ISS Lunar Transit

Took these this morning in Mound, Louisiana. I believe it's the first time I've captured a "visible pass" transit. Being able to see it coming made the process a lot easier and less stressful for sure!

IMAGE LINK: https://photos.smugmug​.com …12016-295-XL.jpg&lb=1&s=A

IMAGE LINK: https://photos.smugmug​.com …12016-296-XL.jpg&lb=1&s=A

IMAGE LINK: https://photos.smugmug​.com …12016-297-XL.jpg&lb=1&s=A

IMAGE LINK: https://photos.smugmug​.com …12016-298-XL.jpg&lb=1&s=A

Now that is super cool! Well captured!

These are single shots right? Not composites? Would love to hear your technique if they're not composites.

Very best,

Very nice.

Great captures sandwedge !

Thanks!

Yes, they are single shots. I've never done a composite shot of anything.

Getting the shot is pretty straight forward. It happens quickly - the shots are consecutive at 7 fps. The ISS was illumimated ("visible pass"). As far as equipment, I'm using an 80D, Sigma 150-600 with a 2x tc, and tripod.

It's a lot harder if the ISS isn't illuminated. In that case, you are going completely on a timed prediction of when to release your shutter.

I use the Calsky website for predictions of Lunar and Solar transits. Once you get used to the site, predicting transits is fairly simple.

A while back, I made a video of how to use Calsky for predictions. I'm on the road today but will link the video tomorrow.

Thanks, very helpful, would like to learn the process.

Very best,

very neat

Very nice!

MalVeauX wrote in post #18190812
Thanks, very helpful, would like to learn the process.

Very best,

Sorry I haven't posted yet. I've decided to write up a full explanation of my process and haven't finished it yet. I'll post it in Astronomy and Celestial Talk when I'm finished (and link the post in here).

Excellent work man!
I've found that http://transit-finder.com/ is much easier for the layman to understand than CalSky.
That's what I've used for my past solar and lunar ISS transits and it's very precise.
Congrats!

SiriusDoggy wrote in post #18192883
Excellent work man!
I've found that http://transit-finder.com/ is much easier for the layman to understand than CalSky.
That's what I've used for my past solar and lunar ISS transits and it's very precise.
Congrats!

Thanks for the link. It does appear a lot easier and just as good as calsky!

Very neat.

Relly cool!

Is there a website where I can find out when the ISS will be illuminated?
Both directly in the sky, but also in front of the moon?

Do you need to go to a really dark place, or does it work in the city?


/Jocce

Jocce wrote in post #18260289
Relly cool!

Is there a website where I can find out when the ISS will be illuminated?
Both directly in the sky, but also in front of the moon?

Do you need to go to a really dark place, or does it work in the city?


/Jocce

Thanks! I forgot that I was going to make a thread about how to photograph the ISS. I'll try to get on that soon.

As for seeing the ISS - I use a site called "heavens above". Not sure the exact web address, but google will get you there. However, there are many sites/apps out there that will tell you when to look from your location. As for transits, the site that sirius doggy linked above looks easier tgan what I use, which is calsky.com.

You can view the ISS fly over pretty often ( basically based on where you live). I'm in Atlanta and there are illuminated passes several time a month. You'll be able to see it in light polluted skies with the naked eye (ones on the horizon aren't as bright but passes that are higher in the sky are brighter).

Transits are much more rare. I look for passes where the Sun or Moon are fairly high in the sky. I get maybe three or for good chances a year within 100 or so miles from me.

Definitely take the time to watch an illuminated pass. They are really cool, especially the first time you see it.

sandwedge wrote in post #18260670
Thanks! I forgot that I was going to make a thread about how to photograph the ISS. I'll try to get on that soon.

As for seeing the ISS - I use a site called "heavens above". Not sure the exact web address, but google will get you there. However, there are many sites/apps out there that will tell you when to look from your location. As for transits, the site that sirius doggy linked above looks easier tgan what I use, which is calsky.com.

You can view the ISS fly over pretty often ( basically based on where you live). I'm in Atlanta and there are illuminated passes several time a month. You'll be able to see it in light polluted skies with the naked eye (ones on the horizon aren't as bright but passes that are higher in the sky are brighter).

Transits are much more rare. I look for passes where the Sun or Moon are fairly high in the sky. I get maybe three or for good chances a year within 100 or so miles from me.

Definitely take the time to watch an illuminated pass. They are really cool, especially the first time you see it.

Thank you for the answer!

I'm in Stockholm Sweden, and I've checked. It seems to be passing quite often, but quite low (10-20 degrees above horizon), so I guess I have to find a hill or see if I can get to the roof of a large building.

If you do make a thread about photoing the ISS-please let me know.

My max Focal length at the moment is 600mm (Sigma 300/2,8 + Canon 2x TC), would that even be enough to take a picture?
Any ideas on settings?


/Jocce