Mid-June in Kentucky, just a week or so away from the first day of summer, more often than not finds itself filled with humid temperatures and hazy skies. But, ever so rarely the summer-like temperatures and muggy conditions evaporate with the infiltration of cool and crisp unseasonable conditions. And so it was on this evening when six club members ventured out to explore and converse with the night sky using camera, telescope, binoculars, and yes just our vision.
To say the conditions were perfect would not do justice to the evening as temperatures hovered in the upper 50's and humidity levels were nonexistent. The moon on this wonderful example of what a summer night can bring shone bright and bold as it hovered a few days from becoming full. Some of us were old hands at taking its portrait and some were not, but with a few bits of instruction and a helping hand on how to capture this amazing celestial neighbor, the moon provided us with a grand display of its jewel-like glow in the heavens.
Not long afterwards Jupiter rose above the treeline and became a beacon of celestial wonder as it challenged us to focus our lenses on its beauty. With a little practice and some experimentation 4 of its moons shone like shining stars all lined up in a straight row two to either side of this giant planet. We spent more time shooting Jupiter than the moon but for good reason. It proved the highlight of the evening.
The Night photography mini group carried on a wonderful conversation with the sky on this night. Thanks to all, Doug, Julie, Jason, Heather, and Janet, who managed to drive into the country to discover and experience one of the most perfect viewing nights of the year.
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