By this evening, the clouds had disappeared from earlier in the day and the clear skies allowed a good view of the first part of the super moon lunar eclipse. This is the first time since 1982 that an eclipse of a super moon has happened. A super moon occurs when, due to the elliptical orbit of the moon, it is the closest to earth it will get. It is supposed to appear about 14% larger than normal according to NASA.
I got out my 7DII and 500 II F/4 and set up in the park just beyond the back yard. Here are a few shots before the clouds drifted across and brought the show to an end.
I didn't get out right at the start but just as the moon was about half way in the shadow.
This next shot shows the beginning of the 'blood moon' effect, but the remaining sliver is really over exposed. It is the result of photographing in such harsh, contrasting conditions. The two little lines to the left of the moon are the lights of a plane that just skimmed along the edge of the moon.....I was hoping it might go right across, but even if it had, since the photo was taken at 1/15th of a second it would be just a blur.
By the time most of the moon was in shadow, I had to use a mirror lock-up, crank the ISO up to 3200 and even at that, the shutter speed was 1/8th or 1/5th of a second.
The final shot, before the clouds quickly obscured the moon.
That's it....the next super moon eclipse will be in 2033!!
Allen, great shots. I had taken several photos myself. I created a four part composite image. I noticed that to expose the shadow side of the moon, you had to overexpose the luninated side as well, and the difference is a few clicks of the shutter speed settings. Again, nice work!
ReplyDeleteAllen, great shots. I had taken several photos myself. I created a four part composite image. I noticed that to expose the shadow side of the moon, you had to overexpose the luninated side as well, and the difference is a few clicks of the shutter speed settings. Again, nice work!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dwayne. I just noticed your composite efforts.....well done! I haven't attempted a composite yet.
DeleteFor anyone reading these comments, be sure to check out Dwayne's blog at nerdy for birdy on my blog list at the upper right of this page.
Great pictures as always Allan !! The last line of your blog should read " That's it ... the next super moon eclipse will be in 2033 !! " There will be many "super moons" between now and 2033 but not accompanied by an eclipse to coincide with the super moon .
DeleteMike
You are quite right, Mike.....I've changed it....thanks!
DeleteGreat pics Allen ! Even tho' I can't get the residents here, excited
ReplyDeleteabout birds---drat---I did throw a "Moon Party"--and got 18 residents
out watching the moon for 2 + hours ! And then the clouds came in !
Thanks Irene......those clouds that rolled in were frustrating. I hope the others enjoyed your moon party....maybe next time they will begin to show a bit of interest in birds, as you are in a decent location to see things along the river and right off the balcony.
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