Finally made it to East Point Lighthouse on the Maurice River to capture images of the galaxy. Three months in the planning.
I got the glass (lens) and the camera. I got the best tripod. (You can’t capture something so far away if your camera is handheld – the image just blurs like crazy.)
I used PhotoPills to identify the time and location of the galaxy at that place on that night of the New Moon (you need it super dark). I found the location using a Dark Skies map. I studied and practiced. I programmed settings.
And I packed a picnic and convinced Gene to accompany me.
Perfect darkness. Perfect angle of ascension. Perfect location. Perfect weather anticipated. Perfect snacks. Perfect companionship.
And then we were attacked by biting flies.
And the wind was not only blowing over my tripod but knocking me about.
And here come the clouds.
And the visitors in the parking lot insisted on keeping their car headlights on.
And…I only realized that I needed to focus manually after suffering for thirty minutes with my anguished camera trying to auto focus.
And I learned.
Next time will be much better.
Failure is the best teacher.
