[APML] How far are light domes visible....

["Chris & Jennifer Cook" <ccjd@ix.netcom.com>]

Well after a few people asked me if I could see the light dome of Blythe,
CA, from the Desert Center site, I sat down with a regional map and came up
with the answer.  If you look at the image:
http://www.abmedia.com/astro/current/dcstartrails-east.html   I'm 99% sure
the orangish light dome is Phoenix, 180 miles away to the east.  Blythe is
the smaller greenish/white dome to the right of the Phoenix dome.  These
domes were not visible to the eye but are there, as the film saw them during
a long exposure.

I also figured out what was causing the small light dome to the north in the
polar star trail shots, I finally realized its Las Vegas.  See:
http://www.abmedia.com/astro/current/dcstartrails-north.html
Again, looking at a map, there is absolutely nothing between the site and
Vegas which is 165 miles directly north.  Normally one would not see the
dome if there were trees or higher mountains but with a horizon that has
zero obstructions, it shows up.

When all you have is empty, unpopulated relativly flat desert between you
and a large city, it can be seen for a long way.

Chris


==================
Chris Cook
Astronomical Photography
www.abmedia.com/astro



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