October 17, 2012

ISS Startrails Video

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This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

Beautiful. Stunning. Hypnotic.

Only a few of the words to describe this video posted by Christoph Malin, an outdoor journalist and cinematographer.

And watch, at about 1:42 you'll see Comet "Lovejoy" rising.

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From beneath the video:

"This Video was achived (sic) by "stacking" image sequences provided by NASA from the Crew at International Space Station. These Stacks create the Star Trails, but furthermore make interesting patterns visible. For example lightning corridors within clouds, but they also show occasional satellite tracks (or Iridium Flashes) as well as meteors - patterns that interrupt the main Star Trails, and thus are immediately visible."

Malin's word of caution to us all: "Please also be aware of Light Pollution one can see in these images! Join IDA.org for preserving the night skies for our children!!"

(For more on light pollution, please see my review of The City Dark here on Scientific American)

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