Mars and Orion over Monument Valley
July 10, 2009This view from Monument Valley shows the famous buttes in the foreground. The buttes are composed of hard rock left behind after water eroded away the surrounding soft rock. The two buttes on the left of the image are the Mittens, with Merrick Butte on the right.
The planet Mars is at the left of the skyscape, a glowing beacon of orange that is the brightest object in the frame. To the right of Mars lies the constellation of Orion. Betelgeuse is the reddish star near the center and the Belt of Orion and the Orion Nebula are farther right. Finally, the bright blue star Rigel appears above Merrick Butte in this stunning view.
Monument Valley by Wally Pacholka
The photo was taken by Wally Pacholka, a photographer with a talent for capturing wonderful collaborations between national parks and the stars.
His technique? A standard 50mm lens mounted on a tripod, exposures of sometimes up to a minute, and patience to get the right shot.