When you're tired and jetlagged, you do stupid things like take your camera gear out to film star trails on a very windy night. I set up to take about an hour's worth of star trails, which came out rubbish, but noticed that I had caught a very bright meteor in one particular time frame. This shot is the image that captured it, which is a 30 second exposure at ISO1250, using my Sigma 10-20mm HSM at 10mm, F4. It's obvious where the meteor is. Maybe you can pick out the Big Dipper at upper left, too?
I guess doing silly things when jetlagged pays off sometimes. I have been trying to get a meteor shot like this for years.
Below is the actual star trail shot, ruined by the wind.
Below is the actual star trail shot, ruined by the wind.
Good catch! Too bad about the wind. I don't see many south pole star trails images, though. Such an alien sky to me!
ReplyDeleteI saw this also in my mom and dads back yard saturday 6/25/11.approx 9:40-9:45 It was the most exciting thing ever. it was red-glowing ball with flames going very fast from the s-e to the west. it then got overhead and seemed to go up and then got smaller and disappeared. I presumed it burned out.I hollered for my mom and dad and they were able to see it also. they are in their 80"s I live in Lexington ky 40504
ReplyDeleteThanks, folks! I have reason to suspect that this is actually an iridium flare, and not a meteor. The pattern looks about right, however I can't find a prediction for a flare at this specific time. Hmm...
ReplyDeleteLinda - I didn't actually see it myself, my camera just caught it. What you describe sounds like a brilliant fireball, probably something else that I didn't capture as my camera was facing north. Any other reports of it in your town?
I watched the 11:00 news didn't hear any other reports. I know what we saw and I was glad my parents saw it also otherwise I don't think anyone would have believed me. I have no idea what it really was but know I have never seen anything like it before. I do however keep a schedule of the ISS (space station) and try to observe it as it flys over. That is very fascinating to me also. I just know that what we saw had to be witnessed by other people too..it was too big and bright not to have been noticed..can you tell I am very excited about this..
ReplyDeleteWell, I'd be very excited given your description. Have you tried contacting a local astronomy club and reporting to them what you saw? There's a good chance someone else saw it, for sure!
ReplyDeleteGood idea. I will research and see what I can find. thanks I will keep you up on what I may find out.
ReplyDeleteLinda - try this:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ms.uky.edu/~bgaac/
Good luck!
Hello Phil, No luck on finding anyone else in my area seeing the fireball. I am just glad I did. I have found your blog site very interesting. I think in doing my first search yours popped up. I am such an amateur but you have given me some ideas on looking in the night sky. Last night the ISS went over at 11:09. I went out walking my little dog about 30 minutes earlier and I took my binoculars and laid in the yard and just observed. I think I have found myself a new hobby. Have a nice day. Thanks
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it, Linda. It's a fun hobby that can be relaxing and sometimes intriguing, which you have already discovered. Feel free to drop by again. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteWow! Two amazing pictures. Personally, I like the windy picture because it sort of like a Time Warp capture - symbolic in how I feel about my life lately.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I have a close friend that is doing an exchange program in Argentina for the past week and a half. He has asked me to help him figure out how to find the Southern Cross - and low and behold your next picture features this!
I am a new at looking at the stars and finding constellations. I enjoy the moon and planets a little bit more because you can track them easier. However, all of your pictures and information is great!
I will pass along this information to my friend. Again - Thanks!
Please visit me at:
http://5penniesaday.blogspot.com/
"What have you done for someone else today?"
Thanks for visiting the blog, Amanda! I appreciate your feedback. Try downloading Stellarium. It's free software that does a great job of showing you the constellations, passage of moon and planets over time etc. I highly recommend it to folks just getting started. Enjoy the night skies and let me know if I can help out.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Phil