Astronomy Picture of the Day 9-23-02

NASA ^ | 9-23-02 | Robert Nemiroff and Jerry Bonnell

[petuniasevan]

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2002 September 23

The Milky Way Over Mount Blanc
Credit & Copyright: Marc Sylvestre (Universia)

Explanation: Have you ever seen the band of our Milky Way Galaxy? Chances are you have never seen it like this -- nor could you. In a clear sky from a dark location at the right time, a faint band of light is visible across the sky. This band is the disk of our spiral galaxy. Since we are inside this disk, the band appears to encircle the Earth. The above spectacular picture is a bit of a digital trick, though. A first shot was taken in July 2000 with the camera counter-rotating from the Earth so that the stars appear fixed. This allowed a long exposure from which a great amount of detail could emerge from the background star field. Later, after moonrise, a much shorter image was taken from the same location catching details of Mount Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. Reflections in the water were later enhanced digitally.

[petuniasevan]

Astronomy Fun Fact:

Want to do something like this? Here's some points: First, a camera. Not your SLR autofocus point and click model either. The above image was taken with an Olympus OM-1. Second, a good software program for combining images (like Photoshop). Third, a way to guide the camera. Fourth: Choose the right film, setting and exposure. Experiment! Fifth: Try different techniques, including the above "counter rotation", and of course time exposure (star trails).

Astrophotography as art! Doesn't the photo remind you of a Van Gogh painting?

[petuniasevan]

[2Trievers]

Van Gogh was a remarkable talent ... unappreciated in his own time. So HAPPY we can enjoy Astrophotography instantly. Truly breathtaking! Thanks 'tunia. &;-)

[sleavelessinseattle]

Mass cool Art/Science convergence! Scientists should never discount the observing eye of the artist...Is there a title to that?

[sistergoldenhair]

Starry Night.
It's on my mouse pad.

[sleavelessinseattle]

Thanks! It reminds me of the Hale Bopp Comet...first one I ever really SAW...the experience helped me empathize with all the astrologers over the centuries...I'd be hard pressed NOT to say something that big in the night sky WASN'T an omen!!!

[sleavelessinseattle]

Speak of the Divil! Here's a Beaut of Hale Bopp!

[BossyRoofer]

Itis quite unique and beautiful. Here in arizona around the tonto basin area at night you can see the milkyway really clearly, and its awsome to behold! Good job APOD!

[MeekOneGOP]

Great picture, thanks !!

I was very well behaved while you were gone. Sleevless and 2T can vouch for me !

[2Trievers]

He was NOT 'tunia ... He tried to tell us the moon was made of CHEESE ... and to B.Y.O.B. and crackers ... and then I think he even tried convince others that the world is FLAT! &;-)

[MeekOneGOP]

He was NOT 'tunia ... He tried to tell us the moon was made of CHEESE ... and to B.Y.O.B. and crackers ... and then I think he even tried convince others that the world is FLAT! &;-)

Uh !! Well ! I never !

heh heh !!