{"id":712359,"date":"2026-06-03T14:04:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T14:04:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/712359\/"},"modified":"2026-06-03T14:04:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T14:04:09","slug":"astrophotographer-climbed-steep-snow-and-ice-to-reveal-a-spectacular-night-sky-most-people-beneath-those-lights-will-never-see","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/712359\/","title":{"rendered":"Astrophotographer climbed steep snow and ice to reveal a spectacular night sky “most people beneath those lights will never see”"},"content":{"rendered":"

An award-winning astrophotographer endured steep snow-covered slopes, ice, and freezing alpine winds to capture a rare view of the Milky Way above New Zealand’s Remarkables mountain range near Queenstown. The image reveals a vivid and clear night sky that most people beneath those lights will never see.<\/p>\n

The photograph, titled Night at the Remarkables by Tom Rae, <\/a>shows the Milky Way arching over rugged peaks, with the flow of Queenstown’s lights visible below. It’s a visually striking capture that combines the galaxy with human presence.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

His physically demanding expedition into harsh alpine conditions was now rewarded. The image has been selected for Capture the Atlas’ 2026 Milky Way Photographer of the Year collection<\/a> \u2013 a collection that celebrates some of the world’s best night-sky photographs.<\/p>\n

Latest Videos From\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

\"Sigma
\n<\/p>\n

Rae captured the night sky with the Nikon Z6a astro camera, combined with the Sigma 28mm f\/1.4 Art wide-angle lens (Image credit: Sigma)<\/p>\n

Gear: Nikon<\/a> Z6a + Sigma<\/a> 28mm f\/1.4 Art
Accessories: iOptron Skyguider Pro<\/a> star tracker<\/a><\/p>\n

Exposure:
Sky: 21 x 30sec, f\/2.5, ISO 1600
Foreground: 12 x 30sec, f\/2.8, ISO 1600 (+ 1 x 0.5sec, f\/3.2, ISO 1600 for city lights)<\/p>\n

Rae explains, “The winter Milky Way arch sets above the rugged Remarkables Range in the Southern Alps, while the lights of Queenstown, New Zealand, glow far below.<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

“That distant glow tells a larger story. Most people beneath those lights will never see this sky. Light pollution continues to erase the universe from view, even in places that still feel remote.<\/p>\n

“There is something surreal about watching the quiet, ancient light of the Milky Way above a place filled with motion, noise, and activity.<\/p>\n

The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n

“Clouds and conditions shifted constantly, and the final result remained uncertain until the image came together many days later.<\/p>\n

“For one brief moment, everything aligned: mountain, light, and the fading presence of the Milky Way above.”<\/p>\n

You might like…<\/p>\n

Capturing stunning images of the night sky and space starts with having the right gear. Check out our guides to the best cameras for astrophotography<\/a> and the best lenses for astrophotography<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Looking for competitions to enter? Here are 10 global photo contests now open for entries from May to December.<\/a><\/p>\n