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Posted on 03/25/2026 12:46:49 PM PDT by MtnClimber
Explanation: In the words of today's astrophotographer, Rositsa Dimitrova, "What have these silent sentinels watched pass across the sky?" The volcanic mo'ai (meaning statue) of Ahu Tongariki stand guard over Rapa Nui (Isla de Pascua, Easter Island), a Polynesian island (annexed by Chile in 1888) located thousands of kilometers off the coast of South America in the Pacific Ocean. Due to the island's remoteness, the mo'ai, with their backs to the dark ocean, are able to gaze upon a clear and vibrant night sky. Pictured, these larger-than-life statues stare at the bright band of the Milky Way, partly obscured by interstellar dust and blurred by Earth's clouds. Under such clear night skies, the Rapa Nui created observatories and used astronomical observations for navigation, calendar calibration, celebrations, and more. Images like this one remind us of the importance of dark skies, protecting the land underneath them, and preserving the culture that they inspire.
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That’s a good pic.
Wow.
Quite.
I’m glad you post these photos.
Totally cool! Have they been able to figure out how those statues got there and/or how they were built? I’ve heard a few theories, but nothing definitive.
Are there shots of our Milky Way from every angle? And how can we SEE the Milky Way when we’re IN the Milky Way?
Annoying Minds Want To Know! ;)
I have not heard how they did it either. It looks like it would have been hard.
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