Cold Moon (1)

The next full moon (the Cold Moon ) will be on December 15th.

From the US Naval Observatory website:

Manteo, Dare County, North Carolina (longitude W75.7, latitude N35.9):
Thursday 15 December 2005      Eastern Standard Time
SUN
Begin civil twilight       6:37 a.m.
Sunrise                    7:06 a.m.
Sun transit               11:58 a.m.
Sunset                     4:50 p.m.
End civil twilight         5:19 p.m.

MOON
Moonrise                   3:49 p.m. on preceding day
Moon transit              11:31 p.m. on preceding day
Moonset                    7:18 a.m.
Moonrise                   4:38 p.m.
Moonset                    8:15 a.m. on following day
Full Moon on 15 December 2005 at 11:16 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

I’m planning on setting cameras out at two or three locations for the full Cold Moon: one at the stone cross at the Manteo waterfront, one at Bodie Island lighthouse, and perhaps another try at Coquina Beach.

I scouted out the Bodie Island lighthouse during the last full moon and have an idea where to place the camera to capture the arc of the moon behind the lighthouse. I’m not sure about where to place a camera at the Manteo waterfront, so will wait and see on that one.

coffee can camera

I have a new camera to try this time, made from a Progresso tomato soup can. Its a perfect size for 4×5 film. The older camera is also metal, a small coffee can. For both of the shots on the 15th, I plan to use B/W film. B/W is very fitting for a cold moon, and I’ll also be able to develop it right away to adjust my setup for the following nights.

I’ll also use my new monopods this time, made from broom handles, with a 1/4″ threaded bolt to mount the cameras.

monopod

can bottom

I added 1/4″ nuts to both of the metal cameras today.

I’ve been using cans for cameras in public places, partly to avoid their being noticed. I just place them on the ground or in the sand. But then, there really aren’t that many people wandering about through the night. So I probably don’t have to worry so much about someone walking off with a pinhole camera. Still, they do handle the weather well. They may look a little suspiciuous mounted on broom handles. But, that’s the chance you take.