Perseid Meteor Shower
Millerton Lake Fresno | August 2016 Adventure
“Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground. Theodore Roosevelt”
An all too familiar tune was sounding in the far distance. I rolled over and rubbed my eyes, picked up my phone to see the the time.... 12:30am... my alarm going off nice and loud. Turning it off I rolled over on my back, rubbing my stinging eyes, and then Boom it hit me... the meteor shower! It is time to head out and enjoy the yearly meteor shower, not to mention get some amazing photos :) I had originally planned to pull an all nighter, but why do that when you can get a few hours of shut eye and still enjoy the natural occurrence?
All my things were already loaded in the car. All I had to do was walk outside and drive to my planned spot at the North side of Millerton lake!
The annual meteor shower hit its peak during the morning of Friday, August 12th. Each and every year, during August, the Earth passes through a trail of debris left by the comet Swift Tuttle. When this happens the event is called the Perseid Meteor Shower. This year it was predicted that at the height of the Meteor Shower there could be a soar of 200 meteors per hour during perfect conditions. Perfect conditions being clear skies, no artificial light, and a new moon. This year the moon is about half and sets around 1am which is the perfect time to go out and watch the show.
“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves. William Shakespeare”
Why should you make the effort to watch the Perseid meteor shower?
- To unplug
- Enjoy nature
- Enjoy solitude and reconnect with yourself
- Get inspired
- Be awestruck by God's creations
- Realize how small we really are in this massive world
How to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower:
- Plan to head outside before the August 24th
- Get away from any artificial light
- Plan out your spot and find an open sky
- Be ready to stay up late (past midnight)
- Look to the northern sky
- Bring a blanket , comfy chair, and some hot cocoa
- Don't forget about snacks and bug spray :)
- Enjoy the show!
It took alot of planning and quite a bit of effort but I made it! I was able to get some great photos and enjoy the show! Did you head out to see the meteor shower? Leave a comment below and let me know about your trip. Also, if you have any questions or just want to chat about my photography or my experience leave a comment. I would love to talk to you :)
Wishing you lots nothing but great adventures!
Bessie
P.S. for you photogs out there here is a list of the equipment I used:
Camera - Sony A7Rii
Lens - Sony 16-35mm f4
Tripod - Vanguard
Editing - Lightroom and Photoshop
All video was taken with my phone.