Photo opportunity

[koffiejunkie]

You may be aware that the last full lunar eclipse for about three years happens tonight. The next one is only in December 2010. S.A. isn't quite in range, so I'm not sure how much you guys would see, but if I was there I'd be outside watching... Sadly, while the UK is in range, two weeks of excellent weather and clear skies have come to an end and today is foggy with poor visibility.

Anyway, for those looking for something to take pictures of (fellow forumites in the U.S.?), this looks like an excellent photo opportunity. Out of interest, I read a bit about people's experience shooting the moon, and found an article with some ideas.

Post those pictures!

 

[bwana]

We're very much in range http://www.saao.ac.za/public-info/news/news/article/146/16/

 

[Pooky]

5 to 5:50?

I will set my alarm...

 

[koffiejunkie]

We're very much in range http://www.saao.ac.za/public-info/news/news/article/146/16/

Aah nice! Good time to put that white lens of yours on the converter then?

 

[bwana]

Aah nice! Good time to put that white lens of yours on the converter then?

No converter so my sigma 28-300 has the longer legs.

 

[koffiejunkie]

Oh yes, I forgot. That should be OK though. It's 480mm on 1.6 crop after all.

Somehow I don't think the 18-55 on the Pentax is going to be ideal...

 

[bwana]

Wind is pumping here which should make things interesting.

 

[Telkomisaloser]

Let me be the first one to say this.... (%$#^#(%#%(%#*)(%@@(%)(%#%#^#%^*%#%#&@(%%@@)@ clouds!!!!!!!

 

[Calico182]

it was completely clear here - managed to get outside at 5:15 - moon was red, but a bit faded because of the ambient light. took a couple of pics, will look at them later, but they weren't as cool as last years ones i got as the moon quickly disappeared buildings in the area.

 

[bwana]

Not to bad this year. Clear skies.

Anyone know what the speck is in the bottom right corner? A planet perhaps?

Bleary eyed now though.

 

[Kalvaer]

Let me be the first one to say this.... (%$#^#(%#%(%#*)(%@@(%)(%#%#^#%^*%#%#&@(%%@@)@ clouds!!!!!!!

LOL unfortunatley I forgot to set my alarm clock. However friends of mine didn't and they all said there were clouds all over, So i'm actually glad I did forget

EDIT: Bwana.. thats pretty decent! Much better than my attempts last year, Unless I am mistaken, it seems like you got Regulus in there as well. I spent 5 hours last year taking photo's only to find out "afterwards" that my lens couldn't reach perfect focus for astroshots.. serves me right for not testing it out before rushing to the middle of no where to try it out

 

[[OUPA]MrNutz]

Not to bad this year. Clear skies.

Anyone know what the speck is in the bottom right corner? A planet perhaps?

Bleary eyed now though.

Saturn

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb147/jannie40/012.jpg

 

[Kalvaer]

Saturn would be on the other side at that time, and much higher up. You can see Saturn on your photo at the top

 

[bwana]

EDIT: Bwana.. thats pretty decent! Much better than my attempts last year, Unless I am mistaken, it seems like you got Regulus in there as well. I spent 5 hours last year taking photo's only to find out "afterwards" that my lens couldn't reach perfect focus for astroshots.. serves me right for not testing it out before rushing to the middle of no where to try it out

Thanks - every time there is an eclipse I berate myself for not having a better lens . . . one day I'll get one

Saturn

Thanks - Where's Juipter? If I was in the northern hemisphere I'd have a better chance but without the big dipper I'm truly lost

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb147/jannie40/012.jpg

Nice shot - is the clock off on your camera? By 5.30 I was back in the house having a nap

 

[Kalvaer]

Jupiter would of been on the other side in the east. Right above Venus and Mecury.

A nice program to check out for things like this is called Stellarium (http://www.stellarium.org/) If you want more detailed info but less pretty pics, you can download Cartes du Ciel (http://www.stargazing.net/astropc/)

 

[Calico182]

caught the last glimpse of it before it was completely faded and disappeared behind some buildings - not as impressive as last years though...

 

[bwana]

Jupiter would of been on the other side in the east. Right above Venus and Mecury.

A nice program to check out for things like this is called Stellarium (http://www.stellarium.org/) If you want more detailed info but less pretty pics, you can download Cartes du Ciel (http://www.stargazing.net/astropc/)

Thanks - I see there is a Mac version of Stellarium so I'll get that.

 

[Kalvaer]

Just screen capped my screen to show ya

Jupiter: http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh53/kalvaer/Jupiter-Location.jpg
The Moon with Regulas and Saturn: http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh53/kalvaer/Moon-location.jpg

 

[Kalvaer]

Hmm just decided to check the ASSA JHB and Kobie van Zyl has a photo up pretty much the same as yours bwana. So you should be really happy (I believe Kobie runs/owns ? http://shop.technopro.co.za/ )

 

[koffiejunkie]

bwana and Calico182: very very nice! What settings/kit were you guys shooting with?