This photograph was taken from the hills 10 miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico, almost 7,000 feet above sea level. Approximately 100 minutes before sunrise, the sky was dark and clear and the stars crystal clear—a perfect time for my husband and me to experience the strange zodiacal light known as “false dawn”.

Canon EOS Rebel T3i modified for astrophotography. Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM. Focal length 15 mm, exposure 20 seconds at f/4.0

Darkened and dehazed to increase contrast. Clarity and vibrance increased to provide detail. Sharpened and noise reduced.