AAPOD2 Image Archives

Charles Lillo 6/16/24 Charles Lillo 6/16/24

600 Years of Trailing

Star trails over Tash-Rabat, a stone caravanserai built in the 15th century, create a mesmerizing display that reflects the Earth's rotation. Located in the Kyrgyzstan mountains, Tash-Rabat's remote and dark skies provide an ideal setting for capturing the celestial dance. In a long-exposure photograph, the stars appear to trace circular paths around the North Star, Polaris, which remains relatively stationary in the sky due to its alignment with Earth's rotational axis.

The reason the stars trail in circular patterns is because of the Earth's rotation. As our planet spins on its axis, the stars appear to move across the sky from east to west. In the Northern Hemisphere, when looking northward, the stars seem to rotate counterclockwise around Polaris. The closer the stars are to Polaris, the smaller the circles they trace; stars further away from Polaris create larger arcs. This effect is beautifully captured in long-exposure images, showing concentric circles centered on the North Star, which serves as the anchor point in the starry sky over the historic Tash-Rabat.

Charles Lillo 4/26/24 Charles Lillo 4/26/24

Star Trails at Pangong, Lake

In a mesmerizing display of celestial motion, star trails adorn the night sky over Pangong Lake, casting their radiant arcs against the tranquil waters below. Situated amidst the rugged terrain of the Himalayas, Pangong Lake serves as a pristine canvas for capturing the timeless dance of the cosmos.

The concentric trails of stars, painted by Earth's rotation, weave a tapestry of light that reflects the eternal rhythm of the universe. Against the backdrop of Pangong's serene waters, this celestial spectacle evokes a profound sense of wonder and awe, inviting contemplation of the boundless mysteries that lie beyond the confines of our world.