Thursday, July 14, 2016

Two Views of the Night Sky

I took these night shots last weekend. Stepping out the front door at about 10:30 PM, I noticed the Milky Way was already visible in the eastern sky. It reminds me that I am overdue to drive into Joshua Tree National Park to take some really good Milky Way shots! This one will have to do for now, and isn't too bad given it was still early and all the light pollution from the town and neighbors. Look closely and you can see my moon shadow on the garage door.

Turning 180 degrees, I noticed the moon was just setting over the Morongo Basin and a haze lingered over the hills. Although the two photos were taken within minutes of each other, the sky in the second shot is much darker. That's probably a function of the shorter exposure time, since I was shooting directly towards the moon.

I can't resist including this shot of my granddaughter from earlier that same day. She was playing and singing in my old pickup. Doesn't it look like she's driving down the highway without a care in the world?!
Linking with Skywatch Friday.
Click on the link to check out great skies from around the world!!
Thanks for dropping by!

27 comments:

  1. That second image is stunning and yes, your granddaughter is a cutie - a budding traveller in the making?

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  2. Wonderful night shots - it must be dark where you are. Your granddaughter is awesome, very adventurous to go with you to all those strange parks.

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  3. That moon shot is one of my fave photos I've ever seen! Word!

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  4. So so beautiful land so tough to pick a favourite! I love the first one for its simplicity and the second one for it's detailing...esp the moon :)

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  5. Amazing night sky views.
    Greetings

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  6. Great shots.The granddaughter one wins first place for me in this set.

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  7. Great series ... the second capture must be my favorite, the moon is "spot on" in the scenery!

    Wish you a great weekend!

    Irene

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  8. Great shots and indeed the second shot is the best perhaps by the light striking along the rim of the hills. Ansel Adams made that famous.

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  9. Wow wow wow! My favourite Sky Watch Friday shots ever!

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  10. Hello, gorgeous captures of the Milky Way and the beautiful moon. Cute shot of your granddaughter, she is anxious to start driving. Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!

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  11. Nice shots, Peter, I would like to see the Milky Way that clear overhere.
    And what a cute picture of your granddaughter again. :-)

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  12. I really like that moon photo. Soon before you know it she will be driving for reals. I follow this YouTube hiker guy that lives back east somewhere. He's 18 or so years old. He has hiked the Appalachian Trial and is now currently out west preparing to start the Pacific Crest Trail. On a recent video he commented about having just seen the Milky Way for the first time in his life! I just could not get it in my head that one can live their entire life in a place where they are blind to the beauty of the night sky.

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  13. Beautiful shots of the moon and stars, but the shot of your granddaughter takes first prize. Looks like a contest winner.

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  14. Beautiful photos, and your granddaughter is too cute...she does look like she's driving!

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  15. Such beautiful pictures! The night skies with the stars,the moon and the clouds and your sweet granddaughter...just perfect.:)

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  16. Such beautiful pictures! The night skies with the stars,the moon and the clouds and your sweet granddaughter...just perfect.:)

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  17. lovely shots, I still have to fiddle around with my camera's settings to get ones like those.

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  18. Great shots - who can resist playing in old cars. I had some great views of the Milky Way when I was on my last trip away - no pictures, just rushed in to get the kids! Wonderful.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  19. love the 2nd shot but the 3rd is priceless. :)

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