Milky Way Galaxy Sparkles Over Mountains in Iran (Photo)

Amir H. Abolfath of The World at Night took this photo of the Milky Way over Alamut Valley in the Alborz Mountains of Iran in August 2010. Credit: Amir Abolfath, Torgheh.ir/en View full size image

The serene Milky Way galaxy towers over Alamut Valley in Iran in this spectacular night sky photo.

Amir H. Abolfath of The World at Night took this stunning photo from the Alborz Mountains of Iran in August 2010.

Scientists estimate the Milky Way galaxy  contains roughly 400 billion stars bound together by gravity. Above the glow of the mountains, the barred spiral galaxy appears as a faint band in the sky. In the image, car headlights can be seen on a winding road in the valley. Lights from nearby cities also reflect within southern horizon clouds.

Editor's note: If you have an amazing night sky photo you'd like to share for a possible story or image gallery, send photos, comments and your name and location to managing editor Tariq Malik at spacephotos@space.com.

Follow SPACE.com on Twitter @Spacedotcom. We're also on Facebook & Google+. 

Milky Way Quiz: Test Your Galaxy Smarts

Dust off your spiral arms and fatten up your bulge — it's time to tap into your inner galaxy to test your smarts about the Milky Way. Our home in space is a strange and wondrous place that scientists are still trying to figure out. See what you know!

Start the Quiz

0 of 11 questions complete

Milky Way Quiz: Test Your Galaxy Smarts

Dust off your spiral arms and fatten up your bulge — it's time to tap into your inner galaxy to test your smarts about the Milky Way. Our home in space is a strange and wondrous place that scientists are still trying to figure out. See what you know!

0 of questions complete

Start Over | More Quizzes