“Space Xplosion” by Brandon Yoshizawa captures an unforgettable evening in the Eastern Sierra Mountains observing a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base. During a twilight launch, the low setting sun illuminates the rocket’s exhaust plume and it can be seen for hundreds of miles as long as conditions are favorable. A once in a lifetime event and no better way to capture a piece of history than from this picturesque view with colorful fall aspens and the rocket shooting out from behind the snow capped mountains.

Launch Date: October 7, 2018

Historic Significance: First ever attempt and successful ground landing of the rocket’s booster on the West Coast

Technique: Still photographs blended together to create a timelapse

Camera: Nikon D750 and AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G

Photographic Technique: “Blend” combination of exposures taken on the same night without movement of camera position or change in focal length

Notes: The still photographs of this timelapse have won numerous competition awards and have been featured in magazines worldwide