The Milky Way from the top of the world

[UPDATE (February 2, 2012): It has come to my attention that the photograph that was posted here has most likely been manipulated during post-processing to a degree that is unacceptable. Because of that, I have taken it down. I do not take this action lightly, but until more information is forthcoming I think it’s best this way. National Geographic has a brief statement about this on their website as well.]