lunar eclipse 2/20/08 [ Pasadena/CA ]

Weather in morning was cloudy, rained the night before. Online satellite imagery (www.noaa.gov) showed lots of clouds, but there was a break in the tail end of the fast moving front. Weather forecast anticipated some clearing for tonights lunar eclipse.

I wasn't optimistic for long-distance travel for an optimal shot, i.e. Mt. Wilson (45 min drive). A horizon shot of the eclipsed moon against the snow-capped San Gabriel Mtns would have been great.

I wokeup at 6:52pm, totality phase scheduled from 7:00pm - 7:50pm! Scrambled to setup equipment in front of house. Fast moving clouds, I could see the eclipsed moon visually. Photography would not be optimal, possible clear shots in breaks thru clouds.

3 cameras were setup:

1) 5" f8 APO (Astrophysics) on G11 mount
Canon 20D @prime-focus

2) tripod w/Sony Digital8 video-camera

3) tripod w/Canon 350D


5" f8 shots:

7:38pm, totality [ 5" f8 APO, 1" ASA 1600 ]


7:39pm, totality [ 5" f8 APO, 2" ASA 1600 ]


7:44pm, totality [ 5" f8 APO, 2" ASA 1600 ]


7:44pm [ 5" f8 APO, 1" ASA 1600 ]


8:02pm [ 5" f8 APO, 1" ASA 1600 ]


8:03pm [ 5" f8 APO, 1" ASA 1600 ]


8:15pm [ 5" f8 APO, 1/6s ASA 1600 ]


8:25pm [ 5" f8 APO, 1/6s ASA 1600 ]



8:28pm [ 5" f8 APO, 1/6s ASA 1600 ]



Canon 350D shots (wide-angle):




Equipment:



Video: