Sunset's Gate

Sunset Bay captures the sun's last rays over a backdrop of distant sea stacks that the waves continuously crash against. Soon after the sun sets this time of year, if you're in a dark place with clear skies and a dim or missing moon, the massive bulk of our own galaxy's core slowly appears to the south. This vertical presentation slowly rotates into an arc and then disappears over the horizon. I was fortunate to shoot it at the perfect time to view the entire arch. I did not realize that the base was being held by a nearby Sitka tree, however I believe it was meant to complete the composition. Finally, a second (and third, and fourth) galaxy, the Andromeda Galaxy, floats in the upper right, impressing its own distant light onto the scene.

Gizmoto carbom tripod
ZWO AM7 Mount (tracking)
Unmodified Sony A7R IV
Sigma 14mm f/1.4 lens

Blended 6 overlapping panels, all shot for 30 seconds at ISO 640.