Each year, astrophotographers from across Poland journey to the Łapszanka Pass in the Tatra Mountains to witness the breathtaking rise of the Milky Way’s galactic center. For many, it’s become more than a photographic destination—it’s a tradition. In this luminous image, captured from southern Poland, the summer Milky Way arches above the mountainous horizon, showcasing an intense concentration of glowing red hydrogen emission nebulae and intricate star fields.

Near the top right, the colorful Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex and the striking Zeta Ophiuchi nebula emerge vividly, enhanced by the addition of a hydrogen-alpha layer that accentuates their structure. This fragment of a larger mosaic—captured with a Canon R (astro-modified) and Sigma Art 50mm lens—combines three sky and three foreground panels for a seamless, immersive composition. Yet, despite its beauty, this cherished location faces the creeping threat of light pollution, casting doubt on the future visibility of these celestial wonders from Łapszanka.

In this captivating landscape image captured at Jägersee, Austria, the iconic constellation of Orion and the ethereal arc of Barnard's Loop adorn the velvety canvas of the night sky, casting their celestial glow over the rugged silhouette of the Austrian Alps. Amidst the towering peaks and mirrored waters of Jägersee, the celestial ballet unfolds, merging the timeless beauty of the cosmos with the earthly grandeur of the natural landscape.

The constellation of Orion, with its distinctive pattern of stars, including the bright trio of Orion's Belt, serves as a beacon in the night, guiding the observer's gaze toward the cosmic wonders beyond. Barnard's Loop, a vast emission nebula stretching across the heavens, adds an ethereal touch to the scene, its delicate tendrils of gas and dust weaving a tale of cosmic creation and stellar evolution.