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Grumpy Old Guy

(4,367 posts)
Tue Apr 28, 2026, 02:45 PM Tuesday

The Milky Way over Trona Pinnacles, with a bonus meteor.

Hi folks, haven't been around much for a week or two.

Recently I had a chance to do one of my favorite things, which is shooting the night sky in the California Desert. The experience was made even better by being able to share it with three other astrophotographers. Milky Way season has arrived, which meant a quick camping trip out to the Trona Pinnacles, a location made famous in many movies, TV shows and car commercials. It helps to have a 4WD truck set up for camping for expeditions like this.

I knew there was a meteor shower going on that evening. I didn't see any with my naked eye, but was excited to spot this one while going through my files. This is a single frame taken from a thirty second timelapse shot from about 12:30 A.M. to 4:00 A.M.

Here is a link to the full timelapse video for those who have Instagram. Be sure to play it with the audio.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXd2sUZDmc9/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
The Milky Way over Trona Pinnacles, with a bonus meteor. (Original Post) Grumpy Old Guy Tuesday OP
Thanks for reminding me of the breathtaking beauty of the night sky. Polly Hennessey Tuesday #1
Isn't it wonderful? Grumpy Old Guy Tuesday #2
Beautiful HAB911 Tuesday #3
It truly is astounding.. Grumpy Old Guy Tuesday #4
I don't know HAB911 Tuesday #5
Spectacular!!! (Though I wouldn't discount rattlers . . .) Cool Video!!! George McGovern Tuesday #6

Grumpy Old Guy

(4,367 posts)
2. Isn't it wonderful?
Tue Apr 28, 2026, 03:02 PM
Tuesday

It is so astounding to witness in person. I am fortunate to have several dark sky areas within a day's drive from home. It is a wonder to behold, which not enough people get to experience.

Who cares if it comes with rattlesnakes?

Grumpy Old Guy

(4,367 posts)
4. It truly is astounding..
Tue Apr 28, 2026, 06:28 PM
Tuesday

I would think that Florida has to have a dark sky area somewhere. I bet you could see it looking straight off the East Coast.

HAB911

(10,520 posts)
5. I don't know
Tue Apr 28, 2026, 06:33 PM
Tuesday

high humidity, lots of water vapor in the air all the time. Maybe somewhere away from all the light pollution too, can't be much of that left.

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