The Milky Way galaxy is an immense, flat, disk-shaped collection of gas, dust, and stars that spreads around 100.000 light-years across and is several thousand light-years thick. There are at least 100 billion galaxies in the universe, and the Milky Way is just one of them.

On a clear dark night, it's easy to see the grand sweep of the Milky Way galaxy, and to picture Earth's tiny island of life within its grand architecture.

Capturing the Milky Way in Bryce Canyon: A Photographer's Guide

Why Bryce Canyon?

Bryce Canyon National Park, located in Utah, is renowned for its dark skies and minimal light pollution, making it the perfect destination for capturing the Milky Way in all its glory. The park's unique rock formations, hoodoos, and expansive vistas provide a stunning backdrop for your astrophotography adventures.

Best Time to Photograph the Milky Way in Bryce Canyon

The best time to photograph the Milky Way in Bryce Canyon is during the summer months when the galactic core is visible in the night sky. The ideal months for capturing the Milky Way are from May to September, with peak visibility typically occurring in June and July.

Equipment Needed

Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is ideal for capturing the Milky Way.
Lens: A wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider) is recommended to capture more of the night sky.
Tripod: A sturdy tripod is essential for keeping your camera stable during long exposure shots.
Remote Shutter Release: To minimize camera shake when taking photos.

Camera Settings

ISO: Start with an ISO between 1600-3200 to capture the faint light of the Milky Way.
Aperture: Use the widest aperture your lens allows (e.g., f/2.8) to gather more light.
Shutter Speed: Experiment with shutter speeds between 15-30 seconds to prevent star trailing.

Composition Tips

Foreground: Incorporate interesting foreground elements such as rock formations or trees to add depth to your photos.

The Milky Way on a Moonless Night