The Milky Way is so overwhelmingly massive that it boggles the mind. And while its always there, we rarely get a clear view of it, due to light pollution and cloudy skies.

Photographer Marcin Zając captures images of the Milky Way galaxy beautifully, and does it in a way that frames natural landmarks as well.

It’s definitely among the very best night sky photography we’ve ever seen.

A night sky filled with stars and a colorful galaxy over a large rock arch, surrounded by vibrant purple and green flowering plants in the foreground.
Zapato de La Reina, Canary Islands

Indeed, the Bay Area-based photographer has been nominated for Astronomer Photographer of the Year, a great tribute to his keen eye.

The night sky is elusive for many of us that live in cities, and even on a clear night, humans can rarely make out the full extent of the blanketed sky above, and the magic of the Milky Way.

Here are some of our favorite images that Zając has shared, showcasing some truly breathtaking locations, both from Europe and North America. 

See more of Zając’s work on Instagram.

Photos © Copyright Marcin Zając. Used with artist’s permission.

A gnarled tree stands prominently in the foreground under a starry night sky, featuring a vibrant Milky Way galax
Bristlecone Pines, California
A stunning night sky featuring the Milky Way above unique rock formations in a desert landscape, with gentle light from the horizon illuminating the scene.
Alien Throne – new Mexico
A stunning view of a rocky landscape under a starry sky, featuring a prominent rock formation illuminated by the Milky Way in the background.
Teide National Park, Tenerife
A person standing beneath a natural rock arch, with a starry night sky and the Milky Way galaxy visible in the background.
Delicate Arch, Utah
A panoramic view of Bryce Canyon at dusk with vibrant colors in the sky and the Milky Way visible above the canyon's unique rock formations.
Bryce Canyon, Utah
A landscape featuring pink flowers in the foreground with reddish rock formations in the background, under a starry sky with visible Milky Way.
Three Sisters, Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

By Moss & Fog Staff

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Author

Ben VanderVeen is the founder and editor of Moss & Fog, one of the web’s longest-running visual culture destinations. Since 2009, he’s been finding and framing the most beautiful, surprising, and thought-provoking work in art, architecture, design, and nature — reaching over 325,000 readers each month. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

9 Comments

  1. Phyllis Richards

    It amazes me to be able to see others art thru their eyes. Stunning!! Thank you for sharing.

  2. Allison

    This is onne Moss and Fog that I am not going to delete. I will enjoy theses photos for a long time.

  3. radiantpractically97850a8143

    Amazing photos!

  4. JEANNIE TERRY

    These photos are stunning. Thank you for sharing.

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