– “starlit Ocean” by Xingyang Cai (Big Sur, US): Captures Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS and Venus above McWay falls.
– “Cosmic Fire” by Sergio Montúfar (Guatemala): Combines an erupting volcano with a background of the Milky Way.
– “Blossom” by Ethan Su (Taiwan): Showcases alpine rhododendrons with glowing airglow from a solar flare at Mount Hehuan Dark Sky Park.
– “One in a Billion” by Astronaut Don Pettit (Earth orbit): Views of Earth lights mirrored against the Milky Way from ISS.
– “Bottle Tree Paradise” by Benjamin Barakat (Socotra Island, yemen): Features unique bottle trees under the Milky Way sky.- Additional images include Himalayan landscapes (“Lake RT5”), lupine fields in New Zealand (“A Sea of Lupines”), Namibian desert scenes (“Spines and Starlight”), meteor showers (“Boot Arch Perseids”), and Argentine salt flats (“Universo de Sal”).Images:
!Volcano eruption under Milky way
(Image Credit: Sergio Montúfar)
This global collection underscores humanity’s fascination with celestial phenomena while integrating Earth’s richly diverse landscapes into astronomical art. India’s inclusion via Tanay Das’ image at Lake RT5 exemplifies how Indian photographers are positioning themselves on an international stage through captivating visuals drawn from remote himalayan terrains. Such representations may inspire further recognition for india’s pristine natural beauty and stargazing opportunities-especially within growing efforts too promote astro-tourism.
Moreover, showcasing places like Yemen’s Socotra and Taiwan’s Mount Hehuan fosters cross-cultural admiration for environmental preservation amidst global climate challenges. With advancements in astrophotography gaining prominence globally-including technologies used on platforms like India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission-India has potential to strengthen its role both creatively and scientifically in cosmic exploration narratives.