11 December 2011

Lunar Eclipse

It's not quite 10pm as I fill in time, waiting for the total eclipse of the moon. With no idea what my camera is capable of capturing; there's nothing like simply, giving it a go or, "my best shot!"

Have set up the tripod, for the very first time, and taken a couple of early photos. From my side of the world, that moon is on it's way up, high in the northern sky. I've often admired photos of a full moon, set low over the horizon, in the U.S., sometimes taken as early as dusk too.

I've never seen a Red Moon before; and hoping it will be red; that it isn't phased over by cloud. Caffeine is my standby, since the "umbra" when the moon starts to move into the darkest part of the Earth's shadow, is scheduled not until 11.46 p.m. According to Spaceinfo.com.au. it will last only for 51 minutes. Mid-eclipse due 1.32 a.m., and finished by 3.18 a.m. Jonathan Nally from this site said on a radio interview tonight, "it's free entertainment, courtesy of nature". I thought that sounds worth waiting up for!

What settings have I considered? Image size: 5 MP Twilight mode; Flash/off; Spot meter on, are the only criteria I've set in place. Fingers crossed; roll on another three hours!



..an early lining up and test shot in black and white







 There was rustling in the dark not far from where I stood taking snapshots.  Shone my torch and there was an opossum.  Couldn't have managed to pick up my tripod and hold the torch on him too to get a photo though.  First time I've seen one here!  What happens when we're supposed to be sleeping; I've been clued up.

It's now almost 2.30 a.m., this exercise was fun.  I'm surprised really to have gotten this much out of it.   At least I have proof of the 'red moon' that I stayed up for this morning.

18 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

great capture of the red moon! nice!

Debbie said...

wow.....so wonderful to get to see this. you got some awesome pictures!!

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

Great photos! I've never seen a red moon.
Barb

Lisa Gordon said...

What fantastic images these are Carole!!

Dianne said...

Well done Carole! I thought of trying to capture this big red beautiful moon but with no tripod and only a point and shoot camera I decided against it.
Your capture is so clear and the colour - just as I imagined it would be. A great pic!

Leovi said...

Beautiful and amazing photos, great that moon, a delicious sequence, beautiful photos. Greetings.

Anonymous said...

Not fair mum! I stayed up trying to see it but there were too many clouds! Great pics :) :)

Karin M. said...

.. great pictures ...
Greetings Karin

eileeninmd said...

Wow, fantastic capture. I love the red moon. I missed seeing it here, so thanks for showing your eclipse views. Have a happy Sunday!

Liz said...

Great capture Carole!!
I am visiting my parents in Melbourne & I brought my tripod hoping to capture the eclipse but we had thick cloud, a thunderstorm and heavy rain. The sky had a slight pink tinge but that was all. I was very disappointed as I have taken full moon shots before (posted on my blog), so I had the best settings noted and was prepared . I will have to wait until 2014 now :(

Cuby said...

Cool pix heard all about it here so thanks for these.

Tina´s PicStory said...

great shots! thanks for sharing with highlight sunday :)

Roy said...

These are very special shots Carole, well done.

Veronica @ Germlisch said...

Super fabulous photos!

Jan Castle said...

So happy to see what you saw! We were to have an exceptional view, but dense fog got in the way.
Paper Hugs,
Jan

genie said...

What a treat for the eyes at the end of the day. You did a wonderful job with your captures. They are awesome. Give yourself a big pat on the back for a job well done. Kudos. genie

Pia said...

I like your moon shots! Great work!

Lyn S said...

Great photos of the eclipse Carole! I missed out as much too late for me to be still awake....come to think of it, I think it might've rained down here anyway!