On this fascinating little planet, summer and winter seem to happen in a single night. This “little planet” is actually the Earth itself.

This panorama, created by combining photographs taken in January and July on the Col du Galibier mountain pass in the French Alps, covers a wide 360x180-degree area. At the bottom of the image is the northern hemisphere in winter, while at the top is the Milky Way's star-studded summer landscape. Along the rugged and sloping horizon, stars and nebulae spread across the sky in full arcs.

At an altitude of 2,642 meters, the pass is a bustling road illuminated by car headlights all night long in summer, but in winter it is covered with snow, making it inaccessible except for challenging ski routes. One of the most famous climbs in the world, the Col du Galibier is a familiar sight for cycling fans who follow the Tour de France.

November 30, 2024 Astronomy Photo of the Day (NASA APOD)

Image Source and Copyright: Camille Niel