APOD: Comet Between Fireworks and Lightning (2013 Nov 10)

[APOD Robot]

Comet Between Fireworks and Lightning

Explanation: Sometimes the sky itself is the best show in town. In January 2007, people from Perth, Australia gathered on a local beach to watch a sky light up with delights near and far. Nearby, fireworks exploded as part of Australia Day celebrations. On the far right, lightning from a thunderstorm flashed in the distance. Near the image center, though, seen through clouds, was the most unusual sight of all: Comet McNaught. The photogenic comet was so bright that it even remained visible though the din of Earthly flashes. Comet McNaught has now returned to the outer Solar System and is now only visible with a large telescope. The above image is actually a three photograph panorama digitally processed to reduce red reflections from the exploding firework.

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[Beyond]

Still as nice as it was when it was first presented almost 7 years ago.

[orin stepanek]

I liked the reaminedd visible link! http://funpics.classicfun.ws/var/albums ... hiding.jpg

[LMGCUMC]

Are those Castor and Pollux to the lower left above the beach?

[zzwerzy]

The ghostly people by the waterline are an artifact of the three exposures?

[10NOT613a]

Learning about coincidences: Notice the three pyramids on the white shirts in the center of photo.

[Beyond]

Learning about coincidences: Notice the three pyramids on the white shirts in the center of photo.

The left one seems to be a volcano pyramid, spewing straight up. Must be awful low gravity on that shirt.

[Boomer12k]

Crikies..that's awesome!!!!!!!!!

but they forgot to add.....fireworks, comet, lightning...and PLANET EARTH!!!!!

:---[===] *

[rstevenson]

Learning about coincidences: Notice the three pyramids on the white shirts in the center of photo.

Since they're sitting together and wearing identical T-shirts, my guess is it's not a coincidence.

Rob

[Nitpicker]

Are those Castor and Pollux to the lower left above the beach?

No, those are The Pointers (Hadar & Rigil Kent, or Beta & Alpha Centauri), just to the East of South, over Fremantle Ports. They are both circumpolar from Perth, and are shown in this image an hour or so after their lower culmination.

Learning about coincidences: Notice the three pyramids on the white shirts in the center of photo.

The left one seems to be a volcano pyramid, spewing straight up. Must be awful low gravity on that shirt.

I think the green above the pyramids/volcanos/triangles are glow sticks worn as necklaces. We all celebrate "cultural" days in our own way. (And I think the person on the left sports a pony-tail.)

The ghostly people by the waterline are an artifact of the three exposures?

Yes, weren't they selfish for not holding still?!

[johnnydeep]

On the far right, lightning from a thunderstorm flashed in the distance.

Lightning? What lightning? I see no lightning on the far right nor anywhere else in this image!

[bystander]

On the far right, lightning from a thunderstorm flashed in the distance.

Lightning? What lightning? I see no lightning on the far right nor anywhere else in this image!

You probably didn't scan to the right. The image is wider than the screen. Either page right, or just click through to the hires image

[johnnydeep]

On the far right, lightning from a thunderstorm flashed in the distance.

Lightning? What lightning? I see no lightning on the far right nor anywhere else in this image!

You probably didn't scan to the right. The image is wider than the screen. Either page right, or just click through to the hires image

Yup, thanks. I usually don’t neglect to realize that!