Orion Above the Torre del Finanziere

From the photographer: “An ancient abandoned building, the Torre del Finanziere, stands in solitude on the Sicilian coast, illuminated by starlight that reveals its weathered structure. Located between Cava d’Aliga and Scicli, this tower, once used as a lighthouse by the Guardia di Finanza, is now surrounded by prickly pears and agave plants, with a small watchtower perched on a cliff overlooking the azure sky and sea. Above it, in the depths of the winter sky, shines the constellation Orion, framed by celestial structures of remarkable beauty.

The photo highlights not only the main stars of the constellation but also the extensive H-alpha regions visible in the sky. Among these is Barnard’s Loop, a vast emission nebula encircling Orion. This loop, spanning about 300 light-years in diameter, is the result of ancient supernova explosions and intense stellar winds from massive stars that have sculpted the surrounding gas clouds.

The main stars of the constellation complete this cosmic spectacle: Betelgeuse, the aging red supergiant, stands out with its warm hue, while Rigel, a blue supergiant, shines as one of the brightest stars in the night sky. These stars, along with the surrounding nebulous structures, tell stories of stellar birth, evolution, and death.

The view of Orion above the Torre del Finanziere, as captured in this image, creates a striking contrast between the eternity of the night sky and the transience of human creations. The H-alpha regions and molecular clouds of Orion intertwine with local history, blending the science of the cosmos with the beauty of the Sicilian landscape.”

Technical details:
Nikon D800 + Sigma 35mm ART at f2.5
Sky: 64 shots of 60 seconds, ISO 1000
Foreground:  1 shot 75 seconds ISO 400