How to Photograph a Lunar Eclipse… By Fred Espenak…

By Fred Espenak

A lunar eclipse occurs whenever the moon passes through the Earth’s dark shadow, which can only happen during a full moon. There are two or more lunar eclipses a year.

Types of Lunar Eclipses

Penumbral Lunar Eclipse. This occurs when the moon passes through the Earth’s penumbral shadow. These eclipses are subtle and hard to observe.

Partial Lunar Eclipse. This occurs when a portion of the moon passes through the Earth’s umbral shadow. These eclipses are easy to see with the unaided eye.

Total Lunar Eclipse. This occurs when the entire moon passes through the Earth’s umbral shadow. During the total phase (totality), the moon turns a vibrant red color. These are easy to see as well, with the unaided eye.

A lunar eclipse begins as a small notch slowly appears along one edge of the moon. During the next hour, the moon gradually dips deeper into Earth’s dark umbral shadow. If the eclipse is a total one, the last remaining minutes of the partial phases can be quite dramatic. The crescent of the moon grows thinner as darkness propagates through a night sky now deprived of moonlight. If you’re away from city lights, the Milky Way becomes bright and beautiful as the total phase begins.

No matter what kind of camera you own, there are a variety of techniques that you can use to photograph a lunar eclipse: wide-angle, telephoto, multiple exposure and star trail. While you can also use film cameras to photograph eclipses, this article specifically discusses digital camera use…

© Fred Espenak

The moon was photographed every five min. during the total lunar eclipse of Jan. 20-21, 2000, Dunkirk, MD. Nikon N70 SLR and AstroPhysics…Read More

Published on May 21, 2012 by mrcorypoole

Still pictures can be downloaded at http://www.corypoole.com
Become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/CoryPoolePhotography to be notified of new photos when they become available.

700 pictures through a Coronado Solar Max 60 Double Stack telescope were used to make this video. The Telescope has a very narrow bandpass allowing you to see the chromosphere and not the much brighter photosphere below it. The music was composed in Abelton Live.

Category:

Science & Technology

License:

Standard YouTube License

© Fred Espenak

Oct. 28, 2004 total lunar eclipse, widely visible from the USA. Composite of images captures the Moon at the beginning (r.), middle (c.) and end (l.) of totality. Nikon D100, 4 sec. at f/12, using an AstroPhysics 105 EDT Refractor (4″ F/6) and AP 2X Barlow for a focal length of 1200mm.

© Fred Espenak

July 16, 2000 total lunar eclipse, Maui, HI. Nikon 8008 SLR and 35mm NIKKOR lens in multiple exposure mode to capture the entire eclipse on one frame of Kodak Royal Gold 100 film. Basic exposure of 1/125 sec. at f/5.6 was increased to 1/8 sec. within 15 min. of totality, then set to 4 sec. throughout totality. A second metered exposure captures morning twilight and silhouetted palm trees.

© Fred Espenak

Star trail during the total lunar eclipse, Jan. 21, 2000. Nikon 8008 SLR, 50mm NIKKOR, f/16 opened to f/5.6 during totality, for a total exposure time of 2 hrs. and 30 min. on Kodak Royal Gold 400 film. The narrow lines that parallel the Moon’s path are images of bright stars.

© Fred Espenak

Jan. 21, 2000 total Lunar Eclipse, Dunkirk, MD. Nikon N70 SLR on an AstroPhysics 130 EDF +, f/12, Kodak Royal Gold 100 and 400 films. The moon was photographed at five min. intervals throughout the eclipse. You can see every stage of the eclipse from start to finish. Individual images scanned, composite created using Adobe Photoshop.

Supermoon – Biggest Full Moon of 2012 Occurs This Weekend…

Published on May 3, 2012 by enlightenonetv

The biggest full moon of the year, a so-called “supermoon,” will take center stage when it rises this weekend, and may interfere with the peak of an annual meteor shower created by the leftovers from Halley’s comet.

The supermoon of 2012 is the biggest full moon of the yearand will occur on Saturday (May 5) at 11:35 p.m. EDT (0335 May 6), though the moon may still appear full to skywatchers on the day before and after the actual event. At the same time, the annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower will be hitting its peak, NASA scientists say.

“Its light will wash out the fainter Eta Aquarid meteors,” NASA meteor expert Bill Cooke of the Marshall Space Flight Center told SPACE.com in an email. Still, Cooke said there’s a chance that the brightest fireballs from the meteor display may still be visible.

Category:

Science & Technology

License:

Standard YouTube License

BIKE DC 2012 – DC Metro Filipino-American Group – May 13, 2012…

The Washington and Arlington Community Bike Ride

On one Sunday morning each year you have the special opportunity to explore and enjoy Washington and Arlington from the best possible vantage point–the seat of a bicycle. 

From the Capitol and White House to Arlington Cemetery and the Air Force Memorial, from Pennsylvania Avenue to the George Washington Parkway, Bike DC is a non-competitive bike ride through the heart of our community and the heart of the nation.

New for 2012

Rock Creek Parkway

For the first time, the National Park Service is permitting Bike DC to use Rock Creek Parkway as part of the ride.  Like the entire Bike DC route, Rock Creek Parkway will be carfree.

Two Routes Options

The Full Ride is 24-miles long, offering great ride for even seasoned cyclists.  The 11-mile long Family Ride is suitable for even novice cyclists.  To make the Family Ride even more family-friendly, registration is free for children 12 years old and younger.

Teams and Groups

New team and group registration options offer you and your friends significant registration discounts.  And there are special gifts for team and group captains.

Join your neighbors on Mother’s Day morning for Bike DC 2012.

Click here for Bike DC bike rental information.

 Bike DC benefits WABA, the Washington Area Bicyclists Association.

BIKE DC 2012 ROUTES

There are two route options, making Bike DC fun and appropriate for riders of all skill levels. The full ride includes extended biking on both Rock Creek Parkway and George Washington Parkway.

The full ride is not appropriate for younger children.

FULL RIDE

Length:             24 miles

Start time:         7 – 7:30 a.m.

Start location:    NW 3^rd Street and Madison (in front of the US Capitol)

Finish:               Walt Whitman Park, 20^th and E Street NW

Full Route Map.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [543.3 KB]

Full Ride Turn by Turn.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [53.0 KB]

Bike DC FAQs

 

 

Can I use a credit card to register?

Yes. When registering online, you will need a credit card or debit card; we accept Visa and MasterCard. You also can use these cards to register on the day of the event.

If I’m unable to attend, will my money be refunded?

No, all registration fees are nonrefundable.

 

Who benefits from the Bike DC proceeds?

A portion of the proceeds will benefit WABA, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. WABA is the national capital region’s nonprofit bicycle advocacy and education membership association. Their mission is to create a healthy, more livable region by promoting bicycling for fun, fitness, and affordable transportation; to advocate for better bicycling conditions and transportation choices for a healthier environment; and to educate children and adults about safe bicycling.

 

We are planning to ride a tandem bicycle. Do we both need to register for the ride?

Yes, both riders on a tandem bicycle must register.

If I register online or by mail, where do I get my registration materials?

You can pick up your materials starting at 6am on Sunday, May 13^th, near the start line for Bike DC at NW 3^rd Street and Madison (in front of the US Capitol)

May I pick up registration materials for other riders?

Yes, as long as you have their registration receipts.

What if I lose my registration receipt?

A list of all registered participants will be on hand at all the registration sites. Check-in does take longer if you don’t have your receipt, so make sure to give yourself extra time.

I bought a T-shirt.  When do I get it?

You will be able to pick-up your T-shirt at the finish line.

What if it is raining?

We will get wet.  Bike DC will be held rain or shine.

Are children in bike trailers welcome?

Absolutely.  They do not need to register for the ride but they must wear a bicycle helmet.

Why can’t younger children register for the Full Ride?

It is principally a matter of safety.  Most bicycle accidents in community bike rides are the result of slower, younger riders biking in the same group as faster adult riders.  If you think your child is a skilled enough cyclists to complete the 24-mile ride, please contact our office and we will make arrangments for that to happen.

Will my name and address be sold to other mailing lists?

No. We recognize that privacy is a concern for many Bike DC participants, and we have a very restrictive policy on the use of our mailing list. The organizers of the Bike DC events are careful not to share mailing information received from registrants.

 

How long does it take, on average, to complete the bicycle course?

Your finish time will depend on when you start, which ride you choose, how much time you spend looking at the scenery along the way and, of course, your pedaling pace. The first riders usually cross the finish line at about 8:30 a.m. All riders are finished by 11:30 a.m.

Is there a time limit for finishing the ride?

Yes; our permits require the segments of the ride on the Rock Creek and George Washington Memorial parkways be reopened to motorized traffic at certain times. If you are doing the Full Ride going an extremely slow pace you might be told to turn around sections.

I’m driving downtown for the event. Where is it best to park on Sunday morning?       Metered street parking is free on Sunday’s in Washington, DC . There should be plenty of spots available near either the start line or finish line early on a Sunday morning.

 

May I bring my dog?

No. For the safety of our participants, dogs are not permitted at the event.

What about in-line skates and skateboards?

Sorry, these are not permitted in Bike DC.

I don’t have a helmet. Will I really not be allowed to ride?

Bicyclists will not be permitted to ride without a helmet.

Will there be places along the way for us to rest?

Rest stops will be available along the route with water, snacks and fruit, plus an adequate number of portable toilets. Also, water and toilets will be available in the start/finish area.

How will I receive medical attention if an accident should occur?

American Medical Response will have personnel stationed along the route to respond to emergencies. If you witness a serious accident or injury and are carrying a cellphone, please call 911.

How can I find my family members or friends if we get separated during the event?

A “Meeting Point” tent will be located at the finish line. Many riding partners have been reunited there in years past. It’s a good idea to communicate with your fellow riders beforehand about where your designated meeting place will be in case you do get separated.

FAMILY RIDE

Length:              11 miles

Start time:          7:45 – 8:15 a.m.

Start location:     NW 3^rd Street and Madison (in front of the US Capitol)

Finish:                Walt Whitman Park, 20^th and E Street NW

Family Route Map.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [523.7 KB]

Family Ride Turn by Turn.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [52.4 KB]

Uploaded by Matt10Lawrence on Dec 18, 2011
Taking the metro from home up to the far north end of Rock Creek Park and biking all the way down to the Memorial Bridge in DC.
Category:
Sports
Tags:
Cycling Bike Park
License:
Standard YouTube License