Geoff Fox: My Permanent Record
Back when I was in school teachers would always scare me with stories of how my exploits would end up in my permanent record. I believe this is it! – Geoff Fox
It’s the middle of the night. I’m unshaven and wearing pjs. I still thought the time was right to get in front of the camera and tell you a little about Friday’s meteor. It was seen up and down the East Coast from the Middle Atlantic States to New England.
More will be known later Saturday, but here’s your first briefing.
This morning marked the annual Orionids meteor shower. Cometary shrapnel rockets into our atmosphere and burns up. Even though what’s burning is mostly around the size of a grain of sand, it’s a spectacular show.
Whatever. I stood outside nearly two hours and saw none! Disappointed? Absolutely.
Don’t get me wrong. It was still beautiful. The photo at the top of this entry is too small to show any detail. Please click here to see a larger version.
I met a friend at the edge of Lake Watrouss. It’s part of the reservoir system that serves Greater New Haven. I’ve photographed it many times.
Meteors burning over an idyllic lake sounded appealing.
I knew looking south over the water would bring in light from New Haven. The southern sky was much brighter that I expected. No good!
Instead we mainly pointed our cameras up. The sky still wasn’t as dark as expected. I guess the next time I’ll have to head to a much more rural spot.
My setup included a Canon 7D, Rokinon f/4 8mm lens, tripod and intervalometer. I could literally set it and forget it! Over 100 shots, mostly taken automatically.
We had a good time. We chatted while the cameras fired away. It would have been nicer had a meteor shown. Am I asking too much?
I’ve gone through my photos once. Maybe something will show up with a closer look. A dim meteor would still work for me.