Milky Way Feb. 10, 2023. This Montana night sky is truly “Big Sky Country.” Photo Courtesy: Jacob McIntyre

Montana is known as “Big Sky Country” including spectacular nights in which the Milky Way illuminates the night sky.

Extraordinary view of the Milky Way taken in SouthCentral Montana. Photo Courtesy: Jacob McIntyre.

This photo was taken near Columbus, Montana about 40 miles from the state’s largest city, Billings.

Spectacular capture of the Big Dipper seen from Columbus, MT. Photo Courtesy: Jacob McIntyre

Away from the city lights, the Milky Way takes command and constellations including Orion’s Belt belt are awe-inspiring.

Photo Courtesy: Jacob McIntyre. Taken near Columbus, MT of the incredible star filled sky.

Orion’s Belt is an “asterism” of three stars that appear to form the belt of Orion, the Hunter. It’s one of the most famous asterisms used by amateur astronomers. Asterisms are patterns of stars of similar brightness.

If you haven’t yet had the incredible experience of stargazing in Montana, promise yourself you’ll put it on the bucket list. Amazing.

An unaltered photo of a moonlit evening near Bearpaw Ranch, Columbus, MT. Photo Courtesy: Jacob McIntyre