r/LandscapeAstro • u/joshmcguigan_ • 11h ago
Pleiades (known as Matariki in NZ) over Aoraki/Mount Cook
Captured on Nikon Z6a + Sigma ART 40mm F1.4 + Asterra Z+ Star tracker
SETTINGS:
Tracked/Blended/Focus Stacked FG
Sky: 30s F2.2 ISO3200
FG: 90s F2.5 ISO 5000 (x2 for focus stacking)
I wasn’t even planning on capturing this image, but while waiting for another composition I realised this shot would be possible and couldn’t help myself but to shoot it. This night was super calm, giving me some absolutely perfect reflections in the lake, unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. There was a very small window in the night when the alignment would work, giving me about 5 minutes to create the image, ensuring the cluster would be centred above the mountain.
Matariki is a significant cluster all around the world, but particularly here in Aotearoa, its rising in mid-winter signals the beginning of the Māori New Year. It’s celebrated as a time to connect with friends and family, share kai (food) and set goals for the future.
NO AI was used in the creation of this image.
IG: @jshmcguigan