Saguaro Cactus with Southern Star Trails

June 11, 1999, Vekol Road, Arizona

The turning of the earth during this 3-hour exposure caused the stars to form arcs over the southern horizon. From southern Arizona, at a latitude of 33 degrees north, the south celestial pole is always 33 degrees below the horizon. The bright pink streak in the upper right is the planet Mars.

This photograph was published in The Arizona Republic on October 7, 1999.

Date: June 11, 1999
Time: 9:25pm to 12:30am MST
Location: Vekol Road, Arizona
Camera: Olympus OM-1 on fixed tripod
Film: Fuji Provia 100 slide
Focal length: 24 mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure time: 185 minutes
Scanner: Nikon Coolscan LS-2000