In the quiet post-monsoon hours of rural Mangalore, a local photographer seized a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A sudden power cut plunged his village into darkness — but what emerged from the sky was far from ordinary.
With nothing but a tripod, DSLR, and a clear night sky, he captured a breathtaking image of the Milky Way galaxy — a rare sight in India's light-polluted cities.
The Perfect Conditions
While most residents were frustrated by the power outage, the photographer noticed the unusual clarity of the night sky.
The lack of artificial light turned the village into a natural dark sky reserve — a dream for any stargazer.
“I had waited years to see the sky like this in my own village. The blackout gave me what streetlights always took away,” said the photographer.
The Gear & Technique
Camera: Canon EOS R
Lens: 14mm wide-angle
Exposure: 20 seconds
ISO: 3200
Location: Near Puttur, Mangalore District
The post-production was minimal. “I didn’t want to touch the natural glow of the galaxy,” he added.
Viral on Social Media
Within hours, the image went viral on Instagram and Reddit, with netizens praising the photographer’s timing, skill, and emotional connection with the moment.
Some even called for this to be featured in astrophotography magazines and exhibitions.
What This Means for Rural India
This moment is more than a pretty picture — it highlights:
The beauty of India’s rural skies
The threat of urban light pollution
The power of art in unexpected situations
❓ FAQs
Q1. Can the Milky Way really be seen in India?
A: Yes, but only from remote, dark locations like parts of the Himalayas, deserts, or rural areas during power cuts.
Q2. What time of year is best to photograph the Milky Way in India?
A: March to October, especially on moonless nights between midnight and 4 a.m.
Q3. Do power cuts help stargazing?
A: Ironically, yes. No electricity = no light pollution = ideal conditions for astrophotography.
Final Thought
Sometimes, the best stories aren’t scripted — they’re stumbled upon in the dark. This Mangalore photographer didn’t just capture the galaxy; he reminded us that nature never stops performing, even when the lights go out.
Published on : 6th August
Published by : SMITA
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