Star Trails Over Mauna Kea

This classic star trail image was obtained with a digital camera using the technique described in the March, 2004 Sky and Telescope magazine. Over 150 individual one-minute digital images were stacked in Photoshop to create this image. A first-quarter moon illuminated the surrounding landscape for the duration of the exposures.

NOTE: These images were used to create a High-Definition video time-lapse movie that is also available in video album.

Full Resolution TIF (11.74 MB)

Medium Resolution JPG (128.44 KB)

HD QuickTime Movie (178.8 Mb)

Gemini Observatory Image/Video Usage Policy