In the constellation Monoceros, the light and hot matter from a cluster of energetic stars forces the interstellar dust and gas to fold, twist, and stretch. Intense gravity makes a funnel-shaped chamber, the birthplace of new stars. The photographic exposures for this image were collected with two different telescopes over two years. When the weather does not cooperate it can take more than one season to gather what is needed to make an image.
Gary Lopez is a fine art astrophotographer. His images have received recognition in international fine art photography competition and his work is represented by Gallery Sur, Carmel, CA, USA. Gary is also a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and scientist. He has produced more than 40 documentary films and series, including television programs for Jacques Cousteau and his son, Jean-Michel Cousteau. His programs have been broadcast nationally in the United States, distributed through out Europe and Asia, and have received many awards for excellence.
Awards Nominee, Nature, International Color Awards, 2022
First Place, Nature, International Photography Awards, 2021
Honorable Mention(3), Nature, International Photography Awards, 2021
Honorable Mention, Nature, Black & White Spider Awards, 2021
Nominee, Nature, International Color Awards, 2021
First Place, Nature, International Photography Awards, 2020
Honorable Mention, Nature, International Photography Awards, 2020
Honorable Mention, Abstract, Black & White Spider Awards, 2020
Honorable Mention, Nature, Black & White Spider Awards, 2020
Nominee (2), Nature, International Color Awards, 2019
Honorable Mention (2), Nature, International Color Awards, 2019
