Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter, January 21, 2013

These photos were taken around 7:30pm when the Moon was still approaching Jupiter - so they weren't exactly at their closest point, but the weather was already turning sour so I had to go early. Snow flurries were rushing in from the NW, and I had to wait to get shots between the clouds. We're currently under a wind advisory (20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph), so the 10°F temperature feels like -8°F.

The first image shows the moon and Jupiter over-exposed through thin clouds, taken at 300mm, ISO 200, 1 sec, f/5.6. It was quite an eerie sight!

jupiter moon conjunction single exposure


When the clouds parted, I was able to grab two photos for a clean composite image. The moon was shot at 300mm, ISO 1600, 1/4000 sec, f/5.6; and Jupiter was shot in the same position at 1/200 sec.

jupiter moon composite photo


I also got a wide angle shot at 18mm, ISO 400, 25 sec, f/4.5 which includes a radiant lens flare from the bright moonlight.

wide angle jupiter moon conjunctioniphone weather screenshot


I was out for about 20 minutes total and couldn't feel my fingers as I was packing up my gear and rushing back into my apartment. Less than ideal conditions, but at least I got a couple cool shots. I couldn't let this event pass me by - I knew I'd be jealous of everyone's pics on Instagram!

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