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Chilean Photographer Captures Stunning Star Trails in Atacama

11/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Osvaldo Castillo, a Chilean astrophotographer, captured star-trail imagery at the European Southern Observatory's Paranal Observatory in the Atacama Desert.
The long-exposure sequence reveals the circular paths of stars caused by Earth's rotation.
Castillo notes nearly 300 frames and precise alignment were needed to prevent distortion.
The final image forms a starwheel and showcases the night sky at a leading astronomical site.

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Story summary

Osvaldo Castillo, a Chilean astrophotographer, captured star-trail imagery at the European Southern Observatory's Paranal Observatory in the Atacama Desert.
The long-exposure sequence reveals the circular paths of stars caused by Earth's rotation.
Castillo notes nearly 300 frames and precise alignment were needed to prevent distortion.
The final image forms a starwheel and showcases the night sky at a leading astronomical site.