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Diamond Eclipse Moon!
Before the eclipse begins, clouds cn be seen above the horizon in all directions! As the eclipse progresses, very thin and high clouds occasionally drift by, sometimes dramatically changing the scene. The clouds teased off and on throughout the eclipse, but blessedly held off until just after then eclipse ended, when suddenly the skies were completely overcast!
The Moon is about two-thirds in shadow for this image. Direct sunlight brilliantly illuminates the remaining one-third of the surface. The bright direct sunlight is magnified as the high thin clouds spread the light out as it reflects from the Moon to the telescope and camera through the atmosphere. The effect reminds me of the glint of sunlight refracting through a facet on a large cut diamond or gem, an event even more stunning when seen in person! This image does well to capture the essence of the amazing sight I see as I stare out over the telescope. I am amazed how the eclipse scenes transform each time I look up, providing a seemingly new and fresh look each time.
Photo details: Canon 300D
DSLR, Astro-Tech AT80ED 80mm APO refractor, 0.5 focal reducer, mounted
on Meade LX90 8" telescope for tracking. Exposure: 4s, ISO 200.
Watauga Skies Observatory
Location: Watauga, Texas
Date: 12/21/2010 - 03:04 a.m. CST
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