Milky Way, stars rise over the arch at night.
Approaching sunrise and star trails over the San Diego Downtown City Skyline.  In this 60 minute exposure, stars create trails through the night sky over downtown San Diego
Approaching sunrise and star trails over the San Diego Downtown City Skyline. In this 60 minute exposure, stars create trails through the night sky over downtown San Diego.
Milky Way and stars at night above Mount Rainier, Sunrise, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Milky Way and stars at night above Mount Rainier.
Perseid Meteor Shower and Milky Way, Andromeda Galaxy and the Pleides Cluster, over Half Dome and Yosemite National Park, Glacier Point
Perseid Meteor Shower and Milky Way, Andromeda Galaxy and the Pleides Cluster, over Half Dome and Yosemite National Park.
Ancient bristlecone pine trees at night, under a clear night sky full of stars, lit by a full moon, near Patriarch Grove, Pinus longaeva, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Ancient bristlecone pine trees at night, under a clear night sky full of stars, lit by a full moon, near Patriarch Grove.
Milky Way and stars over Crater Lake at night. Panorama of Crater Lake and Wizard Island at night, Crater Lake National Park
Milky Way and stars over Crater Lake at night. Panorama of Crater Lake and Wizard Island at night, Crater Lake National Park.
Milky Way at Night over Arch Rock, Joshua Tree National Park
Milky Way at Night over Arch Rock, Joshua Tree National Park.
Stars and the Milky Way rise above ancient bristlecone pine trees, in the White Mountains at an elevation of 10,000' above sea level.  These are some of the oldest trees in the world, reaching 4000 years in age, Pinus longaeva, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Stars and the Milky Way rise above ancient bristlecone pine trees, in the White Mountains at an elevation of 10,000' above sea level. These are some of the oldest trees in the world, reaching 4000 years in age.
Ancient bristlecone pine trees at night, under a clear night sky full of stars, lit by a full moon, near Patriarch Grove, Pinus longaeva, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Ancient bristlecone pine trees at night, under a clear night sky full of stars, lit by a full moon, near Patriarch Grove.
Lunar Eclipse and blood red moon sequence over Arch Rock, planet Mars above the moon, composite image, Joshua Tree National Park, April 14/15 2014
Lunar Eclipse and blood red moon sequence over Arch Rock, planet Mars above the moon, composite image, Joshua Tree National Park, April 14/15 2014.
Stars and the Milky Way over ancient bristlecone pine trees, in the White Mountains at an elevation of 10,000' above sea level. These are the oldest trees in the world, some exceeding 4000 years in age, Pinus longaeva, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Stars and the Milky Way over ancient bristlecone pine trees, in the White Mountains at an elevation of 10,000' above sea level. These are the oldest trees in the world, some exceeding 4000 years in age.
Lunar Eclipse Sequence, the path of the moon through the sky as it progresses from being fully visible (top) to fully eclipsed (middle) to almost fully visible again (bottom), viewed through Arch Rock, April 4 2015, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Lunar Eclipse Sequence, the path of the moon through the sky as it progresses from being fully visible (top) to fully eclipsed (middle) to almost fully visible again (bottom), viewed through Arch Rock, April 4 2015.
Supermoon Eclipse at Moonrise over San Diego, September 27 2015
Supermoon Eclipse at Moonrise over San Diego, September 27 2015.
Milky Way galaxy rises above the Fire Wave, Valley of Fire State Park
Milky Way galaxy rises above the Fire Wave, Valley of Fire State Park.
Elephant arch and stars at night, moonlight, Valley of Fire State Park
Elephant arch and stars at night, moonlight, Valley of Fire State Park.
Milky Way over the Watchman, Zion National Park.  The Milky Way galaxy rises in the night sky above the the Watchman
Milky Way over the Watchman, Zion National Park. The Milky Way galaxy rises in the night sky above the the Watchman.
The Milky Way at Night over Sky Rock.  Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them
The Milky Way at Night over Sky Rock. Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them.
Lunar Eclipse Sequence Over Broken Hill, Torrey Pines State Reserve. While the moon lies in the full shadow of the earth (umbra) it receives only faint, red-tinged light refracted through the Earth's atmosphere. As the moon passes into the penumbra it receives increasing amounts of direct sunlight, eventually leaving the shadow of the Earth altogether. October 8, 2014, San Diego, California
Lunar Eclipse Sequence Over Broken Hill, Torrey Pines State Reserve. While the moon lies in the full shadow of the earth (umbra) it receives only faint, red-tinged light refracted through the Earth's atmosphere. As the moon passes into the penumbra it receives increasing amounts of direct sunlight, eventually leaving the shadow of the Earth altogether. October 8, 2014.
Milky Way galaxy rises above the Fire Wave, Valley of Fire State Park
Milky Way galaxy rises above the Fire Wave, Valley of Fire State Park.
The OVRO 40 meter Telescope, part of the Owens Valley Radio Observatory located near Big Pine, California, USA. The telescope is used to conduct interferometric observations along with the other telescopes in the observatory, as a Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) station and as a single dish instrument. Its main focus today is on the monitoring of blazars
The OVRO 40 meter Telescope, part of the Owens Valley Radio Observatory located near Big Pine, California, USA. The telescope is used to conduct interferometric observations along with the other telescopes in the observatory, as a Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) station and as a single dish instrument. Its main focus today is on the monitoring of blazars.
The Milky Way galaxy arches over Arch Rock on a clear evening in Joshua Tree National Park
The Milky Way galaxy arches over Arch Rock on a clear evening in Joshua Tree National Park.
Half Dome and nighttime stars, viewed from Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, California
Half Dome and nighttime stars, viewed from Glacier Point.
Milky Way and Stars over Broken Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
Milky Way and Stars over Broken Arch, Arches National Park, Utah.
Mobius Arch in the Alabama Hills, seen here at night with swirling star trails formed in the sky above due to a long time exposure, Alabama Hills Recreational Area
Mobius Arch in the Alabama Hills, seen here at night with swirling star trails formed in the sky above due to a long time exposure.
Racetrack sailing stone and star trails.  A sliding rock of the Racetrack Playa. The sliding rocks, or sailing stones, move across the mud flats of the Racetrack Playa, leaving trails behind in the mud. The explanation for their movement is not known with certainty, but many believe wind pushes the rocks over wet and perhaps icy mud in winter, Death Valley National Park, California
Racetrack sailing stone and star trails. A sliding rock of the Racetrack Playa. The sliding rocks, or sailing stones, move across the mud flats of the Racetrack Playa, leaving trails behind in the mud. The explanation for their movement is not known with certainty, but many believe wind pushes the rocks over wet and perhaps icy mud in winter.
Stars over the Tower of Babel, starry night, Arches National Park, Utah
Stars over the Tower of Babel, starry night, Arches National Park, Utah.
Torrey Pines Cliffs lit at night by a full moon, low tide reflections, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
Torrey Pines Cliffs lit at night by a full moon, low tide reflections.
Milky Way over Tioga Lake, Yosemite National Park
Milky Way over Tioga Lake, Yosemite National Park.
Blue Moon, Full Moon at Sunset over San Diego City Skyline, approaching jet with headlights appearing in front of the moon
Blue Moon, Full Moon at Sunset over San Diego City Skyline, approaching jet with headlights appearing in front of the moon.
Quarter Moon over Broken Hill, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
Quarter Moon over Broken Hill, Torrey Pines State Reserve.
Milky Way over the Watchman, Zion National Park.  The Milky Way galaxy rises in the night sky above the the Watchman
Milky Way over the Watchman, Zion National Park. The Milky Way galaxy rises in the night sky above the the Watchman.
Venus sets over Manley Beacon and the Panamint Mountains, viewed from Zabriskie Point, landscape lit by a full moon, evening, stars, Death Valley National Park, California
Venus sets over Manley Beacon and the Panamint Mountains, viewed from Zabriskie Point, landscape lit by a full moon, evening, stars.
El Capitan and clouds lit by full moon, stars, evening, Yosemite National Park, California
El Capitan and clouds lit by full moon, stars, evening.
Moutain climbers light see upon Mount Rainier, Milky Way and stars at night above Mount Rainier, Sunrise, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Moutain climbers light see upon Mount Rainier, Milky Way and stars at night above Mount Rainier.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Tree at sunset, panorama, with storm clouds passing over the White Mountains.  The eastern Sierra Nevada is just visible in the distance, Pinus longaeva, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Tree at sunset, panorama, with storm clouds passing over the White Mountains. The eastern Sierra Nevada is just visible in the distance.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Tree at night, stars and the Milky Way galaxy visible in the evening sky, near Patriarch Grove, Pinus longaeva, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Tree at night, stars and the Milky Way galaxy visible in the evening sky, near Patriarch Grove.
The Fire Wave by Moonlight, stars and the night sky, Valley of Fire State Park
The Fire Wave by Moonlight, stars and the night sky, Valley of Fire State Park.
Full moon with 22-degree lunar halo, Joshua Tree National Park.  The lunar halo (not to be cofused with lunar corona) forms when moonlight refracts through high altitude ice crystals. As no light is refracted at angles smaller than 22-degrees the sky is darker inside the halo
Full moon with 22-degree lunar halo, Joshua Tree National Park. The lunar halo (not to be cofused with lunar corona) forms when moonlight refracts through high altitude ice crystals. As no light is refracted at angles smaller than 22-degrees the sky is darker inside the halo.
Star Trails over the San Diego Downtown City Skyline.  In this 60 minute exposure, stars create trails through the night sky over downtown San Diego
Star Trails over the San Diego Downtown City Skyline. In this 60 minute exposure, stars create trails through the night sky over downtown San Diego.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Tree at night, stars and the Milky Way galaxy visible in the evening sky, near Patriarch Grove, Pinus longaeva, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Tree at night, stars and the Milky Way galaxy visible in the evening sky, near Patriarch Grove.
Milky Way and Stars over Broken Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
Milky Way and Stars over Broken Arch, Arches National Park, Utah.
Milky Way arches over Delicate Arch, as stars cover the night sky, Arches National Park, Utah
Milky Way arches over Delicate Arch, as stars cover the night sky.
Milky Way and stars over Crater Lake at night. Panorama of Crater Lake and Wizard Island at night, Crater Lake National Park
Milky Way and stars over Crater Lake at night. Panorama of Crater Lake and Wizard Island at night, Crater Lake National Park.
Radio telescope antenna, part of the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). The Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) is a system of ten radio telescopes which are operated remotely from their Array Operations Center located in Socorro, New Mexico, as a part of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). These ten radio antennas work together as an array that forms the longest system in the world that uses very long baseline interferometry, Big Pine, California
Radio telescope antenna, part of the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). The Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) is a system of ten radio telescopes which are operated remotely from their Array Operations Center located in Socorro, New Mexico, as a part of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). These ten radio antennas work together as an array that forms the longest system in the world that uses very long baseline interferometry.
Lunar Eclipse and blood red moon sequence, over Juniper and Standing Rock, composite image, Joshua Tree National Park, April 14/15 2014
Lunar Eclipse and blood red moon sequence, over Juniper and Standing Rock, composite image, Joshua Tree National Park, April 14/15 2014.
Milky Way and Stars through Wilson Arch. Wilson Arch rises high above route 191 in eastern Utah, with a span of 91 feet and a height of 46 feet, Moab
Milky Way and Stars through Wilson Arch. Wilson Arch rises high above route 191 in eastern Utah, with a span of 91 feet and a height of 46 feet.
The Milky Way galaxy arcs above Arch Rock, panoramic photograph, cylindrical projection, Joshua Tree National Park, California
The Milky Way galaxy arcs above Arch Rock, panoramic photograph, cylindrical projection.
Star trails and Arch Rock. Polaris, the North Star, is at the center of the circular arc star trails as they pass above this natural stone archway in Joshua Tree National Park, Alabama Hills Recreational Area
Star trails and Arch Rock. Polaris, the North Star, is at the center of the circular arc star trails as they pass above this natural stone archway in Joshua Tree National Park.
The Milky Way Galaxy shines in the night sky with a Joshua Tree silhouetted in the foreground, Joshua Tree National Park, California
The Milky Way Galaxy shines in the night sky with a Joshua Tree silhouetted in the foreground.
Balanced Rock and Milky Way stars at night, Arches National Park, Utah
Balanced Rock and Milky Way stars at night.
Joshua Tree National Park, Milky Way and Moon, Shooting Star, Comet Panstarrs, Impending Dawn
Joshua Tree National Park, Milky Way and Moon, Shooting Star, Comet Panstarrs, Impending Dawn.
Live Oak and Milky Way, rocks and stars, Joshua Tree National Park at night
Live Oak and Milky Way, rocks and stars, Joshua Tree National Park at night.
The Wave at Night, under a clear night sky full of stars.  The Wave, an area of fantastic eroded sandstone featuring beautiful swirls, wild colors, countless striations, and bizarre shapes set amidst the dramatic surrounding North Coyote Buttes of Arizona and Utah. The sandstone formations of the North Coyote Buttes, including the Wave, date from the Jurassic period. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Wave is located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness and is accessible on foot by permit only
The Wave at Night, under a clear night sky full of stars. The Wave, an area of fantastic eroded sandstone featuring beautiful swirls, wild colors, countless striations, and bizarre shapes set amidst the dramatic surrounding North Coyote Buttes of Arizona and Utah. The sandstone formations of the North Coyote Buttes, including the Wave, date from the Jurassic period. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Wave is located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness and is accessible on foot by permit only.
Full moon over Zabriskie Point landscape, Death Valley National Park, California
Full moon over Zabriskie Point landscape.
Yosemite Valley and stars lit by full moon, evening, Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite Valley and stars lit by full moon, evening.
Milky Way and Stars over Delicate Arch, at night, Arches National Park, Utah
Milky Way and Stars over Delicate Arch, at night, Arches National Park, Utah.
Stars over Corona Arch at Night, Moab, Utah
Stars over Corona Arch at Night, Moab, Utah.
Stars and Iridium Flare over Double Arch, Arches National Park
Stars and Iridium Flare over Double Arch, Arches National Park.
Milky Way over Sandstone Fins. Sandstone fins stand on edge.  Vertical fractures separate standing plates of sandstone that are eroded into freestanding fins, that may one day further erode into arches, Arches National Park, Utah
Milky Way over Sandstone Fins. Sandstone fins stand on edge. Vertical fractures separate standing plates of sandstone that are eroded into freestanding fins, that may one day further erode into arches.
Milky Way over Ancient Bristlecone Pine Trees, Inyo National Forest, Pinus longaeva, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Milky Way over Ancient Bristlecone Pine Trees, Inyo National Forest.
Milky Way galaxy over Mobius Arch at night, Alabama Hills, Alabama Hills Recreational Area
Milky Way galaxy over Mobius Arch at night, Alabama Hills.
Lunar Eclipse Setting over Joshua Tree National Park, April 4 2015
Lunar Eclipse Setting over Joshua Tree National Park, April 4 2015.
Milky Way over Ancient Bristlecone Pine Trees, Inyo National Forest, Pinus longaeva, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Milky Way over Ancient Bristlecone Pine Trees, Inyo National Forest.
Perseid Meteor Shower over Arch Rock, Joshua Tree National Park, Aug 13, 2014
Perseid Meteor Shower over Arch Rock, Joshua Tree National Park, Aug 13, 2014.
Ocotillo Wind Energy Turbines, at night with stars and the Milky Way in the sky above, the moving turbine blades illuminated by a small flashlight
Ocotillo Wind Energy Turbines, at night with stars and the Milky Way in the sky above, the moving turbine blades illuminated by a small flashlight.
Milky Way over Joshua Tree National Park
Milky Way over Joshua Tree National Park.
The Milky Way stretches across the sky above Arch Rock in Joshua Tree National Park
The Milky Way stretches across the sky above Arch Rock in Joshua Tree National Park.
Milky Way over Joshua Tree National Park at Astronomical Twilight, Pre-dawn
Milky Way over Joshua Tree National Park at Astronomical Twilight, Pre-dawn.
Tufa and Stars at Night, Milky Way galaxy, Mono Lake, California
Tufa and Stars at Night, Milky Way galaxy.
Owachomo Bridge and Star Trails, at night.  Owachomo Bridge, a natural stone bridge standing 106' high and spanning 130' wide,stretches across a canyon with the Milky Way crossing the night sky, Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
Owachomo Bridge and Star Trails, at night. Owachomo Bridge, a natural stone bridge standing 106' high and spanning 130' wide,stretches across a canyon with the Milky Way crossing the night sky.
Monument Valley panorama, sunrise, dawn, stars in the sky
Monument Valley panorama, sunrise, dawn, stars in the sky.
Zodiacal Light and planet Jupiter in the northeastern horizon, above Half Dome and the Yosemite high country, Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, California
Zodiacal Light and planet Jupiter in the northeastern horizon, above Half Dome and the Yosemite high country.
The OVRO 40 meter Telescope, part of the Owens Valley Radio Observatory located near Big Pine, California, USA. The telescope is used to conduct interferometric observations along with the other telescopes in the observatory, as a Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) station and as a single dish instrument. Its main focus today is on the monitoring of blazars
The OVRO 40 meter Telescope, part of the Owens Valley Radio Observatory located near Big Pine, California, USA. The telescope is used to conduct interferometric observations along with the other telescopes in the observatory, as a Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) station and as a single dish instrument. Its main focus today is on the monitoring of blazars.
Milky Way during Full Lunar Eclipse over Arch Rock, Joshua Tree National Park, April 4 2015
Milky Way during Full Lunar Eclipse over Arch Rock, Joshua Tree National Park, April 4 2015.
Milky Way over the Watchman, Zion National Park.  The Milky Way galaxy rises in the night sky above the the Watchman
Milky Way over the Watchman, Zion National Park. The Milky Way galaxy rises in the night sky above the the Watchman.
Milky Way at Night over Arch Rock, Joshua Tree National Park
Milky Way at Night over Arch Rock, Joshua Tree National Park.
Stars rise above the Ocotillo Wind Turbine power generation facility, with a flashlight illuminating the turning turbine blades
Stars rise above the Ocotillo Wind Turbine power generation facility, with a flashlight illuminating the turning turbine blades.
Balanced Rock and Moon at night, Arches National Park
Balanced Rock and Moon at night, Arches National Park.
Perseid Meteor Shower over Joshua Tree National Park, Aug 13, 2014
Perseid Meteor Shower over Joshua Tree National Park, Aug 13, 2014.
International Space Station flys over Death Valley shortly after sunset, Earth Orbit, Solar System, Milky Way Galaxy, The Universe
International Space Station flys over Death Valley shortly after sunset.
The Galactic Center of the Milky Way galaxy rises in the sky on a clear night
The Galactic Center of the Milky Way galaxy rises in the sky on a clear night.
Racetrack sailing stone and star trails.  A sliding rock of the Racetrack Playa. The sliding rocks, or sailing stones, move across the mud flats of the Racetrack Playa, leaving trails behind in the mud. The explanation for their movement is not known with certainty, but many believe wind pushes the rocks over wet and perhaps icy mud in winter, Death Valley National Park, California
Racetrack sailing stone and star trails. A sliding rock of the Racetrack Playa. The sliding rocks, or sailing stones, move across the mud flats of the Racetrack Playa, leaving trails behind in the mud. The explanation for their movement is not known with certainty, but many believe wind pushes the rocks over wet and perhaps icy mud in winter.
Mobius Arch and stars at night, Alabama Hills, California, Alabama Hills Recreational Area
Mobius Arch and stars at night, Alabama Hills, California.
Stone columns rising in the night sky, milky way and stars and clouds filling the night sky overhead, Arches National Park, Utah
Stone columns rising in the night sky, milky way and stars and clouds filling the night sky overhead.
Live Oak and Milky Way, rocks and stars, Joshua Tree National Park at night
Live Oak and Milky Way, rocks and stars, Joshua Tree National Park at night.
Torrey Pines Cliffs lit at night by a full moon, low tide reflections, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
Torrey Pines Cliffs lit at night by a full moon, low tide reflections.
Torrey Pines Cliffs lit at night by a full moon, low tide reflections, Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
Torrey Pines Cliffs lit at night by a full moon, low tide reflections.
Moon and Milky Way over Palomar Mountain State Park
Moon and Milky Way over Palomar Mountain State Park.
The Wave at Night, under a clear night sky full of stars.  The Wave, an area of fantastic eroded sandstone featuring beautiful swirls, wild colors, countless striations, and bizarre shapes set amidst the dramatic surrounding North Coyote Buttes of Arizona and Utah. The sandstone formations of the North Coyote Buttes, including the Wave, date from the Jurassic period. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Wave is located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness and is accessible on foot by permit only
The Wave at Night, under a clear night sky full of stars. The Wave, an area of fantastic eroded sandstone featuring beautiful swirls, wild colors, countless striations, and bizarre shapes set amidst the dramatic surrounding North Coyote Buttes of Arizona and Utah. The sandstone formations of the North Coyote Buttes, including the Wave, date from the Jurassic period. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Wave is located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness and is accessible on foot by permit only.
The Second Wave at Night.  The Second Wave, a spectacular sandstone formation in the North Coyote Buttes, lies under a sky full of stars, Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, Arizona
The Second Wave at Night. The Second Wave, a spectacular sandstone formation in the North Coyote Buttes, lies under a sky full of stars.
Moon and Stars over Pauma Valley, viewed from Palomar Mountain State Park
Moon and Stars over Pauma Valley, viewed from Palomar Mountain State Park.
The moon sets over the Fire Wave, a beautiful sandstone formation exhibiting dramatic striations, striped layers in the geologic historical record, Valley of Fire State Park
The moon sets over the Fire Wave, a beautiful sandstone formation exhibiting dramatic striations, striped layers in the geologic historical record.
Star trails, rotating around the North Star (Polaris), seen from Death Valley
Star trails, rotating around the North Star (Polaris), seen from Death Valley.
Juniper and star trails, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Juniper and star trails.
Stars and the Milky Way rise above ancient bristlecone pine trees, in the White Mountains at an elevation of 10,000' above sea level.  These are some of the oldest trees in the world, reaching 4000 years in age, Pinus longaeva, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Stars and the Milky Way rise above ancient bristlecone pine trees, in the White Mountains at an elevation of 10,000' above sea level. These are some of the oldest trees in the world, reaching 4000 years in age.
Moon and Stars over Balanced Rock, Arches National Park
Moon and Stars over Balanced Rock, Arches National Park.
Milky Way through North Window, Arches National Park
Milky Way through North Window, Arches National Park.
Milky Way and Stars over Delicate Arch, at night, Arches National Park, Utah
Milky Way and Stars over Delicate Arch, at night, Arches National Park, Utah.
Breaking waves crash upon a rocky reef under the light of a full moon, La Jolla, California
Breaking waves crash upon a rocky reef under the light of a full moon.
Natural arch formed in sandstone frames the setting moon, Valley of Fire State Park
Natural arch formed in sandstone frames the setting moon.
The Fire Wave at night, lit by the light of the moon, Valley of Fire State Park
The Fire Wave at night, lit by the light of the moon.
The Milky Way at Night over Sky Rock.  Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them
The Milky Way at Night over Sky Rock. Sky Rock petroglyphs near Bishop, California. Hidden atop an enormous boulder in the Volcanic Tablelands lies Sky Rock, a set of petroglyphs that face the sky. These superb examples of native American petroglyph artwork are thought to be Paiute in origin, but little is known about them.
Milky Way over Arch Rock, planet Venus framed with the arch, at astronomical twilight, Joshua Tree National Park
Milky Way over Arch Rock, planet Venus framed with the arch, at astronomical twilight, Joshua Tree National Park.
Stars over Corona Arch at Night, Moab, Utah
Stars over Corona Arch at Night, Moab, Utah.
Milky Way over Sandstone Fins. Sandstone fins stand on edge.  Vertical fractures separate standing plates of sandstone that are eroded into freestanding fins, that may one day further erode into arches, Arches National Park, Utah
Milky Way over Sandstone Fins. Sandstone fins stand on edge. Vertical fractures separate standing plates of sandstone that are eroded into freestanding fins, that may one day further erode into arches.
The Milky Way rises in the sky above the Toadstool Hoodoos near the Paria Rimrocks.  Rimrock Hoodoos, Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument, Utah
The Milky Way rises in the sky above the Toadstool Hoodoos near the Paria Rimrocks. Rimrock Hoodoos.
Arch Rock and star trails, impending dawn, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Arch Rock and star trails, impending dawn.
Double Arch and the Milky Way, stars at night, Arches National Park, Utah
Double Arch and the Milky Way, stars at night.
Torrey Pines State Reserve at Night, stars and clouds fill the night sky, the Pacific Ocean in the distance, San Diego, California
Torrey Pines State Reserve at Night, stars and clouds fill the night sky, the Pacific Ocean in the distance.
The Milky Way rises over La Jolla, viewed from Broken Hill in Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
The Milky Way rises over La Jolla, viewed from Broken Hill in Torrey Pines State Reserve.
Lunar corona, or moon halo, also known as lunar nimbus, icebow or gloriole, occurring 22 degrees around the moon.  Observed during the full lunar eclipse of April 14/15 2014.  Planet Mars at upper right, blue star Spica to the right of the moon, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Lunar corona, or moon halo, also known as lunar nimbus, icebow or gloriole, occurring 22 degrees around the moon. Observed during the full lunar eclipse of April 14/15 2014. Planet Mars at upper right, blue star Spica to the right of the moon.
Joshua trees and star trails, moonlit night. The Joshua Tree is a species of yucca common in the lower Colorado desert and upper Mojave desert ecosystems, Yucca brevifolia, Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua trees and star trails, moonlit night. The Joshua Tree is a species of yucca common in the lower Colorado desert and upper Mojave desert ecosystems.
The Milky Way arching over Mesa Arch at night, Canyonlands National Park, Utah
The Milky Way arching over Mesa Arch at night.
Tufa and Stars at Night, Milky Way galaxy, Mono Lake, California
Tufa and Stars at Night, Milky Way galaxy.
The Wave at Night, under a clear night sky full of stars.  The Wave, an area of fantastic eroded sandstone featuring beautiful swirls, wild colors, countless striations, and bizarre shapes set amidst the dramatic surrounding North Coyote Buttes of Arizona and Utah. The sandstone formations of the North Coyote Buttes, including the Wave, date from the Jurassic period. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Wave is located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness and is accessible on foot by permit only
The Wave at Night, under a clear night sky full of stars. The Wave, an area of fantastic eroded sandstone featuring beautiful swirls, wild colors, countless striations, and bizarre shapes set amidst the dramatic surrounding North Coyote Buttes of Arizona and Utah. The sandstone formations of the North Coyote Buttes, including the Wave, date from the Jurassic period. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Wave is located in the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness and is accessible on foot by permit only.
Lunar Eclipse and blood red moon sequence, stars, astronomical twilight, composite image, Joshua Tree National Park, April 14/15 2014
Lunar Eclipse and blood red moon sequence, stars, astronomical twilight, composite image, Joshua Tree National Park, April 14/15 2014.
Milky Way through North Window, Arches National Park
Milky Way through North Window, Arches National Park.
Milky Way over Ancient Bristlecone Pine Trees, Inyo National Forest, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Milky Way over Ancient Bristlecone Pine Trees, Inyo National Forest.
Full Moon Rising under Arch Rock, Joshua Tree National Park
Full Moon Rising under Arch Rock, Joshua Tree National Park.
Milky Way during Full Lunar Eclipse over Arch Rock, Joshua Tree National Park, April 4 2015
Milky Way during Full Lunar Eclipse over Arch Rock, Joshua Tree National Park, April 4 2015.
Panoramic image of Arch Rock lit by a full moon, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Panoramic image of Arch Rock lit by a full moon.
Full lunar eclipse, blood red moon, with blue star Spica (right of moon) and planet Mars (top right), over Joshua Tree National Park, April 14/15, 2014
Full lunar eclipse, blood red moon, with blue star Spica (right of moon) and planet Mars (top right), over Joshua Tree National Park, April 14/15, 2014.
Exuberant hiker atop the Fire Wave, at night, stars and the evening sky, Valley of Fire State Park
Exuberant hiker atop the Fire Wave, at night, stars and the evening sky.
Breaking waves crash upon a rocky reef under the light of a full moon, La Jolla, California
Breaking waves crash upon a rocky reef under the light of a full moon.
Zodiacal light and Milky Way over Death Valley.  Zodiacal light is a faint diffuse light seen along the plane of the ecliptic in the vicinity of the setting or rising sun, caused by sunlight scattered off space dust in the zodiacal cloud, Racetrack Playa, Death Valley National Park, California
Zodiacal light and Milky Way over Death Valley. Zodiacal light is a faint diffuse light seen along the plane of the ecliptic in the vicinity of the setting or rising sun, caused by sunlight scattered off space dust in the zodiacal cloud.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography Research Pier at night, lit with stars in the sky, old La Jolla town in the distance
Scripps Institution of Oceanography Research Pier at night, lit with stars in the sky, old La Jolla town in the distance.
Ancient bristlecone pine trees at night, under a clear night sky full of stars, lit by a full moon, near Patriarch Grove, Pinus longaeva, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Ancient bristlecone pine trees at night, under a clear night sky full of stars, lit by a full moon, near Patriarch Grove.
Ancient bristlecone pine trees at night, under a clear night sky full of stars, lit by a full moon, near Patriarch Grove, Pinus longaeva, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Ancient bristlecone pine trees at night, under a clear night sky full of stars, lit by a full moon, near Patriarch Grove.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Tree at night, stars and the Milky Way galaxy visible in the evening sky, near Patriarch Grove, Pinus longaeva, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Tree at night, stars and the Milky Way galaxy visible in the evening sky, near Patriarch Grove.
Star trails over Yosemite Valley, viewed from Tunnel View, the floor of Yosemite Valley illuminated by a full moon.  El Capitan on left, Bridalveil Falls on right, Half Dome in distant center, Yosemite National Park, California
Star trails over Yosemite Valley, viewed from Tunnel View, the floor of Yosemite Valley illuminated by a full moon. El Capitan on left, Bridalveil Falls on right, Half Dome in distant center.
Merced River and full moon, Yosemite National Park, California
Merced River and full moon.
Elephant arch and stars at night, moonlight, Valley of Fire State Park
Elephant arch and stars at night, moonlight, Valley of Fire State Park.