1 of 20
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.

Photograph by hisao mogi, National Geographic Your Shot

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.

December 27, 2013