All articles tagged with #star trails
APOD's Aug 28, 2026 image from ESO's Paranal Observatory in Chile stacks 300 frames of 25 seconds each to trace star trails around the south celestial pole, illustrating Earth's rotation at about 1,500 km/h as seen from 25°S, with the AT 3 telescope visible in the foreground.
NASA astronaut Don Petit captured a stunning long exposure photo from the ISS showing star trails, city lights, and Starlink satellites, highlighting the dynamic environment of low-Earth orbit and the increasing presence of satellite megaconstellations.
NASA astronaut Don Pettit captured a stunning photo from the International Space Station in 2012, showcasing a colorful star trail through the Cupola module. The image reveals Earth's horizon, green airglow, red airglow, purple aurora, and city lights streaking by. Pettit, known for his astrophotography skills and inventive nature, will return to space in September at the age of 70, continuing to inspire with his exploration of the universe.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) has shared a stunning image of star trails captured at its Paranal Observatory in Chile. The image shows the movements of stars over several hours, creating a trailing effect. Two bright orange lasers, known as laser guide stars, are also visible, which are used to correct the distortion of starlight caused by Earth's atmosphere. The long exposure technique captures the Earth's rotation and showcases the beauty of the night sky.