Milky Way in Monte Falperras

A Notable Photo of the 2014 International Earth & Sky Photo Contest

From the photographer: “In this view captured in Monte Faperras, Mourão, one of the regions belonging to the Alqueva´s Dark Sky Reserve, we could appreciate the great Milky Way above the Lake Alqueva. In this “strong” arm of our galaxy (from left to right) be present the swan (Cygnus), with its North America nebula (NGC7000) clearly visible. Down to the right, we still find the constellation of Sagittarius with many nebulas like: M16, M17, M24, M20; M8 and Scorpios, with the brilliant super giant star, Antares. In the top of the image, the bright star is Vega, from Lyra constellation, also forming the well known Summer Triangle with Deneb and Altair too. In the left edge of the image, between Milky arc and horizon, can be seen the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). In the land, behind me, was a big pit filled with singing frogs!”

Canon 60Da – ISO2000; 24mm f/2 Exp 20 secs. Mosaic of 36 images.