Protect the Ancients

This is one half of a pair series featuring a tree and the Milky Way. In this image we witness a moon-free, starry night sky within the Eastern Sierras. The subject of this shot is Methuselah, a nearing 5,000 year old ancient bristlecone pine tree. It has baffled scientists how an organism could survive so long in such a harsh climate where so few else can. Nevertheless, it stands the test of time. There is no doubt in my mind that with continued protection, Methuselah will live as long as Earth permits it.