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meteor shower

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PrincetonBuckeye

PrincetonBuckeye

The eyes of Texas are upon you!
My wife and I were just outside for about 20 minutes watching the shower....It was really cool looking. She tried to take some pics w/ the digital camera but they didn't come out....u can watch it until 1am EST if anyone is interested...
 
The major activity for this shower was predicted to be today at 3:20AM.
There should still be significant activity late tonight through tomorrow early AM.

The next major shower is the Quadrantids - typically high activity at or around New Year's - though the timing is a little off for peak evening or late night viewing in North America this year.
 
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PrincetonBuckeye;687377; said:
My wife and I were just outside for about 20 minutes watching the shower....It was really cool looking. She tried to take some pics w/ the digital camera but they didn't come out....u can watch it until 1am EST if anyone is interested...
Click to expand...

Longer exposures work best. :tongue2:

Quick tips
Robert Lunsford, the Visual Program Coordinator of the American Meteor Association, likens taking photos of meteors to fishing: set your camera and hope to catch a shooting star. Dark skies require a manual camera that allows long exposures with a cable release as well as very fast film. Lunsford recommends using 800 or even 1,000-speed film.
Lunsford has taken plenty of meteor shower pictures successfully, and he recommends 10-minute exposures in dark areas. In brighter locations, five minute exposures will have to suffice, otherwise the image will appear foggy from overexposure.
And with such long exposures, you will need a tripod to hold the camera still. Alternately, Lunsford suggests you can the camera on the ground. Lens up, of course.
-- Heather Sparks, SPACE.com
Want to know more?
The following extensive tips are courtesy NASA:
Photographing meteors is possible using a Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera. The camera must have a "T" (time) or "B" (bulb) setting for taking time exposures. You will also need a cable release, a tripod or a very stable surface to place the camera on, for best results. The camera will need a lens that is between "fisheye" and 55mm. Lenses larger than 55mm may capture too small a field of view.
Here is what you will need to do:
Set up your photography equipment in an area that is shaded from any stray lights that may interfere. This is absolutely necessary!
Set on a tripod or some other surface that is very stable.the camera Make sure the focal ratio is set to the lowest possible setting. This means that the aperature of the camera is "wide open." Make sure the camera is set to "B" or "T" for time exposure. Set the focus to infinity.
Aim the camera at the area of the sky that you intend to photograph. Once positioned properly, make sure the tripod is locked down to prevent its "head" from moving under the weight of the camera. If you do not have a tripod, use things to prop the camera up in a way so that it is stable and so that you can still look through the viewfinder.
Depress the cable release button and lock it in place. Allow the camera to take a picture for anywhere from 15 to 30 seconds, maybe more. Once the desired time has elapsed, release the cable release lock which will end the exposure. While taking the picture, do not move the camera at all.
 
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It's baaaack.

Perseid meteor shower:

Strong meteor shower expected tonight
Skywatchers around globe will have good chance of spotting meteors
By Robert Roy Britt
Space.com
updated 11:35 a.m. ET, Tues., Aug 11, 2009

The annual Perseid meteor shower is expected to put on a good show this week for those willing to get up in the wee hours of the morning and wait patiently for the shooting stars.
In North America, the best time to watch will be between midnight to 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, but late Tuesday night and also Wednesday night could prove fruitful, weather permitting.
Click to expand...

For early risers or late workers, like myself. the best time to see them will be between 4am and 5am.
 
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Man, we ain't found shit!

TimRussSpaceballs.jpg
 
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