Conjunction of Jupiter And Venus – Part 4

The two planets (and earth) are orbiting and a bit of ‘trailing’ was captured by the slow exposure.

From my position, they appear to be descending or moving diagonally towards the horizon.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f11, 4 sec.

Conjunction of Jupiter And Venus – Part 3

If you were looking out for the conjunction tonight, you may have thought the two planets moved so close together that they merged into a single object. It didn’t happen here, as viewed from very near the equator. Maybe higher in the northern hemisphere or elsewhere they appeared closer.

Due to the haze in the Klang Valley today, it was hard to see both as clearly as last night. I can still see Venus shining bright though. Jupiter is the higher of the two and more faint. The separation is distinct and both were visible for a brief period.

Panasonic Lumix GM-1, ISO 3200, f3.5, 1/40 sec.

Conjunction of Venus And Jupiter – Part 2

The weather forecast for Kuala Lumpur tomorrow night, when the planets are supposed to be closest, don’t look too good. Plus, I wanted a picture when the planets are not merging or merged into a single blob as some predicted, so I shot some tonight just in case.

This is my first time looking and photographing a conjunction of planets, so I really don’t know. Tomorrow could be even better, weather permitting.

There is no need to try to get very close with a very long lens. Although bright, the planets are still small and far, even when using long tele lenses. You will need a telescope with tracking mount to get really close.

You don’t want a a picture of the pair by themselves, anyway. Find a local landmark to juxtapose, if you can. This gives the picture a geographical perspective or identity.

City skyscrapers are good but tricky as the surrounding roads are usually polluted with light from street lights. This can cause flaring and other unwanted effects.

To expose correctly for lighted buildings, you may end up underexposing the relatively less bright planetary bodies.

Finally, you don’t have to photograph the celestial event at all. Watch it live with your naked eyes, take in its beauty and store it to to your memory.

This was photographed with the Sony FE 70-200mm G OSS Lens in 2X CIZ mode.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 100, f14, 4 sec.

Conjunction of Jupiter And Venus 2015 – Part 1

Conjunction of Jupiter And Venus 2015 – Part 1

The two brightest planets, Venus and Jupiter, are appearing close together for a rare and dramatic event known as a conjunction. OK. For those in countries where it is now already or past twilight, go to your window or balcony to look. Come back to read Part 2 about photographing the mating planets.

If you are an Android user, install Google Sky Map. It is one of the best reasons to own an Android phone or tablet. Turn on your GPS and search for Venus or Jupiter in the app. Point your phone according to the guide arrows and you will find the two planets in just a few seconds.

Depending on your location, time and phone’s GPS accuracy, the two planets may not be as close or in the exact position shown on screen. The orientation and perceived separation may also vary from that of pictures you have seen. This is because the pictures are most likely photographed from a different location and time.

Nevertheless, the handy app gives you an idea as to where to look. In this picture, the two planets are hidden behind clouds. I know where they are and what they are going to do this summer.

Next: Photographing the conjunction or planetary copulation.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 400, f4, 1/60 sec.

Sungai Bil Waterfalls

The calming sight and soothing sounds of the river belie the ferocious battles that was fought beside it during the Second World War. The road outside was littered with casualties from the British Indian Army attempting to thwart the invasion.

It was on this road that invading Japanese tanks rumbled through in its drive to capture Singapore in the south. This was the old road going north or south until the tolled-Slim River highway was constructed in the 1960s.

74 years later, the actions of the brave men are mostly forgotten or ignored. The river that bore witness remains as stoic as the giant, mossy boulders.

The stoical stance lessens the pain of indignation, I guess. Its banks are now littered with styrofoam boxes from disregardful picnickers.

Sony Alpha a7R, ISO 50, f22, 1/2 sec.