Milky Way, Aït Benhaddou, Morocco

© Cavan Images/Getty Image

Cosmic views over earthly hues. Aït Benhaddou, Morocco

Get ready for a starry Moroccan night! Stargazing here is truly magical, as the vast skies and minimal light pollution transform each evening into a dazzling display. Every star you see is part of our galaxy, the Milky Way, which appears as a creamy band of light in the darkest skies. In today's image, you can see this cosmic beauty glowing over Aït Benhaddou, a historic fortified village known as a ksar, in the Ouarzazate province of Morocco. This site was first fortified in the 11th century. It was a key stop on the ancient caravan trade route connecting the Sahara and the city of Marrakesh. Perched on a hillside by the Ounila River, this village is a cluster of buildings encircled by a protective wall, complete with towers and a gate.

The earthen clay architecture here, built from rammed earth, adobe, and wood, showcases traditional craftsmanship. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for its authenticity and is known for preserving conventional building techniques and avoiding modern concrete.