Once In 18 Years Photo Opportunity

Mike · **Joined:** Aug 27, 2010 **Posts:** 491

Tomorrow (Saturday) at 3:00PM E.S.T. there will occur an orbital anomaly that brings the moon to its closest orbital point to earth, which should make for some incredible photography. I am seriously thinking about buying a Nikon D3X. Yea, I'll be paying it off for the next seven years :oops:

but you only live once, right?

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/03/ ... day-night/

Jolie · **Posted:** Fri Mar 18, 2011 11:49 am **(#2)**

What if it's cloudy? :shock:

Am I being terribly cynical if I say that I'm sure NASA will take beautiful pictures as well and it will save you 7 years of paying off? Seven years that you will only live once too btw.

Oregonian · **Posted:** Fri Mar 18, 2011 12:07 pm **(#3)**

I for one will have to be satisfied with the NASA images. It has been pouring rain here for so long that I'm thinking of getting blueprints for an ark.

There are flood warnings and surf warnings for our area.

Rod · **Joined:** May 16, 2010 **Posts:** 16169

You still getting those tsunami after wakes O? - wow!

My plan was to go out to our local golf course - invade the green, and bring my cheap 300 dollar digital camera. :lol

I should buy a better one with a tripod.If you get that shot please post it up, and i'll post mine too.

Should be spectacular.

Willy · **Posted:** Fri Mar 18, 2011 2:38 pm **(#5)**

That sounds really cool, I'll have to wait another 18 years though...
Look forward to all the pictures,
Willy

Oregonian · **Posted:** Fri Mar 18, 2011 2:51 pm **(#6)**

Rod wrote:

You still getting those tsunami after wakes O? - wow!

I don't know if the high surf is a result of that. Here's AccuWeather's take on it. The Oregon Coast has a lot of bottom land that fills with water on a regular basis during rainy times and as far as flooding is concerned we can handle a lot of water. It doesn't affect me directly as I live much higher than the flood plain.

AccuWeather wrote:

Coquille, OR Weather Advisories, Watches & Warnings
FLOOD WARNING
in effect until Friday, Mar 18, 5:53 PM

THE FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES FOR THE COQUILLE RIVER AT COQUILLE. * AT 11:30 AM FRIDAY THE STAGE WAS 21.1 FEET. * FLOOD STAGE IS 21.0 FEET. * MINOR FLOODING IS OCCURRING. * FORECAST...THE RIVER WILL REMAIN JUST ABOVE FLOOD STAGE THROUGH THIS E EVENING THEN GRADUALLY FALL TO BELOW FLOOD STAGE OVERNIGHT. * IMPACT...AT 21.0 FEET...THE COQUILLE RIVER IS AT FLOOD STAGE. EXPECT FLOODING OF FARMLAND AND LOW-LYING AREAS THROUGHOUT THE FLOOD PLAIN ALONG THE COQUILLE RIVER. * FLOOD HISTORY...THIS CREST COMPARES TO A PREVIOUS CREST OF 22.3 FEET ON DEC 27 2006.
HIGH SURF ADVISORY
in effect until Saturday, Mar 19, 5:00 AM

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 5 AM PDT SATURDAY...

A HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 5 AM PDT SATURDAY.

LARGE WEST SWELL WILL MOVE ONTO THE COAST TODAY CAUSING AVERAGE BREAKING WAVE HEIGHTS TO BUILD TO 22 FEET AROUND 11 AM THIS MORNING. BREAKING WAVE HEIGHTS ARE EXPECTED TO PEAK IN THE 22 TO 25 FOOT RANGE LATE THIS AFTERNOON INTO THIS EVENING. BREAKING WAVE HEIGHTS ARE EXPECTED TO FALL BELOW 22 FEET AROUND DAYBREAK ON SATURDAY MORNING.

USE EXTRA CAUTION ALONG AND NEAR THE COAST TODAY AND TONIGHT. THESE POWERFUL WAVES WILL INCREASE RUN-UP DISTANCE ON AREA BEACHES...ROCKS...AND JETTIES...ESPECIALLY AROUND THE TIME OF HIGH TIDE. THESE BREAKING WAVES HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO OVER WASH JETTIES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A HIGH SURF ADVISORY MEANS THAT HIGH SURF WILL AFFECT BEACHES IN THE ADVISORY AREA...PRODUCING RIP CURRENTS AND LOCALIZED BEACH EROSION.

Mike · **Joined:** Aug 27, 2010 **Posts:** 491

Almost positive the wife will want a far better reason for the purchase of a $7,000 camera. Or a divorce. If anyone has any suggestions, please share. I really want that camera.

Griatch · **Posted:** Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:03 pm **(#8)**

Let me put it like this - I'm a professional astronomer, and I won't be watching.

But it's a good excuse to buy an expensive camera though.

.
Griatch

2-ton · **Posted:** Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:12 pm **(#9)**

It will be high noon here in San Jose, and it looks to be overcast like today...guess I'll have to depend on the internet to see it.

Willy · **Posted:** Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:14 pm **(#10)**

San Jose California right? I am trying to figure out my time... it is 7:14PM for me right now... Sorry don't know timezones well....

Rod · **Joined:** May 16, 2010 **Posts:** 16169

I assumed almost all Astronomers would be watching this event.
Is there something you are not telling us Griatch, should we jump in the fallout shelter and hide :lol

One time every 18 years though, on a serious note it seems this event would be important to Astronomers out there everywhere.

2-ton · **Posted:** Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:17 pm **(#12)**

the note said it would be 3pm Michigan time...which is my home time when I'm not on vacation.

Willy · **Posted:** Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:19 pm **(#13)**

Lol sorry missed that note... Fox News is only in Michigan then? o.O I just assumed it was one of the local stations everywhere.

Rod · **Joined:** May 16, 2010 **Posts:** 16169

I have a cheap camera but ill try and get some decent shots for you all.I just bought a new flash drive for my digital images as my disc changer just died :lol

- figured i can load the new images from the drive in my camera to my laptop.and from the laptop to the flash drive, and then on to my desktop.For some reason the software doesn't work correctly on my Desktop (can't load the images from the camera to it)
So it may not be until Sunday or Monday before i get them uploaded to my website.

mahvin · **Joined:** Oct 06, 2010 **Posts:** 4050

Mike:

7K? That's a bit steep. Unless you plan on making money with that camera for the next 10 years, or however long it takes to pay it off, I'd strongly recommend you reconsider purchasing such an expensive camera.

But it looks like its "hell or high water" time, so chances are that you're intent on getting one regardless what anyone suggests. Just remember your last camera. Did you do all the things you said you would do after you bought it? Will this new camera still be "prime" in say, 5 years?

Are you planning to take pictures of the moon rover? (Trying to add an element of humor here). Why not try an entry level camera like the Canon EOS Rebel T2i, before splurging major bucks on the highest end?

Rod · **Joined:** May 16, 2010 **Posts:** 16169

Yes and think of all the new lens's you will have to buy :lol

You know you will! - i would -

mahvin · **Joined:** Oct 06, 2010 **Posts:** 4050

You can buy lens at a gradual pace though. Most photographers seek out the two most common, wide lens, and standard telephoto. Most cameras come with a kit, so the portrait lens are usually included (mine was). I didn't spend no 7k, either, more like 1k. And because cameras improve with performance and speed, the older camera you leave behind becomes closet filler. You have to play it smart. That is, unless you have full intent on obtaining a photography degree and become professional in an already saturated market, then you want the best money can buy, in a sense.

Rod · **Joined:** May 16, 2010 **Posts:** 16169

I just went out and got 6-7 good shots.Still kinda light yet though.

Another hour or so and i will get some more.Maybe i can catch some more detail.
It looks really cool though.

Mike · **Joined:** Aug 27, 2010 **Posts:** 491

I have a cloud cover right now but it's supposed to be clear tomorrow.

Griatch · **Posted:** Sat Mar 19, 2011 5:27 am **(#20)**

Rod wrote:

I assumed almost all Astronomers would be watching this event.
Is there something you are not telling us Griatch, should we jump in the fallout shelter and hide :lol

One time every 18 years though, on a serious note it seems this event would be important to Astronomers out there everywhere.

No, it's just not a very big deal for professionals. It's not like you are going to see any more details on the moon than you would otherwise, you know ...

.
Griatch