“She stood there: she listened. She heard the names of the stars”
Same Sky, Different World; the night sky in Zagros
The night sky is one of the most astonishing natural phenomena that has, for centuries, inspired human emotions, reflections, and artistic creations. In today’s modern societies, due to the inevitability of light pollution and the construction of tall buildings and skyscrapers, the visibility or brilliance of the night sky has faded in many parts of the world, making access to a starry sky increasingly rare. Therefore remote and mountainous regions, such as the Zagros Mountains, have become ideal destinations for those who cherish the immeasurable wonders of the night sky.
The Beauty of the Night Sky: A Gateway to the Cosmos
The night sky is far more than just a collection of stars. Every star and celestial body carries a story, acting as a messenger from the depths of the galaxy, drawing our gaze toward infinity. Toward the unknown and the mysterious. Throughout history, humans have used the stars for navigation, timekeeping, predicting the future, and communicating with a supreme power. Stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae each hold their wonder, its unique narrative, contributing to the breathtaking beauty of the night sky.
One of the most spectacular sights in the night sky is the Milky Way, which, in pristine and light-pollution-free skies, is vividly visible. This galaxy, with its billions of stars, appears as a luminous band stretching across the heavens, offering sky gazers and photographers extraordinary opportunities for capturing stunning images.
The Night Sky and the Importance of Light Pollution-Free Locations
For a rich experience of the night sky, far from urban distractions, avoiding light pollution is paramount. Light pollution, caused by artificial lighting in cities, decreases the clarity of the night sky. This is why stargazers and photographers seek remote locations, far from industrialized cities, where the sky remains pure and untouched by artificial effects.
The Zagros Mountains, especially the summer and winter pastures of the Bakhtiari nomads, are among the most pristine and light-pollution-free regions in Iran, making them ideal for stargazing and astrophotography. High altitudes, the absence of artificial light, and clean, transparent air ensure the night sky there displays its most magnificent splendor.
Nomadic Life in the Zagros: Harmony with Nature
Bakhtiari nomads are one of Iran’s largest and most authentic nomadic groups, deeply intertwined with nature through their seasonal migrations (Kooch). These nomads traditionally divide their temporary lodgings between summer pastures in the mountains and winter pastures in the valleys. Their seasonal migrations, often in spring and autumn, are not merely a means of economic practicality but also a cultural and spiritual practice, a vital part of their identity.
Their journeys offer a unique opportunity to experience life on the move in untouched nature, where light pollution is nonexistent, and the night sky is crystal clear.
Summer and Winter Pastures
Change of Season as a Reason for Transhumance:
In spring and summer, the Bakhtiari nomads migrate to their summer pastures in the highlands of the Zagros Mountains. These regions, often situated at higher altitudes, provide ideal conditions for grazing livestock and family life due to their cool climate and abundant water resources. During this time, the night sky in these highlands becomes a breathtaking spectacle, offering unmatched stargazing and photography opportunities. The clear skies allow one to see the Milky Way and fainter stars in remarkable detail.
With the arrival of autumn and cold weather, the nomads move towards their winter pastures in lower valleys and plains. This migration, again accompanied by their families and herds, is an integral part of the Bakhtiari heritage. While the warmer climate of the winter pastures makes life more manageable, the unspoiled night sky continues to provide a haven for stargazers and lovers of photography.
The Unique Experience of Staying with Bakhtiari Nomads
Spending nights with Bakhtiari families offers a rare opportunity to experience a different kind of life, deeply rooted in nature. These families, constantly migrating between summer and winter pastures, maintain a simple yet profound connection to the earth and the sky. Their minimal lifestyle makes them notice and appreciate what truly matters in life.
A night spent in nomadic tents, watching the endless night sky by a campfire, and listening to ancient stories told by the nomads transcends the usual tourist experience. The Bakhtiaris are known for their hospitality, treating guests with traditional dishes and unique culinary creativity. On these nights, the Zagros sky, adorned with thousands of stars and the Milky Way, gleams like a jewel in the darkness. Watching this celestial spectacle from the heart of the mountains, surrounded only by the sound of wind and the bells of grazing animals, is an unparalleled experience. For photographers and stargazers, these moments offer extraordinary opportunities to capture the otherwise invisible and faded galaxies and stars, incorporating natural elements like mountains, tents, and campfires into their compositions to create evocative images that tell the story of life and culture in this region.
The Villages of Sar Aqa Seyyed and Khoye: Destinations for Stargazing Enthusiasts
For those unable to join the nomads on their migrations, the villages of Sar Aqa Seyyed and Khoye in the Zagros Mountains are excellent alternatives for experiencing a starry night sky. Situated at high altitudes and far from urban areas, these villages too offer clear and unpolluted views of the night sky.
Visiting these villages not only provides the chance to stargaze but also offers an opportunity to engage with the traditional lifestyles of the local people and immerse oneself in their warm and unconditional hospitality.
“-Where to …?
+To the stars…”
Tips for Stargazing and Astrophotography
1. Choose the Right Location
Selecting the right location is crucial for quality stargazing and astrophotography. The Zagros Mountains and the Bakhtiari pastures are among the best choices for observing the pure night sky. Villages like Sar Aqa Seyyed and Khoye are also ideal for those seeking accessible destinations.
2. Time Your Visit Carefully
Timing is essential for stargazing. Summer and early autumn, when skies are clearer and the moonlight is minimal, are ideal. Avoid full moons, as their brightness can obscure fainter stars. For professional astrophotography, plan your visit during the new moon or crescent moon phases.
3. Professional Photography Equipment
For astrophotography, bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with wide-aperture lenses (f/2.8 or lower). Long exposure settings and a tripod are essential for capturing the faint light of stars. Some photographers also use star trackers to follow the stars’ motion for extended exposure shots.
4. Camera Settings for Night Sky Photography
Typical settings include a shutter speed of 10–30 seconds, a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower), and a high ISO (1600–6400) to capture more light and detail. A stable camera and precise adjustments are indispensable for clear and vivid results.
5. Composition and Storytelling
Incorporate foreground elements like mountains, trees, or nomadic tents to create impactful compositions. These elements not only enhance the visual appeal but also tell a story of life and culture under the starry skies
The Spiritual and Psychological Impact of the Night Sky
The experience of stargazing is not just visual but profoundly spiritual and emotional. Many stargazers describe a deep sense of tranquility and connection to nature and the cosmos. The vastness and sublimity of the night sky evoke awe and wonder, prompting contemplation of life’s meaning and humanity’s place in the universe. Contemporary research in the psychology of awe and transcendence has even proved that encountering awe provokes a sense of self-diminishment and a need for accommodation which increases interconnectedness, fosters empathy, and encourages prosocial behavior in individuals.
The Night Sky, a Bridge “to Infinity and beyond”
Stargazing and astrophotography in the Zagros Mountains, alongside Bakhtiari nomads or in the picturesque villages like Sar Aqa Seyyed and Khoye, offer a rare opportunity to connect with a world beyond the hustle and bustle of urban modernity. This journey is not just about nature but also a spiritual exploration of our relationship with the cosmos.
In this experience, you will witness not only the endless night sky but also the simplicity and authenticity of nomadic and rural life, an existence intertwined with the stars. Sitting by a fire, under a sky bursting with stars, and listening to the ancient tales of the Bakhtiari people will leave you with memories of serenity and wonder. This journey is a blend of visual delight, inner peace, and cultural immersion—a must for anyone passionate about nature, photography, local communities, or the night sky. The night sky of the Zagros, unparalleled in its mystical beauty, invites you to a nomadic journey across the galaxies and into your own mysterious self.