<p><strong>Taken on Earth or up in space, photos can be fascinating when they look outward. From nearby stars to distant galaxies, we look weekly at our favorite portraits of the universe.</strong></p><p>Here, in a field near the small village of Sikonda in <a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/hungary-guide/">Hungary</a>, a long exposure shows the motion of the celestial sky over an expansive field of straw. At the center of rotation is the north star—also known as the pole star—that is approximately aligned with the earth's axis and retains its position as the planet moves. (Related: <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/12/121204-north-star-distance-closer-solar-system-space-science/">"North Star Closer to Earth Than Thought."</a>)</p>
Circular Sky
Taken on Earth or up in space, photos can be fascinating when they look outward. From nearby stars to distant galaxies, we look weekly at our favorite portraits of the universe.
Here, in a field near the small village of Sikonda in Hungary, a long exposure shows the motion of the celestial sky over an expansive field of straw. At the center of rotation is the north star—also known as the pole star—that is approximately aligned with the earth's axis and retains its position as the planet moves. (Related: "North Star Closer to Earth Than Thought.")
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