Sierra SpaceX: Nebula

Photographer: Brandon Yoshizawa

The Sierra SpaceX series represents a collection of three exclusive 1/1 photography pieces from an unforgettable evening in the Eastern Sierra Mountains observing an amazing SpaceX Falcon9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Nebula is the second piece in this collection and captures a multitude of colors as the exhaust particles of the rocket are illuminated by reflective high-altitude sunlight. During a twilight launch, the low setting sun illuminates the rocket’s plume and can be seen for hundreds of miles as long as conditions are favorable. As the plume expanded during this launch, it took on the form of a deep-sky object mimicking a Nebula showing off its insane colors and textures. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness such a spectacular event in such a beautiful surrounding.

Awards:

Pursue Pictures: Year in Review Contest – 1st place

Our World In Focus: The Perfect Moment Contest – 4th place

Featured in N-photo magazine and Golden State magazine