Milky Way Arch Over Tso Kar, Ladakh – Bathed in Airglow

Image Title: Airglow

Copyright: AJ Singh

Date image was taken: June 26, 2025

Location: Tso-Kar Lake Region, Ladakh

Data Acquisition Method: Other

Description and Details: It was a very clear night during my recent Ladakh trip. I enjoyed imaging there and what all I got is here for you. The sky was amazing and with a very strong airglow. This optical phenomenon causes the night sky never to be completely dark, even after the effects of starlight and diffused sunlight from the far side are removed. This phenomenon originates with self-illuminated gases.

Airglow is caused by various processes in the upper atmosphere of Earth, such as the recombination of atoms which were photoionized by the Sun during the day, luminescence caused by cosmic rays striking the upper atmosphere, and chemiluminescence caused mainly by oxygen and nitrogen reacting with hydroxyl free radicals at heights of a few hundred kilometres. It is not noticeable during the daytime due to the glare and scattering of sunlight. In visible light, oxygen produces green and red glow, hydroxyl (OH) molecules produce red light, and sodium produces a sickly yellow.

Capturing panels to create Panoramic image is always hectic but results are fruitful.

Canon R mirrorless and Rf 16mm lens
Tracking with iOptron Sky Guider Pro

Lightroom, Starnett++, Photoshop

Name: Amrinderjit Singh

Website or Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/amrinderjit31