This image is a stunning example of star trail photography, where the movement of stars across the sky is captured over an extended period of time.

The centre of the circular trails, where all the lines converge, is the celestial pole, marked by Polaris, or the North Star. This point is directly aligned with the Earth's axis of rotation. The long exposure used in capturing this image allows the stars' paths across the night sky to be recorded as sweeping arcs or circles, illustrating the apparent motion of the stars due to the Earth spinning on its axis. The photo brings together Polaris and Lion Rock, a familiar Hong Kong landmark, giving a sense of unity between the cosmic and the urban.

Meticulous planning led to capturing this beautiful image, in spite of the light pollution. According to the photographer, this achievement embodies “urban astrophotography's blend of luck, persistence, and technical skill.”

Dr Ng is currently an assistant professor in the Faculty of Science and Technology at the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi).