Lunar Eclipse - Super Blood Full Moon

More eclipse, aka The Super Blood Wolf Full We Need To Give It More Names For Even More Hype Moon: This is the Lunar Eclipse of January 20-21, 2019 at 12:12am, or "maximum eclipse," seen from the Rocket Garden at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Appearing to be pointed directly at the Blood Red Moon is an Atlas-Agena rocket. The Atlas-Agena was active from 1960 to 1978, flying 109 missions and two are of note relative to this photo: the Ranger and Lunar Orbiter unmanned probes to the Moon were launched atop the Atlas-Agena. The stars were really that visible during totality, and the Moon was really that red. Quite simply, it was spectacular, almost surreal. Also, even though this was during totality, the Moon was not uniformly dark/red. The top is indeed brighter; Hap Griffin posted something yesterday explaining why. I won't attempt to summarize it here, but it's cool. My thanks, again, to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for hosting a small group to document the eclipse from the Rocket Garden, and to Kenna Pell for being such a gracious host, in less than favorable conditions. (It was very late and very cold.) Details: Although the temptation was certainly great to do this as a composite (to better expose the rocket and to keep it in focus), this is a single image, shot at ISO3200, f4 and 1.3 seconds at 70mm with a Canon 7D2 (crop sensor).

Total Lunar Eclipse Sequence

The total lunar eclipse, seen with a few friends: Gemini-Titan, Atlas-Agena, Mercury-Atlas, Mercury-Redstone, Juno I, Delta, Juno II & the Saturn 1B rockets at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex rocket garden. Big thanks to KSCVC and the always-great Kenna Pell for hosting me, John Kraus and Marcus Cote for the really epic show tonight. More shots to follow, probably tomorrow. (Pic: me aka Michael Seeley)

Sunset over Lake Washington

Sunset over Lake Washington seen from Melbourne, Florida. Pic: me, with thanks to the foreground couple enjoying the show.)

Sunset over Lake Washington

Sunset over Lake Washington seen from Melbourne, Florida

Space Station Lunar Transit

The Waxing Gibbous Moon met the International Space Station, at least that's what it looked like from near the Sebastian Inlet Tuesday night. A mere 438km away, the Space Station flew across the face of the Moon in just over a half a second (.59, to be exact). This is the first time I've shot stills of a Lunar Transit (aka "spray and pray"), and I managed to capture the ISS in 4 frames, shown here in a 4-shot composite. It was breezy, chilly, and the Moon was quite high in the sky. Considering how much the lens was moving around in the breeze, I was uncertain I'd capture anything, but at least one of the frames is pretty sharp. Also, I was shooting with the always-talented John Kraus / John Kraus Photos and Marcus Cote / Marcus Cote Photography, both of whom got great shots. Go check them out. Details: ISO800, f5.6 and 1/3200 sec, shot with a Canon 7D2 with a 500mm + 1.4x combo. Transit details (from transit-finder.com): Tuesday 2019-01-15 20:50:48.50 • Lunar transit ISS angular size: 63.02″; distance: 438.46 km Angular separation: 0.0′; azimuth: 227.9°; altitude: 67.6° Center line distance: 0.03 km; visibility path width: 4.06 km Transit duration: 0.59 s; transit chord length: 31.7′ R.A.: 03h 02m; Dec: +11° 51′; parallactic angle: -38.4° ISS velocity: 54.2 ′/s (angular); 6.91 km/s (transverse) ISS velocity: -2.62 km/s (radial); 7.39 km/s (total); Direction of motion relative to zenith: -2.3° Moon angular size: 31.7′; 30.2 times larger than the ISS Moon phase: 67.9%; angular separation from Sun: 110.9° Sun altitude: -39.8°; the ISS will be in shadow

Blue eyes, blue sky

Blue eyes, blue sky: Ibis at the Viera Wetlands.

Sunset over Lake Washington

Lake Washington + Airboat + Sunset = Beautiful. (Pic: me)

Sundogs aka parhelia

Definition: "A sun dog (or sundog) or mock sun, formally called a parhelion (plural parhelia) in meteorology, is an atmospheric optical phenomenon that consists of a bright spot to one or both sides of the Sun. Two sun dogs often flank the Sun within a 22° halo." (Source: Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_dog) Picture by me, taken last night (January 9, 2019) at, you guessed it, Lake Washington in Melbourne, Florida. I thought the sundogs would be easier to capture, but by the time I made it to the lake they were getting lost in the thicker clouds near the horizon.

Sunset over Lake Washington

Hump day sunset seen over Lake Washington from Melbourne, Florida.

Cirque Italia Gold Unit - January 5, 2018

Meet the Cirque Italia and their "Aquatic Spectacular." I was fortunate to be able to photograph them during their recent stint in Melbourne, Florida. You can read about the show and the history of the company on their website (www.cirqueitalia.com). My observations: 1. The show is great. No animals (well done), just great performances stitched together by two clownish hosts with well-produced sound and lights. 2. The aquatic component is cool. The performers aren't in the water; they perform around and are surrounded by the water. Visually, it's magical as the water catches the light, frames the performers and, at times, serves as a screen for projected shapes and patterns. It's almost surprising that the audience doesn't get wet, given how much water is in motion. 3. It's fun for kids. (At one point they even trotted out a dinosaur.) 4. The performers are amazing, and each of the productions are beautiful and well-constructed. The audience was often gasping in amazement at the daring feats. 5. From a logistics perspective, I'm in awe of the production: the stage, lights, performance hardware, and plumbing to move 35,000 gallons of water around, all set up under a tent, complete with its power generator is all amazing. But, this is portable. It's designed to be torn down, moved and set back up in another town to be ready to go just a few days later. 6. Photographing the show is challenging, as is post-processing the images. For these images, I used Canon bodies (5D4 and a 7D2) and Canon lenses (the EF70-200 f2.8L Series II, the EF16-35 f2.8L Series II, and the EF50mm f1.8). I've shot concerts and political events, but this was my first circus, and I have renewed and even greater respect for event photographers as a result. Too Long; Didn't Read: If you have a chance to see the Cirque Italia show, you should do so.

Cirque Italia Gold Unit - January 5, 2018

Meet the Cirque Italia and their "Aquatic Spectacular." I was fortunate to be able to photograph them during their recent stint in Melbourne, Florida. You can read about the show and the history of the company on their website (www.cirqueitalia.com). My observations: 1. The show is great. No animals (well done), just great performances stitched together by two clownish hosts with well-produced sound and lights. 2. The aquatic component is cool. The performers aren't in the water; they perform around and are surrounded by the water. Visually, it's magical as the water catches the light, frames the performers and, at times, serves as a screen for projected shapes and patterns. It's almost surprising that the audience doesn't get wet, given how much water is in motion. 3. It's fun for kids. (At one point they even trotted out a dinosaur.) 4. The performers are amazing, and each of the productions are beautiful and well-constructed. The audience was often gasping in amazement at the daring feats. 5. From a logistics perspective, I'm in awe of the production: the stage, lights, performance hardware, and plumbing to move 35,000 gallons of water around, all set up under a tent, complete with its power generator is all amazing. But, this is portable. It's designed to be torn down, moved and set back up in another town to be ready to go just a few days later. 6. Photographing the show is challenging, as is post-processing the images. For these images, I used Canon bodies (5D4 and a 7D2) and Canon lenses (the EF70-200 f2.8L Series II, the EF16-35 f2.8L Series II, and the EF50mm f1.8). I've shot concerts and political events, but this was my first circus, and I have renewed and even greater respect for event photographers as a result. Too Long; Didn't Read: If you have a chance to see the Cirque Italia show, you should do so.

Cirque Italia Gold Unit - January 5, 2018

Meet the Cirque Italia and their "Aquatic Spectacular." I was fortunate to be able to photograph them during their recent stint in Melbourne, Florida. You can read about the show and the history of the company on their website (www.cirqueitalia.com). My observations: 1. The show is great. No animals (well done), just great performances stitched together by two clownish hosts with well-produced sound and lights. 2. The aquatic component is cool. The performers aren't in the water; they perform around and are surrounded by the water. Visually, it's magical as the water catches the light, frames the performers and, at times, serves as a screen for projected shapes and patterns. It's almost surprising that the audience doesn't get wet, given how much water is in motion. 3. It's fun for kids. (At one point they even trotted out a dinosaur.) 4. The performers are amazing, and each of the productions are beautiful and well-constructed. The audience was often gasping in amazement at the daring feats. 5. From a logistics perspective, I'm in awe of the production: the stage, lights, performance hardware, and plumbing to move 35,000 gallons of water around, all set up under a tent, complete with its power generator is all amazing. But, this is portable. It's designed to be torn down, moved and set back up in another town to be ready to go just a few days later. 6. Photographing the show is challenging, as is post-processing the images. For these images, I used Canon bodies (5D4 and a 7D2) and Canon lenses (the EF70-200 f2.8L Series II, the EF16-35 f2.8L Series II, and the EF50mm f1.8). I've shot concerts and political events, but this was my first circus, and I have renewed and even greater respect for event photographers as a result. Too Long; Didn't Read: If you have a chance to see the Cirque Italia show, you should do so.

Cirque Italia Gold Unit - January 5, 2018

Meet the Cirque Italia and their "Aquatic Spectacular." I was fortunate to be able to photograph them during their recent stint in Melbourne, Florida. You can read about the show and the history of the company on their website (www.cirqueitalia.com). My observations: 1. The show is great. No animals (well done), just great performances stitched together by two clownish hosts with well-produced sound and lights. 2. The aquatic component is cool. The performers aren't in the water; they perform around and are surrounded by the water. Visually, it's magical as the water catches the light, frames the performers and, at times, serves as a screen for projected shapes and patterns. It's almost surprising that the audience doesn't get wet, given how much water is in motion. 3. It's fun for kids. (At one point they even trotted out a dinosaur.) 4. The performers are amazing, and each of the productions are beautiful and well-constructed. The audience was often gasping in amazement at the daring feats. 5. From a logistics perspective, I'm in awe of the production: the stage, lights, performance hardware, and plumbing to move 35,000 gallons of water around, all set up under a tent, complete with its power generator is all amazing. But, this is portable. It's designed to be torn down, moved and set back up in another town to be ready to go just a few days later. 6. Photographing the show is challenging, as is post-processing the images. For these images, I used Canon bodies (5D4 and a 7D2) and Canon lenses (the EF70-200 f2.8L Series II, the EF16-35 f2.8L Series II, and the EF50mm f1.8). I've shot concerts and political events, but this was my first circus, and I have renewed and even greater respect for event photographers as a result. Too Long; Didn't Read: If you have a chance to see the Cirque Italia show, you should do so.

Cirque Italia Gold Unit - January 5, 2018

Meet the Cirque Italia and their "Aquatic Spectacular." I was fortunate to be able to photograph them during their recent stint in Melbourne, Florida. You can read about the show and the history of the company on their website (www.cirqueitalia.com). My observations: 1. The show is great. No animals (well done), just great performances stitched together by two clownish hosts with well-produced sound and lights. 2. The aquatic component is cool. The performers aren't in the water; they perform around and are surrounded by the water. Visually, it's magical as the water catches the light, frames the performers and, at times, serves as a screen for projected shapes and patterns. It's almost surprising that the audience doesn't get wet, given how much water is in motion. 3. It's fun for kids. (At one point they even trotted out a dinosaur.) 4. The performers are amazing, and each of the productions are beautiful and well-constructed. The audience was often gasping in amazement at the daring feats. 5. From a logistics perspective, I'm in awe of the production: the stage, lights, performance hardware, and plumbing to move 35,000 gallons of water around, all set up under a tent, complete with its power generator is all amazing. But, this is portable. It's designed to be torn down, moved and set back up in another town to be ready to go just a few days later. 6. Photographing the show is challenging, as is post-processing the images. For these images, I used Canon bodies (5D4 and a 7D2) and Canon lenses (the EF70-200 f2.8L Series II, the EF16-35 f2.8L Series II, and the EF50mm f1.8). I've shot concerts and political events, but this was my first circus, and I have renewed and even greater respect for event photographers as a result. Too Long; Didn't Read: If you have a chance to see the Cirque Italia show, you should do so.

Cirque Italia Gold Unit - January 5, 2018

Meet the Cirque Italia and their "Aquatic Spectacular." I was fortunate to be able to photograph them during their recent stint in Melbourne, Florida. You can read about the show and the history of the company on their website (www.cirqueitalia.com). My observations: 1. The show is great. No animals (well done), just great performances stitched together by two clownish hosts with well-produced sound and lights. 2. The aquatic component is cool. The performers aren't in the water; they perform around and are surrounded by the water. Visually, it's magical as the water catches the light, frames the performers and, at times, serves as a screen for projected shapes and patterns. It's almost surprising that the audience doesn't get wet, given how much water is in motion. 3. It's fun for kids. (At one point they even trotted out a dinosaur.) 4. The performers are amazing, and each of the productions are beautiful and well-constructed. The audience was often gasping in amazement at the daring feats. 5. From a logistics perspective, I'm in awe of the production: the stage, lights, performance hardware, and plumbing to move 35,000 gallons of water around, all set up under a tent, complete with its power generator is all amazing. But, this is portable. It's designed to be torn down, moved and set back up in another town to be ready to go just a few days later. 6. Photographing the show is challenging, as is post-processing the images. For these images, I used Canon bodies (5D4 and a 7D2) and Canon lenses (the EF70-200 f2.8L Series II, the EF16-35 f2.8L Series II, and the EF50mm f1.8). I've shot concerts and political events, but this was my first circus, and I have renewed and even greater respect for event photographers as a result. Too Long; Didn't Read: If you have a chance to see the Cirque Italia show, you should do so.

Cirque Italia Gold Unit - January 5, 2018

Meet the Cirque Italia and their "Aquatic Spectacular." I was fortunate to be able to photograph them during their recent stint in Melbourne, Florida. You can read about the show and the history of the company on their website (www.cirqueitalia.com). My observations: 1. The show is great. No animals (well done), just great performances stitched together by two clownish hosts with well-produced sound and lights. 2. The aquatic component is cool. The performers aren't in the water; they perform around and are surrounded by the water. Visually, it's magical as the water catches the light, frames the performers and, at times, serves as a screen for projected shapes and patterns. It's almost surprising that the audience doesn't get wet, given how much water is in motion. 3. It's fun for kids. (At one point they even trotted out a dinosaur.) 4. The performers are amazing, and each of the productions are beautiful and well-constructed. The audience was often gasping in amazement at the daring feats. 5. From a logistics perspective, I'm in awe of the production: the stage, lights, performance hardware, and plumbing to move 35,000 gallons of water around, all set up under a tent, complete with its power generator is all amazing. But, this is portable. It's designed to be torn down, moved and set back up in another town to be ready to go just a few days later. 6. Photographing the show is challenging, as is post-processing the images. For these images, I used Canon bodies (5D4 and a 7D2) and Canon lenses (the EF70-200 f2.8L Series II, the EF16-35 f2.8L Series II, and the EF50mm f1.8). I've shot concerts and political events, but this was my first circus, and I have renewed and even greater respect for event photographers as a result. Too Long; Didn't Read: If you have a chance to see the Cirque Italia show, you should do so.

Cirque Italia Gold Unit - January 5, 2018

Meet the Cirque Italia and their "Aquatic Spectacular." I was fortunate to be able to photograph them during their recent stint in Melbourne, Florida. You can read about the show and the history of the company on their website (www.cirqueitalia.com). My observations: 1. The show is great. No animals (well done), just great performances stitched together by two clownish hosts with well-produced sound and lights. 2. The aquatic component is cool. The performers aren't in the water; they perform around and are surrounded by the water. Visually, it's magical as the water catches the light, frames the performers and, at times, serves as a screen for projected shapes and patterns. It's almost surprising that the audience doesn't get wet, given how much water is in motion. 3. It's fun for kids. (At one point they even trotted out a dinosaur.) 4. The performers are amazing, and each of the productions are beautiful and well-constructed. The audience was often gasping in amazement at the daring feats. 5. From a logistics perspective, I'm in awe of the production: the stage, lights, performance hardware, and plumbing to move 35,000 gallons of water around, all set up under a tent, complete with its power generator is all amazing. But, this is portable. It's designed to be torn down, moved and set back up in another town to be ready to go just a few days later. 6. Photographing the show is challenging, as is post-processing the images. For these images, I used Canon bodies (5D4 and a 7D2) and Canon lenses (the EF70-200 f2.8L Series II, the EF16-35 f2.8L Series II, and the EF50mm f1.8). I've shot concerts and political events, but this was my first circus, and I have renewed and even greater respect for event photographers as a result. Too Long; Didn't Read: If you have a chance to see the Cirque Italia show, you should do so.

Cirque Italia Gold Unit - January 5, 2018

Meet the Cirque Italia and their "Aquatic Spectacular." I was fortunate to be able to photograph them during their recent stint in Melbourne, Florida. You can read about the show and the history of the company on their website (www.cirqueitalia.com). My observations: 1. The show is great. No animals (well done), just great performances stitched together by two clownish hosts with well-produced sound and lights. 2. The aquatic component is cool. The performers aren't in the water; they perform around and are surrounded by the water. Visually, it's magical as the water catches the light, frames the performers and, at times, serves as a screen for projected shapes and patterns. It's almost surprising that the audience doesn't get wet, given how much water is in motion. 3. It's fun for kids. (At one point they even trotted out a dinosaur.) 4. The performers are amazing, and each of the productions are beautiful and well-constructed. The audience was often gasping in amazement at the daring feats. 5. From a logistics perspective, I'm in awe of the production: the stage, lights, performance hardware, and plumbing to move 35,000 gallons of water around, all set up under a tent, complete with its power generator is all amazing. But, this is portable. It's designed to be torn down, moved and set back up in another town to be ready to go just a few days later. 6. Photographing the show is challenging, as is post-processing the images. For these images, I used Canon bodies (5D4 and a 7D2) and Canon lenses (the EF70-200 f2.8L Series II, the EF16-35 f2.8L Series II, and the EF50mm f1.8). I've shot concerts and political events, but this was my first circus, and I have renewed and even greater respect for event photographers as a result. Too Long; Didn't Read: If you have a chance to see the Cirque Italia show, you should do so.

Cirque Italia Gold Unit - January 5, 2018

Meet the Cirque Italia and their "Aquatic Spectacular." I was fortunate to be able to photograph them during their recent stint in Melbourne, Florida. You can read about the show and the history of the company on their website (www.cirqueitalia.com). My observations: 1. The show is great. No animals (well done), just great performances stitched together by two clownish hosts with well-produced sound and lights. 2. The aquatic component is cool. The performers aren't in the water; they perform around and are surrounded by the water. Visually, it's magical as the water catches the light, frames the performers and, at times, serves as a screen for projected shapes and patterns. It's almost surprising that the audience doesn't get wet, given how much water is in motion. 3. It's fun for kids. (At one point they even trotted out a dinosaur.) 4. The performers are amazing, and each of the productions are beautiful and well-constructed. The audience was often gasping in amazement at the daring feats. 5. From a logistics perspective, I'm in awe of the production: the stage, lights, performance hardware, and plumbing to move 35,000 gallons of water around, all set up under a tent, complete with its power generator is all amazing. But, this is portable. It's designed to be torn down, moved and set back up in another town to be ready to go just a few days later. 6. Photographing the show is challenging, as is post-processing the images. For these images, I used Canon bodies (5D4 and a 7D2) and Canon lenses (the EF70-200 f2.8L Series II, the EF16-35 f2.8L Series II, and the EF50mm f1.8). I've shot concerts and political events, but this was my first circus, and I have renewed and even greater respect for event photographers as a result. Too Long; Didn't Read: If you have a chance to see the Cirque Italia show, you should do so.

Cirque Italia Gold Unit - January 5, 2018

Meet the Cirque Italia and their "Aquatic Spectacular." I was fortunate to be able to photograph them during their recent stint in Melbourne, Florida. You can read about the show and the history of the company on their website (www.cirqueitalia.com). My observations: 1. The show is great. No animals (well done), just great performances stitched together by two clownish hosts with well-produced sound and lights. 2. The aquatic component is cool. The performers aren't in the water; they perform around and are surrounded by the water. Visually, it's magical as the water catches the light, frames the performers and, at times, serves as a screen for projected shapes and patterns. It's almost surprising that the audience doesn't get wet, given how much water is in motion. 3. It's fun for kids. (At one point they even trotted out a dinosaur.) 4. The performers are amazing, and each of the productions are beautiful and well-constructed. The audience was often gasping in amazement at the daring feats. 5. From a logistics perspective, I'm in awe of the production: the stage, lights, performance hardware, and plumbing to move 35,000 gallons of water around, all set up under a tent, complete with its power generator is all amazing. But, this is portable. It's designed to be torn down, moved and set back up in another town to be ready to go just a few days later. 6. Photographing the show is challenging, as is post-processing the images. For these images, I used Canon bodies (5D4 and a 7D2) and Canon lenses (the EF70-200 f2.8L Series II, the EF16-35 f2.8L Series II, and the EF50mm f1.8). I've shot concerts and political events, but this was my first circus, and I have renewed and even greater respect for event photographers as a result. Too Long; Didn't Read: If you have a chance to see the Cirque Italia show, you should do so.

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