Moonset - Galapagos Ecuador Astrophotography

After several days of travel across Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, most of February was cloudy and rainy — typical for the rainy season. Then one night finally cleared, giving us a rare window for astrophotography.

I went to sleep early and woke up around midnight to photograph a moonset — the moment when the Moon drops below the horizon and the sky gradually becomes darker. This image was captured on Isabela Island, on the beach near the small town of Puerto Villamil (population under 2,000).

The location was convenient: only about 100 meters from the main street, yet dark enough for night-sky work. After a full day of island trips, the short walk mattered. Another practical reason was the wildlife — Galápagos animals are everywhere, and shooting close to town made it easier to stay aware of my surroundings.

Moonset - Isabela Island, Galapagos, Ecuador Astrophotography

Moonset (not to be confused with sunset) astrophotography from Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island, Galápagos, Ecuador. As the Moon sinks, the sky slowly darkens and more stars begin to appear.

Canon EOS 60Da, Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USM
10.0 sec · f/2.8 · ISO 6400

Related Galápagos & Equatorial Sky Astrophotography:

• Milky Way Over Galápagos – Astrophotography
• Crux (Southern Cross), Milky Way and Palm Tree – Galápagos Night Sky
• Large Magellanic Cloud – Galápagos Night Sky
• Sky Ladder – Galápagos Nightscape Astrophotography
• Milky Way Tanzania Astrophotography
• Why the Equatorial Sky Glows More Red