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Credit & Copyright: Michael Goh
Explanation:
What strange world is this?
Earth.
In the foreground of the featured image are the
Pinnacles,
unusual rock spires in
Nambung National Park
in Western
Australia.
Made of ancient sea shells
(limestone),
how these human-sized
picturesque spires formed
remains unknown.
In the background, just past the end of the central Pinnacle, is a bright crescent
Moon.
The eerie glow around the Moon is mostly
zodiacal light,
sunlight reflected by dust grains orbiting between the planets in the
Solar System.
Arching across the top is the central band of our
Milky Way Galaxy.
Many famous
stars
and
nebula are also visible in the background night sky.
The featured 29-panel panorama was taken and composed
last September after detailed planning that involved the Moon, the rock spires, and
their corresponding
shadows.
Even so, the strong zodiacal light was a pleasant
surprise.
Almost Hyperspace:
Random APOD Generator
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: Milky Way - zodiacal light
Publications with words: Milky Way - zodiacal light
See also: