23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Moonshine

The milky way behind the Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero, CA. I call it "Moonshine" because the setting moon helps creates a unique almost ethereal image. My plan was to capture the milky way after the moon set. I had a small window of about 45 minutes between moonset and the milky way core dropping below the horizon. Capturing the moon in the picture was unplanned. I took a test shot and really liked how it represented the moment.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Pescadero, California, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS R6m2
Copyright: © Cedric Fernandes