Capturing the Cosmos

Looking up with astrophotographer Sean Parker

Photos and captions by Sean Parker

There’s an innate curiosity in humans to wonder about the cosmos. In fact, humans have been trying to understand and document what’s up there since the Bronze Age. And as humans, that curiosity has likely only gotten stronger as we’ve been able to discover more. Constantly pointing his camera to the sky, astrophotographer Sean Parker stays curious, capturing the night sky all over the globe. One night in the middle of nowhere, we ran into Sean and learned how the view through his lens has changed his perspective.

A photo that changed your perspective on the universe: 

Photographing southern hemisphere skies is mind-blowing — the Magellanic Clouds and unfamiliar constellations completely shift your perspective. It’s like discovering a hidden side of the universe you never knew existed.

The image you are most proud of: 

Capturing the aurora borealis over the Arizona desert is one of my proudest moments. The rare phenomenon blending with the desert's rugged beauty felt surreal — like witnessing two worlds collide. It's a testament to the unexpected magic nature can reveal, even in unlikely places.

Somewhere you felt a different kind of energy from anywhere else in the world:

Photographing the aurora in Iceland feels like stepping into a dream. The vivid green lights pulse across the sky, blending with waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. Standing beneath this celestial phenomenon, surrounded by raw natural beauty, creates an unparalleled and deeply spiritual energy.

Comet Lovejoy streaks across the night sky, joined by the Pleiades star cluster in a cosmic dance. A breathtaking moment of celestial wonder, reminding us of the vast beauty above.

Chasing the northern lights over Stokksnes, Iceland — where the aurora dances across the sky, illuminating the dramatic landscape. A surreal moment frozen in time, capturing nature’s breathtaking beauty.

Capturing a rocket launch over Joshua Tree was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The brilliance of the rocket's plume lighting up the desert sky, framed by the rugged silhouette of Joshua trees, was a powerful reminder of the connection between nature and human innovation.

Chasing the northern lights over Iceland's rugged beauty — where the magic of the aurora dances above wild horses and historic churches, capturing a moment where nature and history collide.

The northern lights paint the sky above Iceland’s iconic lighthouse, creating a breathtaking scene where the fiery aurora meets the serene, guiding light — nature’s perfect harmony of beauty and guidance.