W for Cassiopeia

In a moonlit night of Alborz Mountains in Iran, the W-like prominent constellation of Cassiopeia stands above Mount Damavand; the highest volcano in Asia, rising to an altitude of over 5600 meters. A front lens diffuser filter is used in order to increase size and color contrast of the brighter stars that define the constellation. Right above the peak is the Double Star Cluster, a notable deep sky object in Perseus, also visible to unaided eyes. Mt Damavand has a prominent role in the Persian culture and mythology. The spectacular volcano is considered alive although it has been dormant for many thousands of years. Click on the second photo to see a wider angle view of the autumn Milky Way over the mountain.