She took her camera to some of the darkest, most isolated places on earth, to photograph trees that have survived thousands of years.
Beth Moon, famed photographer and author of the 2014 book, Ancient Trees:Portraits of Time, studied the link between tree growth and planetary movement.
“The oak, for example, appears to be linked with Mars, the beech with Saturn, and the birch with Venus,” she writes in the essay that accompanies her new book, Ancient Skies, Ancient Trees, published in 2016.
In a series of amazing long-exposure images, Moon showcases old-growth trees against star-filled skies from South Africa to California.
She captured baobabs, quiver trees, pines, Joshua trees, sequoias and oaks, lit by constellations in both hemispheres.
Isolated from the light pollution of cities and towns, these ancient trees have endured without human interference, maintaining those unobstructed sky views.
Astronomer Jana Grcevich notes that visible light from the most distant stars takes about a thousand years to reach the earth, the same length of time that many of Moon’s trees have been growing, adding that Moon’s photographs “give us a connection between Earth and its larger context, between ourselves and our place in the universe.”
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Post inspired by the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey and Irma, as we watch the devastation to lives and landscapes.
vanbytheriver 
I have always found it fascinating that the light from stars takes so long to reach us, because if that star suddenly ceased to exist, we would still see its light for many years. This means that much of what we see in the night sky may not actually be there now! 🙂
I know it’s science, but it’s all kind of a miracle, isn’t it ? Thanks, Colin.
It certainly is. 🙂
Fascinating stuff. And well-timed. Beautiful photos. I’m going to check out the book 🙂
The book is a beauty. After Hugo, So. Carolina, we had to get pre-approved by a neighborhood committee before taking down a tree. There were so many lost. Respect for that.
So amazing, gorgeous photos!
For sure, she had a great idea, and a great eye. Thanks, Lynn.
most welcome
What amazing photos 🙂
Agreed, Judy, and those trees..survivors !
Absolutely, and they are beautiful too, even the gnarled up ones 🙂
🌲 🌳 🌴
These photographs are stunning, Van. The book sounds wonderful. 🙂
We used to camp in the desert areas of the West where the view of the night sky is almost this busy with stars. Amazing what is obscured by “civilization”.
I bet the night sky in the desert is breathtaking. We live in a rural area away from most light pollution–there’s still some. But, I love it when we get a clear night. The stars are so beautiful. Sometimes in the summer, we’ll take a blanket out into the garden and just look up. 🙂
You’re living the good life on that farm, Tonya, good to notice !
The photos are stunning, Van. I love old trees, and when they go, it’s a loss.
It surely is, D. I had a very tall one drop in the road right in front of my car a while back…county woods are not always maintained after a storm. It got my attention !
That’s scary, Van! I haven’t had a near miss with a whole tree, but if it’s super windy here, we don’t take walks or we’re likely to get bonked with branches.
It’s the price of living near woods, and I guess it’s worth the risk, D.
I’ve seen Beth Moon’s photos before…they are simply stunning. And I agree with your earlier omment, Van, definitely a miracle 🙂
She does amazing work, Sue. Thanks.
She does 🙂
These are breathtaking. I LOVE trees so I will be looking for this book. Thanks Van 🙂
I’m pretty sure it’s on Amazon, both new and used, G. 🌲 🌳 🌴
Those images are magical.
I think so, too. Thanks, Laura.
Oh I have looked up these trees before…..magnificence!
Absolutely. Thanks, C.
Amazing. As a tree hugger, I was moved by your post.
Good to know. Thanks, DK.
I like the sound of Beth’s book. I had never heard of her till your post. I shall put it on my wish list 🌼🌼🌼
You won’t be disappointed, Brigid. Thanks.
What a beautiful – and fascinating – tribute to the trees as well as the lives lost during Harvey and Irma. Gorgeous images too.
It’s bad enough to lose a tree to wind, weather and disease, but I always mourn the ones that were taken out for “preference.” I applaud every single person who designed their dwellings *around* the trees that were there first. Thanks for sharing.
xx,
mgh
(Madelyn Griffith-Haynie – ADDandSoMuchMORE dot com)
ADD/EFD Coach Training Field founder; ADD Coaching co-founder
“It takes a village to transform a world!”
The before and after pics from the Caribbean islands…from green to brown, were such shocking images. It made me think of these images of survivors. Thanks, M.
I agree – shocking to see photos of trees stripped as if by fire. Still praying for the people affected.
xx,
mgh
That sounds a fascinating book Van.. and so loved these photos, These ancient trees so very special.. And trees in general so special to our earth, though some have forgotten how precious they are as they allow deforestation on a grand scale..
Trees are the Lungs of our Earth literally giving us the air we breath.. We should all be aware of these beautiful Ancient Standing Ones.. as I call them..
So important Keepers of our Earth..
Love and Blessings Van.. a charming post.. And wishing you well my friend..
Love Sue xx
The Earth’s lungs…so well expressed. 🌲 🌳 🌴 You always find the right words. Thanks always, Sue.
Big Smiles dear Van.. Much love your way.. and HUGS
These images are fantastic. Sometimes I wonder to myself if these ancient trees could talk to us, what would they say?
I know, I wonder that as well. They might tell us to slow down and respect our environment.
These images are great. Just gorgeous!
I think so too, Rob. They’ve stood the test of time. Thanks.
Yes!