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19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
The Milky Way during a nighttime descent into Bryce Canyon National Park.

A Sierra Juniper rises up from its twisted roots and turns to view the Milky Way. In a recent trip to Utah, I was engaged in astrophotography at Bryce Canyon, and was captivated by the position of this Sierra Juniper. It seemed to be rising up on from roots and turning around to to gain a better look at the Milky Way. Along with the dead tree and rock formations close to the edge of the canyon, the juniper creates a reverent audience, stilled in awe of the show the night sky is putting on as if only for them. I felt more like a spectator than photographer, and was careful not to disturb 'their' moment. Before I moved on, I whispered, 'thank you,' for the privilege this lonesome quartet had afforded me.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2021
Date Uploaded: 09.2021
Photo Location: Bryce, Utah, United States of America
Camera: NIKON Z 7_2
Copyright: © Jeanne Wilton