Big Dipper is the Star

This is the second shot that I felt came out worthwhile from my ventures with night photography. This is looking west across Lake Michigan. I'm not sure what the very bright star is somewhat above the horizon.
Tonight we visit with friends over dinner, and tomorrow morning, we hopefully fly off on the 8:30 flight since Jim has to teach in Chicago at 6:00. I promised to drive as far as the city limits since he's working when we get back -- hoping it's not a stressful drive due to delays (morning fog and rain is always a worry).
Thank you for you kind comments on my Milky Way shot! I appreciated them, as well as the favs. Night photography always feels a bit magical to me.

[Lou Ann]

I see it! This is mesmerizing, Taffy!

[FBailey]

Brilliant shot

[Denise Wood]

I love a beautiful night sky :) fav

[Call me Joe]

💟💟💟

[Simply Amanda]

Absolutely incredible!!

[Pam Knowler]

Stunning image! Could that bright star actually be Venus? When on holiday this year every night low in the sky not long after sunset we would see this really bright star. I checked it out and in fact it was Venus.
Loving your night photography! Safe journey home tomorrow! Fav!

[ChristineL]

Wow, so many stars (and maybe a planet!) Great shot.

[Richard Brown]

Lovely night sky shot. I keep meaning to get out and do this but I get a bit lazy once the sun goes down.

[Lin]

Heavens (literally) this is gorgeous!

[Joy's Focus]

This is so beautiful. My guess is the brightest star is Venus.

[*lynn]

great photo! fav

[mittens (Marilyn)]

Another really beautiful one, Taffy.

[Marnie]

Achingly beautiful, and full of magic.

[Richard Hickey]

Fantastic picture.

[gloria jones]

Stunning image...love the light, tones

[Jane Pittenger]

Mars?

[Diane]

Amazing shot! Fav. Safe travels!

[Lois]

Gorgeous sky!

[Walks @ 7]

What way to leave the island. This is just magical on black.

[Diana]

A magical fav!

[Graeme Stevens]

Outstanding. I can't find anything I don't like so you may as well have a fav.

[Joanna kate]

So beautiful

[Beryl Lloyd]

Instant fav - such a beautiful and magical sky !

[sally agnew]

Magical :)

[Joan Robillard]

Gorgeous

[Susan.T.]

Absolutely gorgeous sky.
Fav.

[elkehochban]

Wonderful shot!

[Dione Giorgio]

Another stunning capture of the stars. Fav.

[Issi Bannerman]

Beautiful capture of the big dipper. I hope the drive goes ok. Take care.

[Danette Thompson]

Wonderful image.

[Jerome]

great night shot

[haskar]

Awesome capture.

[carol white]

Fabulous capture. Fav!! 😀

[Rob Z]

Wow - what a sky. And the muted foreground and horizon are so good with it.

[Pat Knowles]

You can see it so clearly, I only know this as The Plough but I have heard of the Big Dipper but hadn't realised it was one & the same. Those stars show up beautifully!

[Junan Heath]

Gorgeous capture! Fav

[Claude Trew]

Gorgeous sky. Well done. Fav

[Elisabeth Sæter]

Gorgeous shot

[Yao RL]

I love the little light in the water. add so much interest in the night shot.

[Marloes]

Wonderful title and pic. Lol. Fav :)

[Helen Jane]

This is a really gentle and peaceful night shot with the sky in full display. A lovely capture. I do hope the travelling went well.

[Karly]

Beautiful - love the stars and the lights in the distance. Really lovely.

[Rosie Kerr]

Oh, I just love to see the Big Dipper, so bright and familiar. Beautiful!!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

fav! I've never seen a shot like this with the Big Dipper in it- so awesome. I've been hearing that Jupiter is in the sky right now so the big star might be that.

[Lisa Pouncy]

Another super shot xx