Washington State Hurricane Ridge - Night Sky and Snow Mountains

 

Astrophotography from Washington State Olympic National Park, July 11, New Moon, during astronomy tour in  Hurricane Ridge. 

Canon EOS Ra, EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, f/2.8;   ISO 12800, Combination of two photos 4 sec and 30 sec, Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park, Washington State.

Washington State Hurricane Ridge - Night Sky and Snow Mountains

Standing above the clouds at Hurricane Ridge, I experienced one of the clearest and darkest skies in the Pacific Northwest. In the first image, the central part of the Milky Way is visible, angled diagonally above the snow-covered Olympic Mountains. The galactic core appears suspended over the rugged alpine ridgeline, creating a dramatic contrast between bright star clouds and dark mountain silhouettes.

Big Dipper above the Olympic Mountains — captured from Hurricane Ridge, Washington. The greenish hue is natural airglow, a faint atmospheric emission visible only under truly dark skies.

The snow-covered Olympic Mountains reflected faint starlight, while a greenish hue shimmered across the horizon — not from city lights, but from natural airglow high in Earth’s atmosphere. The Big Dipper hovered above the peaks, emphasizing the clarity and depth of this alpine night sky.

I enjoy the night sky view.

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