Scintillation effect

Monika Landy-Gyebnar

Image taken:

Mar. 15, 2012

Location:

Veszprem, Hungary

Details:

Everyone knows that the stars are twinkling - this is the scintillation caused by our atmosphere. People who are interested in astronomy also know that this effect is not visible when one looks at a planet. Also it can be photographed if the camera is shaking during the exposition (2-3 sec. is enough). If we take a photo of a star with shaking camera the result is a waving line with many colors - or no changing colors if we photograph a planet. The scintillation effect is more emphasised on stars near the Horiozon and less visible on the ones high above. Also the difference of their colors is well visible this way. A whole constellation can be photographed with e.g. 50mm focal length and a single star or planet with 200-300mm. Demonstrating this is a "must do" thing when someone gives a lecture or show on astronomical observations for "outsiders". If you accidentally kick your tripod during the exposition don't delete the pic immediately, but check it first for the scintillation made visible this way! If you do want to photograph the effect you can simply hold the camera in your hand, the result is guaranteed! :-) The pics were taken with Nikon D5100 camera and 300mm Nikkor lens, f5.6, ISO 1600 - 3200, 2-2.5 sec. exp. The pics were cropped and I also created a composite of different objects, names and also the altitude of the stars are written on it.