The Bad Astronomy blog points out some gorgeous ground-based 3D imaging of STS-134 while docked with the international space station.
Check out the 3D videos as well. You don’t need special glasses for some of them.
Some very high-resolution solar transit images were also obtained.
Remember, the orbiter and ISS are zooming overhead at 30000 kmph, meaning that a solar transit only lasts a fraction of a second. Capturing these images takes some very special tracking equipment.
I’m a big fan of Phil Plait’s Bad Astronomy Blog. That’s where I first saw this image.
It’s impressive how you get the feeling of motion, as the shuttle and ISS hurtle over the earth at ~30000 kmph, while being perfectly stationary relative to each other. Stars are resolved in the background thanks to the long exposure with which this image was taken.
On 21st August 2010, I sat by the Delicate Arch at the Arches National Park, and watched the sun set. This is the video my time-lapse camera made.
Here’s the Youtube link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=058rAxT8gcA.
This is a HD video so you can switch to 720p resolution from the drop-down box.
Although the people move around rather swiftly, you can certainly enjoy the slow crawl of clouds and shadows across the scene.
FYI: Audio is provided by the Youtube Audioswap feature.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfNbUdsrkg0
Time lapse with my Canon SD1100 IS. Just because.
Since I’m breaking my journey in Denver for a day, I have a moment to showcase what the time-lapse setup can do.
Here is a small sample set of the 342 images of Delicate Arch that the camera took during sunset on Saturday (8/21).
It will be a while before I can post the video for this since I need my Windows desktop (which is presently packed up in the back of my car) to put these images together, but I am already liking the results.
We packed up our camp at Arches, are now en route to Denver with a quick stop at Canyonlands.
Solar Power:
I happen to own a messenger bag that has a solar power setup built in. This setup consisting of three solar panels, a power routing element, a lithium ion battery pack, selectable dc-dc convertor, and mega-assortment of possible output jack options, was reversibly harvested to power the camera and triggering circuit.
Harvested solar panels charging the battery pack
The camera usually accepts two AA cells, which of course imply a 3V operating voltage. The dc-dc convertor can only go as low as 3.5V, though this is perfectly okay for powering the camera. ‘Perfection’ does have a price though, and the camera does get pretty hot when powered on. Combined with the 100 degree heat, and the back-of-the-car greenhouse, it’s probably not good for the camera in the long run. But hey, I’m probably only doing this once.
Lithium ion battery pack with DC-DC convertor
If the lithium battery ever runs low, I can also recharge it using a wall outlet, or the cigarette lighter plug in the car.
 | Ronny Denice on The camera setup: Part 3 |
| Endeavour and ISS… on Endeavour and ISS, relative sp… | |
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krad/s 