Starry Night of Ovahe Beach

Starry southern sky decorates this night-time view of Ovahe Beach in the Easter Island. This remote Pacific island is the land of mysterious moai statues erased from the island’s yet-to-understand history. Notable along the Milky Way is the large dark nebula known as the Coalsack (upper right) and above it is a red cosmic cloud known as Carina Nebula. As noted by the photographer “Ovahe is listed in tourist guides as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I will testify and 2nd that opinion. That was the place I decided to forsake all and just stay for the rest of my life! It was a magical place to be at night, but I was also spooked hiking around and checking out dark caves to find the right spot for this image.” © Wally Pacholka