Re: [APML] AP from a cruise ship?

["Robert Reeves" <reeves10@swbell.net>]

> Even if you are anchored in a dead flat calm location, the vibrations
> from the ship would come through on your photos. And a small thing known
> as the tide will have the effect of changing the elevation of your mount
> by about one inch every ten minutes thus destroying any polar alignment.
> As someone else has suggested a pair of binos and a deck chair would be
> good. But it may be interesting to try a couple of star trail shots from
> a tripod with a 28mm lens while you are observing.
>
> George Anderson

I tried fixed camera astrophotography from an aircraft carrier back in 1970
(USS America CVA-66).  Not too many ships lighter than one of those.  About
100,000 tons fully loaded with all aircraft aboard.  I figured it would be a
loosing battle and it was.  The stars were so messed up the image looked
like some sort of modern art.  The view of the stars off the nose of one of
the forward catapults was amazing.  Late at night when all the aircraft were
back in the barn the flight deck was pretty dark.  Keeping my back to the
island (the structure protruding above the flight deck) and using binoculars
made for some awesome views I haven't duplicated anywhere but the Texas Star
Party.

Robert Reeves                      reeves10@swbell.net
520 Rittiman Rd.                   www.robertreeves.com
San Antonio, Texas 78209    210-828-9036
USA                                     29.484  98.440  200 meters


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