The Atacama is considered the driest desert on earth and has one of the clearest starry skies anywhere. Of four nights, we spent three outside looking up. I’ve seen impressive starry skies in many places, but this one is among the most beautiful I have ever experienced.
Three nights under the Atacama sky
Here is a selection from the three nights. Because the sky was so clear, I photographed with my 90 mm telephoto for the first time too – an idea I should have tried much earlier.
Nights beneath the Milky Way
I won’t forget these nights in the Atacama in a hurry.
Up close with the 90 mm lens: the heart of the Milky Way, golden dust and dark clouds.Two tight crops side by side – dense and bright on the left, dark dust lanes on the right.The Milky Way across the frame, its bright core left of centre.Twice in portrait: brown dust clouds on the left, a pink glow on the right.The Milky Way rises over the dark ridge – that is how clear the Atacama sky is.Filling the frame, no horizon – photographed with the 90 mm lens for the first time.Horizontal between two star fields: the Milky Way over the driest desert on Earth.A vertical band at the right edge, nothing but stars elsewhere.Between black jagged peaks the Milky Way stretches like an arch.Slanting over the smooth ridge – one of three nights spent outside.Diagonal across the frame, just a dark rock edge at the bottom right.A reddish glow on the horizon, the rocky crest in front, the Milky Way above.Behind pointed peaks the Milky Way climbs into the night.A tight crop, almost without ground – just sky.Straight up, just a narrow ridge below – nights you don't forget quickly.
