Bolivian astrophotographer's image chosen for NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day

A photograph taken from the Bolivian Altiplano by astrophotographer Gonzalo Laserna Vargas was selected by NASA as the Astronomy Picture of the Day on 28 July 2026. The image, titled “Barnard Loop over twin volcanoes,” shows the Barnard Loop of gas crossing the night sky behind the snow‑capped volcanoes Parinacota and Pomerape, with the Orion Nebula also visible.

NASA’s description notes the folklore that links the two volcanoes as a mythical prince and princess, while confirming that the peaks have not erupted in the last millennium. Bolivia’s tourism ministry hailed the selection as raising the country's profile for scientific tourism and astrophotography.

The recognition places Bolivia in the international astronomy community and may attract visitors to the high‑altitude region for sky‑watching and research activities.