A time-lapse photograph taken from the Mt John University Observatory above Lake Tekapo shows the spectacular circular orbit of stars making up the southern sky. Many people believe they rise in the east and travel to the west.
The photograph was taken by Tekapo-based Earth and Sky's astrophotographer Maki Yanagimachi from the observatory last month, over a period of six hours using multiple exposures which were combined.
The view is looking south and the south celestial pole is in the centre of the trails, Ms Yanagimachi said.
"Star trails are the paths left by stars, seen from the Earth. As the Earth spins, the stars appear to move and make circles in the sky," she said.
Stars appeared to circle the south celestial pole in the southern hemisphere. That was why trails closest to the celestial pole were the shortest.
In the photograph, Tekapo village is at bottom left and traffic is driving south along State Highway 8 in the bottom centre to right. Christchurch traffic is above the village, heading left.
Earth and Sky takes tours to view the clear night sky over the Mackenzie Basin. It has, with other enthusiasts, promoted a night-sky reserve for the region, at the United Nations.
