The shadow from the light of Venus: a unique photo

The unique combination of high-altitude landscape, a clear sky and complete lack of light pollution make the Chilean Atacama desert is a favorite place for astronomers from all over the world.

On Saturday, September 1, astronomer Daniel Gasparri, who was standing under the Milky Way in the Atacama desert when something caught his attention — but not up in the sky, but rather from the side of his car.

"It was my shadow from Venus! The sky in Atacama is so dark that even the light of Venus can create a clear shade," says Gasparri.

"I used the camera with fisheye lens 12 mm f2.8. One 30-second exposure at 6400 ISO made it possible to capture the shadow on my car, and the milky Way above my head."

Unlike most lovers of the sky, Gasparri don't have far to travel to get to this astronomical Paradise.

"I do live in the Atacama desert, in Copiapo, working on my PhD thesis in astronomy and planetary science at our local University. Often go to the desert to photograph the sky. The first time I noticed the shadow of Venus a couple of months ago, but only a few days ago it was able to capture. The shadow is very clear and well visible, especially on such a white background as my car".

Translated by «Yandex.Translator»