The sight of the bulge of the Milky Way in the night sky is awe inspiring, a beautiful image captured by many's an astrophotographer, but how about the Milky Way and an erupting volcano?
It's not unknown for astrophotographers brave challenging conditions to capture that perfect shot, but Chirag Upreti went one step further when he conquered the Acatenango summit in Guatemala in 2023 to capture his image of the Milky Way.
He also managed to capture a volcano erupting in the process.
Volcán de Fuego overlooks the city of Antigua in Guatemala and is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America.
Chirag captured this image of the volcano erupting on 9 November 2023, with the bulge of the Milky Way and the constellation Sagittarius (with its famous Teapot asterism) also in the frame.
Chirag told BBC Sky at Night Magazine: “To get this shot of Volcán de Fuego with the Milky Way, I climbed to the summit of Volcán de Acatenango, another dormant volcano.
"From 13,000ft, I had a clear view and waited hours for it to erupt, with Sagittarius on the right of the frame along with the late-autumn Milky Way."
Asked how he would advise beginner astrophotographers looking to capture a similar Milky Way shot, Chirag told us: "In night landscape photography, proficiency with your equipment in the dark is paramount.
"Out in the field, patience and persistence are also vital: sometimes, capturing your envisioned shot demands waiting for the ideal conditions, and repeated attempts.
"So persist and keep shooting! Nightscapes are an art–science blend, involving much trial and error.
"Cherish both the process and the best available outcomes as you explore the night’s beauty."
Read our beginner's guide to astrophotography and our guide on how to photograph the Milky Way.
Discover more of Chirag Upreti's astrophotography work and follow him on Instagram @chiragupreti
Acquisition details
- Camera: Sony a7 III
- Lens: Sigma 14–24mm f/2.8 lens
- Tripod: Leofoto LS-255CEX Ranger tripod
- Exposure: ISO 2000 f/2.8, 20”
- Software: Lightroom, Photoshop
Are you an astrophotographer? Whether seasoned or beginner, we'd love to see your images. Send them to us by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com
