Moon Set over Mauna Kea

Here is an image from a time lapse movie of the setting moon as seen through a layer of volcanic fog (VOG) riding on the tops of the clouds (the marine layer caused by a temperature inversion over the pacific ocean).

The long exposure which was used to capture these images makes the moon seem very bright. As it passes through the inversion layer it creates a yellowish tinge that the camera is able to detect, but that our eyes would not, since we do not see color as well in low light instances.

Six of the stars that make up the 'Big Dipper' are visible at the top center of the frame.

Full Resolution TIF (10.2 MB)

Medium Resolution JPG (66 KB)

Time Lapse Movie

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