on the complete other side of the sierra is fresno. But i doubt that it is big enough or close enough to put out that amount of light. In all the years ive lived there ive never seen city light come from behind those mountains.
Well, that could be what's causing it. I know in many of my star trail photos, I've picked up faint lights and aurora borealis that were too dim to even notice with the unaided eye. But if your photos weren't taken too long after sunset, it could also be traces of sunlight, as you suggested.
haha yea. I tried all night but this is just what i like best. I dont like the white matting around em. If you have any suggestions plz let me know cutie.