Daily Telescope: A dazzling view of the Milky Way from southern Africa

Good morning. It’s November 1, and at present’s picture brings us inspiration from southern Namibia. Maybe probably the most iconic tree within the southern area of Africa is the quiver tree—so named as a result of its tubular branches might be usual right into a service for arrows.

Curt Belser took this picture of the Milky Approach Galaxy rising over a quiver tree in Might as a part of a images tour of Namibia. The Moon had already set, in order that enhanced the darkness of the skies regionally. This distant a part of Africa already boasts among the darkest skies on the earth.

The tour group had scouted this location in the course of the afternoon after which returned after sundown to arrange gear. This concerned shifting round fastidiously at the hours of darkness, dodging sharp boulders and different hazards. Belser captured a number of 15-second exposures earlier than starting a 30-minute publicity to deliver out star trails.

“I lastly had half-hour or so to admire the spectacular view,” he advised Ars. “It was significantly better than the darkish skies the place I’ve photographed the Milky Approach in Arches Nationwide Park. You possibly can respect how individuals in historic occasions constructed their mythologies round what they noticed within the a lot darker night time sky.”

You possibly can go to his web site under to see a photograph with star trails, in addition to the placement in the course of the sunlight hours.

Supply: Curt Belser.

Do you wish to submit a photograph for the Every day Telescope? Reach out and say hello.