Photos on a star trek

Learning astrography

The highlight of the event unfolded on Sept 22, just before the autumnal equinox, as the group ventured deep into the Pterosaur-Yardang Dahaidao Scenic Area in Yizhou district. Renowned for its wind-eroded Yardang landforms, this site offers an ideal setting for stargazing and astrophotography, boasting vast, flat expanses of desert rock formations and minimal light pollution.

After dinner at the campsite, some members of the group began readying their equipment, while others provided on-site instruction in astrophotography to eager participants. For some drone aerial photographers, this was their first attempt at capturing the starry night. Armed with newly acquired skills, they set up their cameras, zoomed in on the clear Milky Way, and began to enjoy the art of dark night photography.

Following the teaching session, the astrophotographers disappeared into the darkness, each selecting a unique observation point in the heart of the Gobi Desert. There, they captured stunning panoramas of the galaxy, the bright stars of Orion, the zodiacal light of the autumnal equinox, the Rosette Nebula, and the Lagoon Nebula.

Zhou and his team livestreamed their observations, offering millions of viewers around the world a real-time glimpse into the serene yet majestic beauty of the Hami desert's starry expanse.

Li managed to capture some "satisfactory photos" on the Milky Way. "Hami's starry skies are incredibly beautiful," said the Sichuan photographer. "I am happy to harvest my first group of astrophotos."

The following day, stunning photos and short videos of Hami's starry night began capturing attention across the Chinese internet.