This time-lapse video of the Grand Canyon covered in clouds is absolutely stunning
We are currently bowing down to Mother Nature after watching this awesome time-lapse video of the Grand Canyon. As if we weren’t already in peak travel mode with summer just around the bend, this breathtaking footage has us ready to gas up the ride, put those minimalist travel skills to use, and head for the hills. Or in this case, the canyons.
The film is part of the Skyglow Project, which highlights the effects of urban light pollution while showcasing some of North America’s designated dark sky areas. The stunning video is a creative collaboration with the International Dark Sky Association, whose mission is to preserve night skies around the world.
The two-and-a-half-minute film opens with the sun rising over the Arizona park, with dark clouds and distant showers rolling through the canyons as the day progresses. Eventually, dots of condensation cover the lens followed by an incredible scene that shows thick, low-lying clouds filling the canyon.
“Cold air is trapped in the canyon and topped by a layer of warm air, which in combination with moisture and condensation form the phenomenon referred to as the full cloud inversion,” SKYGLOW photographer Harun Mehmedinovic told Gizmodo. “We were extremely lucky to be there to capture it, and it’s a collection of unique footage not found anywhere else.”
According to a recent Detroit Free Press article that highlights the ongoing light pollution issue in Michigan, not only do excessive lights interrupt our view of the nighttime skies, they also impact birds, insects, and other creatures that use the moon and starlight to travel at night.
While we certainly benefit from using artificial light sources to guide us at night, we are grateful for the creative efforts of Mehmedinovic and others who realize the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between satisfying our needs and respecting nature.
