Starlight

Spent the last two nights on Mt. Graham at the VATT Telescope training the new observer and making sure the science instrument was operational. While I was working, I put my Canon 5D Mark II to work watching the Earth Rotate under the dark skies of the mountain. (Actually I was hoping to catch a few Quadrantid meteors - which I did - but the meager showing of this shower from our location was less than impressive). Here is a one hour long effective exposure looking east toward the SMT and LBT Observatories.

NOVA Night

Tonight a crew from PBS showed up at the VATT to film the LBT from our roof (my favorite photographic perch). "Brian" - the NOVA series cinematographer - sported a HUGE (and expensive) High Definition video camera with which to record the opening of the LBT building just past sunset. Although he was a godless "nikon" shooter (we all know - Canon Rules!)- I let him practice his trade anyway ;->

Here are a few shots of the picturesque scence.



"Brian" - the godless nikon shooter.



Looking West from the top of the VATT.



Looking East toward the LBT and SMT telescopes.

LBT Rising

While working at the VATT on Mount Graham I was lucky enough to witness a spectacular sight - a photo-op with the largest Telescope in the continental US - the LBT. A couple of the engineers from the LBT showed up at the VATT wanting to use our roof as a vantage point to photograph the LBT opening for a night of observing. I asked if I might participate if I loaned them a tripod - they agreed. :-) Below are a few images from a tour of the observatory earlier in the afternoon followed by a couple of shots taken of the opening from the roof of the VATT. Thanks to Ray, Aaron, Tim and Tom!