Waiting for Launch

Following on from yesterdays space themed blip we have another space themed blip.

This evening there is the Geminid meteorite shower, so with clear skies forecast I headed over to Chesterton Windmill. I got there early for the sunset, which initially didn't hold much promise as the sky was largely cloudless, but after the sun had set I was treated to a pretty special afterglow.

I also noticed that spotlights have been installed to illuminate the windmill and these gradually came on and took over from the ambient light.

While I was at the windmill I saw a passage of the International Space Station, which I have attempted to photograph, and I did see at least one shooting star. I also saw a Barn Owl fly through the floodlighting at the base of the windmill which was pretty special.

I was also going to try to do some star trails but although I was warm enough the camera was starting to suffer with lens fogging, and also some cloud was starting to form. Plus there was a fair bit of light pollution from the nearby towns and cities.

I have chosen this picture as I like the floodlighting effect of the windmill, it reminds be of pictures of the Saturn 5 moon rockets at Cape Canaveral, and also the remains of the afterglow lingering while the stars are just starting to come out.

Have a good rest of the weekend.