11.08.2015

Supermoon Lunar Eclipse

On September 27th, for the first time in 30 years, the Earth experienced a lunar eclipse which coincided with a supermoon. A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the direct light of the Sun from reaching it. The Moon usually has a reddish hue during that time, so is often called a blood moon. A supermoon occurs when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit. Since the Moon's orbit around Earth is an ellipse, there are times when it is further away and times when it is closer. When it is closer, it appears larger in the sky, and hence is called a supermoon.

Anyway enough of the science, let's get on to the pictures!

First, I'll show some scenic shots with and without the moon, then I'll show you a sequence of shots that goes from the full eclipse back to the normal Moon.

View from my first vantage point
Waited a long time due to a cloud bank on the horizon blocking my view, so took some shots while I was waiting. Here's a closeup of the bridge over the river at night.
Finally the Moon appeared!
Moon with Tree
Later I moved to a walking bridge to try for some shots there
Another shot
Now on to the eclipse sequence. This is when I first finally saw the Moon. It was fully eclipsed.
Sun shine starting to creep back at the bottom
Really noticeable now
Starting to get really bright and hard to get both parts in the picture
Took a darker picture but still the light part is completely blown out
Switched to exposing for the lighter side of the moon - now the other side is completely dark
About 75% through the second half of the eclipse
Almost done!
Back to normal