Stefan Lenz: Colorful Center of the Milky Way Poster

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of our galaxy with Stefan Lenz's "Colorful Center of the Milky Way." This stunning poster showcases a meticulously captured 70-hour exposure of one of the most vibrant regions in the night sky, created over five years in Namibia using only a Nikon D810A and Sigma Art 105mm and 135mm lenses.

Overview of the Artwork

This captivating image highlights the rich tapestry of colors and structures found at the heart of the Milky Way. Stefan’s dedication to preserving natural colors and saturation brings life to this cosmic masterpiece, showcasing not just the beauty but also the complexity of this celestial region.

Key Details:

• Exposure Time: 70 hours
• Location: Namibia
• Equipment Used:
  • Nikon D810A
  • Sigma Art 105mm and 135mm lenses

The Story Behind the Image

Creating this artwork was no small feat. The processing required extensive hours using Astro Pixel Processor (APP), even with a faster PC.

Stefan's passion for astrophotography shines through in his meticulous attention to detail, especially in preserving star colors—a challenge given that most stars in this region are dwarf stars, which tend to exhibit orange-brown hues.

The most difficult thing is preserving the star colors. Most of all existing stars are dwarf stars, even smaller than our Sun. Thus the more orange brownish colors. Yet it would be boring without this super crazy young teenager O giant stars, mainly responsible for these emission lines and reflection nebulae - Stefan Lenz

Cosmic Highlights:

• Supermassive Black Hole (Sgr A):* The center of our Milky Way.
• Bok Globule B68: One of the coldest objects in space, at about 10K (-263 degrees Celsius).
• B72 Snake Dark Nebula: Known as the "Dark Horse," tied to ancient Aboriginal myths.
• Dark Bat Nebula: Located near the Blue Horsehead Nebula.

Each element tells a story, from the fleeting lives of giant O-type stars that create emission and reflection nebulae to the ancient dwarfs that will outlast them by trillions of years.

Me and my son in 2017 doing the first Nikon D810A panels of this 70h-photo

Astrophotography Insights

Stefan's approach combines technical skill with a deep understanding of cosmic phenomena. By focusing on natural colors while maintaining saturation, he captures an authentic representation of this vibrant region. The result is an image that invites viewers to explore and discuss the wonders contained within.

Why Choose This Artwork?

The "Colorful Center of the Milky Way" is not just a stunning visual; it serves as an educational piece that sparks curiosity about our universe.

Perfect for space enthusiasts and art lovers alike, this poster will be a captivating addition to any collection.

Experience Galactic Wonder

Bring home this extraordinary piece and let it inspire your imagination about the cosmos. Whether you're an avid astronomer or simply someone who appreciates beautiful art, this poster will serve as a constant reminder of the mysteries and beauty that lie beyond our world.