Thursday, October 15, 2026

Sunset and Stars at the Hall of Horrors

 In my last post, I was out searching for (and eventually found) the Hall of Horrors rock formation at Joshua Tree National Park. It was such a pretty afternoon that I decided to stick around to check out the sunset, and a little later, the Milky Way. So off I went, meandering in the open desert looking for something that might make a good Milky Way forground, being careful to track my course since I would be hiking back in the dark.
 
Joshua tree shapes seem so random and weird, with no two trees looking the same.
 
 
 
 
 
I settled on this location for my Milky Way foregound. If my calculations are correct, the MW should rise between those two upper branches of the Joshua tree.
 
 
There's nothing quite as relaxing as sitting under desert stars! And I wonder if I got lucky with that little horizontal streak traveling across the MW? Planes have blinking lights and leave a characteristic light trail, so it's not a plane. My guess is meteor or satellite. Whatever it is, it adds to the mystery and beauty of the night sky!
 
Thanks for stopping by!!
Linking with Skywatch Friday.
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9 comments:

  1. contempladoraocidental.blogspot.comOctober 15, 2026 at 11:10 AM

    My lexicon is depleted; I am running out of adjectives to describe your stunning photographs.
    : )

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  2. Billy Blue EyesOctober 15, 2026 at 11:11 AM

    Brilliant, I do like the Joshua trees and the last one is very neat

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  3. Liz A.October 15, 2026 at 11:27 AM

    That turned out great. I wonder if you can track what that line was. I know there are apps for your phone that will tell you what planets are up in the sky, and they track things like the ISS, too. But I don't think it tracks other satellites.

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  4. rupam sarmaOctober 15, 2026 at 11:53 AM

    Wonderful pics. Loved your post.

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  5. Yogi♪♪♪October 15, 2026 at 12:27 PM

    I love how you are comfortable enough in the desert to wander around amidst the rattlesnakes and scorpions looking for a good vantage point for a milky way shot and then nailing it.

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  6. Carol On The LakeOctober 15, 2026 at 12:31 PM

    Your composition is always so beautiful.

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  7. ~Lavender Dreamer~October 15, 2026 at 12:36 PM

    Isn't it amazing to come home with your photos and see something like that to wonder about. Fantastic photos and I'm glad you are confident to hike back in the dark....me? Not so much! But I would love to try to follow you! Hugs, Diane

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  8. JimOctober 15, 2026 at 12:46 PM

    Beautiful.

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  9. an artist reflectsOctober 15, 2026 at 1:29 PM

    Wow! Peter that is another awesome Milky Way shot ~ the Joshua trees are characters of their own ~ great photos ~ Brave walking in the dark ~ lol ~ Hugs ^_^

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