Crazy Over The Moon: The Best Laid Plans

Just when I figured a way to get more magnification for my moon shots... Mother Nature steps in to thwart me.



You may have heard about it on the news, A rapidly growing wildfire in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has burned more than 96 square miles of the swamp and is still going. I knew there was a smoky haze when I awoke this morning that lasted the entire day, but I hadn't thought it would be so thick that the moon would be covered in a reddish brown haze.

But, we must press on and press on I did and took my pictures. This one has a lot more detail (even if blocked by the smoke) and has now confirmed for me that it can be done. That said, I can now promise I will leave future moon shots to the space shuttle!


5-18-2011
Ok, I already admitted I have become a little obsessive about this moon thing. And, who says the shuttle has an exclusive on the subject ( I think that is what is called rationalization). I went back a few nights later and like what I got.

Crazy Over The Moon

I guess my thoughts about backyard gardening by the moon and the planets being aligned has made me a little crazy because it isn't often that I am of a mind to take out the tripod. But I was up late, happened to look outside and there was a beautiful crescent moon. It was then that I got the wild thought to go out and try a shot. As usual, click each photo for a better view.

What I got was a little noisy but marvelous none the less. What do you think?

My camera is not a super zoom but 12X is decent and I was really surprised that the result produced a little detail.

This one was even stranger. If you look closely you can see the outline of the dark portion that completes the circle. I know there is a scientific name for the effect, it just will not come at this late hour, but there it is...

And, just to add to the obsession, I'm providing a great link that highlights the moon in all it's glory.

And so my friends I bid you great moons and good nights!