A Tree and the Milky Way

Earth is home to an estimated 3 trillion trees, while our Milky Way galaxy contains about 400 billion stars. It’s fascinating to think that there are actually more trees on our planet than stars in our galaxy—a reminder of how rich and extraordinary our world truly is.

This photo brings both worlds together: a single prominent tree standing under the bright arc of the Milky Way, with additional trees softly visible in the background, adding depth to the night landscape. The scene was captured in Bethel, Sullivan County, New York, under a dark and beautifully clear night sky.

A Tree and the Milky Way

Captured with the Canon EOS Ra — 10 seconds, ISO 16,000, f/2.8 using the Canon EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USM. The bright asterism known as the Summer Triangle—formed by the stars Vega, Deneb, and Altair—is clearly visible between trees. Photographed in Bethel, Sullivan County, New York.

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• Canon Ra – Astrophotography Collection
• Milky Forest – Testing the Canon EOS Ra
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• Cherry Springs State Park – Milky Way Over the Domes
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Corona Constellation during Coronavirus pandemic

Corona Borealis is a small but distinctive constellation in the northern sky. Its Latin name means “the Northern Crown”, an ancient symbol that unexpectedly gained new meaning during the global Coronavirus pandemic of 2020.

This photograph was captured during that period, when the word “corona” suddenly became part of everyday life. Against the quiet stillness of lockdown nights, the celestial crown of stars offered a reminder that the universe continues its rhythm regardless of human events.

Corona Borealis is the 73rd constellation in size, occupying an area of 179 square degrees. It lies in the third quadrant of the northern hemisphere and is visible from latitudes between +90° and −50°. Its semicircular arc of stars is easy to recognize once identified, especially on clear autumn nights.

Corona Constellation during Coronavirus pandemic

Camera & Exposure:
Canon EOS Ra · ISO 40,000 · 3 seconds · EF 16–35mm f/2.8L II USM · f/2.8

Astrophotography Reflection

The photograph came first; the meaning followed. Only later did the symbolic connection become clear — a cosmic crown appearing in the sky during a time when humanity was confronting fragility, uncertainty, and shared experience on a global scale.

Related Astrophotography Posts

If you enjoy constellation-focused nightscape photography, you may also find these collections interesting:

• Ursa Major (Big Dipper) — Nightscape Astrophotography Collection
• Orion (constellation) Astrophotography
• A Tree and the Milky Way — Symbolic Night Sky Astrophotography
• Pelican Nebula Astrophotography (IC5070 and IC5067)
• Canon EOS 60Da — Milky Way and Constellation Astrophotography