Lunar Eclipse tonight - hoping for clear skies

[Robert Watcher]

I was too lazy to bother doing the math for the sequence of shots that I want for the lunar eclipse tonight —- just in case the sky is clear (currently it’s not)….

… so I queried coPilot with this message “I want to take the first photo near the start of the partial eclipse tonight when there is a sliver of darkness, at 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 and the 5’th just before the total eclipse when just a sliver of light showing. Then the same process after the total eclipse until the end of the partial eclipse. Please provide time calculations for my London Ontario location, for each of these photos” —— and this is what was returned

———

I wanted to know these times so that I can just pop outside at each of these intervals and grab my shot and head in and relax or sleep in between. We’ll see how it goes.


A website that I absolutely love for dragging around a slider to identify the location of everything in the sky based on any date or time, is the interactive map here —- https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/night/


I don’t necessarily need this info, but I was curious as to what suggestions it would give

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The last time that I was able to photograph the complete lunar eclipse sequence was in 2008 when Anne & I were staying in Costa Rica for a few months. It was warm out and I layer on my back on the sidewalk, with my elbows pressed into my sides for stability —- aiming the camera straight up at the Cristal clear sky. I had a friend print the assembled sequence out to about 6 feet long and shipped to me from Canada, and presented it to the owner of the location that we were staying at.

 

[Robert Watcher]

Not looking overly promising right now at 8:45PM, but alarm is set for 1:00AM and I’m prepared just in case. A snapshot out my back door to the East

 

[Robert Watcher]

9:40pm full moon - so there is hope
Just need the skies to stay clear from 1:00am to 5:00am

10:07 - I wanted to get my clear shot of the full moon for adding to the sequence (if it comes). Shot at 200ISO

 

[Robert Watcher]

Couldn’t have been better. One half down. An hour wait until it pops out the other side. This pic is 2:30AM. Anne was on the prorch with me and snapped the shot of me with her phone.

 

[Robert Watcher]

It was worth every second of sitting outside our house, from 1:00am to 5:00am in -5C weather. The skies couldn’t have turned out clearer. Glad I was prepared regardless of if I could shoot or not. The preparation of the timing of sequences, proved so valuable, and because of that I was able to keep track of the exposure settings working toward the total eclipse, and use those settings in reverse order as the eclipse moved out.

I made sure to point my camera into a blank area of sky and take a couple shots, so that I’d have a matching background to composite the images on to in Affinity Photo.

 

[Asher Kelman]

You have a lot of patience and did your work with determination.

The latter likely means you have a well developed anterior cingulate gyrus and likely as not you are destined to live well past 100!

Asher

 

[Asher Kelman]

The size and function of the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) have been linked to cognitive resilience, stress regulation, and decision-making, all of which play a role in longevity. While direct studies on ACG size and lifespan are limited, research suggests several important connections:

1. Larger ACG and Longevity​

• Better Stress Regulation: A larger ACG is associated with greater emotional regulation and lower stress levels. Chronic stress is a known risk factor for shortened lifespan, so individuals with a well-developed ACG may handle stress better, reducing the negative health effects.
• Improved Cognitive Control: A well-developed ACG supports disciplined behaviors like exercise, healthy eating, and avoiding risky behaviors, which contribute to a longer life.
• Stronger Social and Emotional Processing: A larger ACG is linked to better social integration and emotional intelligence, both of which are correlated with increased longevity.

2. Smaller or Atrophied ACG and Reduced Longevity​

• Higher Risk of Mental Health Issues: Reduced ACG volume has been associated with depression, anxiety, and impulsivity, which can negatively impact lifespan through poor health choices and increased risk of chronic disease.
• Increased Stress Vulnerability: A smaller ACG is linked to weaker emotional regulation, making individuals more susceptible to stress-related conditions like hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation—all major factors in premature aging.
• Cognitive Decline: Atrophy in the ACG is observed in Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, which can shorten lifespan by impairing decision-making and overall brain health.

Can You Increase ACG Size for Longevity?​

Yes, certain activities may promote ACG health and potentially increase its volume over time:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Studies show that meditation increases gray matter density in the ACG.
• Physical Exercise: Aerobic exercise is known to promote neurogenesis and improve brain health.
• Cognitive Training: Engaging in problem-solving, learning new skills, and practicing self-discipline strengthens the ACG.
• Social Connection: Strong relationships and emotional regulation exercises enhance ACG function.

 

[Asher Kelman]

I mention this, Robert because your devotion to your path in life, as long as I’ve known you, has you take on tasks repeatedly that demand perseverance, solving many problems and overcoming obstacles to reach your personal chosen goal. They determination is exemplary.

…and you are rewarded! Kudos!

Asher

 

[Robert Watcher]

I mention this, Robert because your devotion to your path in life, as long as I’ve known you, has you take on tasks repeatedly that demand perseverance, solving many problems and overcoming obstacles to reach your personal chosen goal. They determination is exemplary.

…and you are rewarded! Kudos!

Asher

Very kind of you Asher. Thank you.

 

[Doug Kerr]

Hi, Rob,

It was worth every second of sitting outside our house, from 1:00am to 5:00am in -5C weather. The skies couldn’t have turned out clearer. Glad I was prepared regardless of if I could shoot or not. The preparation of the timing of sequences, proved so valuable, and because of that I was able to keep track of the exposure settings working toward the total eclipse, and use those settings in reverse order as the eclipse moved out.

I made sure to point my camera into a blank area of sky and take a couple shots, so that I’d have a matching background to composite the images on to in Affinity Photo.


View attachment 12636

A wondrous work. Thanks so much.

We slept through it here.

Best regards,

Doug

 

[Asher Kelman]

Why do news reports talk of a “Red Worm Moon”?