Winter and Summer Stars over Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon shapes the northern horizon as seen from the Mather Point on the south rim of the canyon. Winter constellations Gemini, Auriga and Taurus with bright Venus are descending in the west (left) as the evening twilight fades in darkness. Summer constellations (in the northern hemisphere sky) Hercules, Ophiuchus, Lyra and Cygnus are rising in the east (right). Celestial bears Ursa Major and Ursa Minor lie due north (center). Zodiacal Light is prominent as an triangular twilight-like glow in the west. © Tunc Tezel