Next week from Thursday night August 12th we are told will be the most unusual opportunity to photograph Perseid meteors becasue many of the planets will be visible in a small area of the sky. The absolute best time to see the Perseid meteors will be the dark pre-dawn on Friday August 13th. The moon will not be up so getting away from city light and looking towards the Northeast should allow a good opportunity.
Great advice from NASA here:
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/05aug_perseids/
I am not an expert shooting the night sky. I know some digital cameras have issues shoot long exposures but I would experiment with yours and see how it handles things. As far as shooting the Perseid Meteors requires a clear view of the northeast sky, away from light sources that would tend to dim the impact of the trails of the meteors. Also remember that when you have a long exposure of the night sky you can get an impact from the rotation of the earth. This would show up as a round line of light that would be the stars, or in a shorter exposure is might just make the points of light look slightly blurry or out of focus. If I read the weather forecast properly the big challenge this week in the northeast will be the cloud cover Thursday - Monday night, if one assume you can stay awake for the best times!
Posted by Bill Maile on August 13, 2010 at 3:34 AM
Well Jim, the weather has been lousy here.
Unfotunately, I'm am always awake before sunrise! And I live in a pretty rural area. Though the sky overhead looks pretty overcast, I'm up and I'm going to take a look though I don't expect much as the result of my camera and the clouds.
But I do remember a doozy of a meteor shower in the early 2000s (forget which), and it was amazing to see. So I'm up, the coffee is flowing, and maybe we'll get a bit lucky.
Hi Bill,
I'm up too and there is even a light rain shower happening here in North Central Massachusetts. I guess it is now wait until tonight when it is suppose to be clear and dry.
Jim
Posted by Bill Maile on August 13, 2010 at 4:39 AM
just got back Jim, bust here!! let's hope for clearing tonight. it really was pitch black and moonless.
Discussion
5 repliesGreat advice from NASA here:
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/05aug_perseids/
Unfotunately, I'm am always awake before sunrise! And I live in a pretty rural area. Though the sky overhead looks pretty overcast, I'm up and I'm going to take a look though I don't expect much as the result of my camera and the clouds.
But I do remember a doozy of a meteor shower in the early 2000s (forget which), and it was amazing to see. So I'm up, the coffee is flowing, and maybe we'll get a bit lucky.
I'm up too and there is even a light rain shower happening here in North Central Massachusetts. I guess it is now wait until tonight when it is suppose to be clear and dry.
Jim