The Ennedi region abounds in rock formations of sandstone eroded by the elements over thousands of years, so bizarre that sometimes it is difficult to believe that they are actually created by nature. The Ennedi is home to rocks shaped like giant hourglasses, natural arches, pinnacles and mushrooms and one is spoilt in choice for what to image. Add to this the gorgeous night skies sparkling above these shapes and you won’t be wrong in saying that this is nightscape astrophotography heaven.
Seen here is the Julia Arch with the Cygnus arm of the Milky Way rising behind it. The usual suspects like the North American and Pelican Nebula can be seen along with the Swan and faint traces of the Veil. The Elephant trunk nebula joins the fun just over the horizon…
Camera = Sony A7rV Ha modded
Lens = Sony 16-35mkII GM @35mm
Tracker = Rainbow Astro RST 135e
Sky Exposure = 300 secs F2.8 iso 800 stack of 12
Ground Exposure = 480 secs, F2.8, iso 800, LENR, LLL
Software = Lightroom, Photoshop