13th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Altered Images
Star Trails Around Polaris

This compiled picture shows the apparent movement of stars in the night sky as the Earth rotates on its axis. Polaris, the North Star, is at the center of the arcs since its position above the Earth's north pole makes it the only star that remains stationary. The result is an image of the beautiful dance of objects in our sky, complete with planes (the straighter lines) and wisps of clouds.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2015
Date Uploaded: 11.2015
Photo Location: Kings Park, New York, United States of America
Copyright: © Laura DiLallo