<p dir="ltr">Tracks of passing planes cut across the sky above Rattlesnake Lake near Seattle, Washington, while a stellar pinwheel whirls around the North Star.</p><p dir="ltr">Taken on August 7, this 4.5-hour time-exposure portrait captures the rotation of the Earth around its axis, creating a spectacular star trails effect.</p>
Sky Above Rattlesnake Lake
Tracks of passing planes cut across the sky above Rattlesnake Lake near Seattle, Washington, while a stellar pinwheel whirls around the North Star.
Taken on August 7, this 4.5-hour time-exposure portrait captures the rotation of the Earth around its axis, creating a spectacular star trails effect.
Best Space Photos 2013: Awesome Year of the Comet Shines Bright
Comet ISON brought the drama, while starry skies, gleaming worlds, and astronomical eye-poppers provided the year's most awe-inspiring space visions.
DON'T MISS THE REST OF THIS STORY!
Create a free account to continue and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles, plus newsletters.