Everglades After-Dark Field Trip
The Everglades After-Dark Field Trip will happen during the Lyrid meteor shower. We will work on star trails, milky way, time lapse, and meteor photography.
From timeanddate.com – “Considered to be the oldest known meteor shower, the Lyrids are named after constellation Lyra. The radiant point of the shower - the point in the sky where the meteors seem to emerge from - lies near the star Vega, one of the brightest stars in the sky during this time of the year.” “The Lyrid Meteor Shower is usually active between April 16 and April 25 every year. It tends to peak around April 22 or April 23. The best time to watch it is after midnight and before dawn.” Click on the link below for more info about the Lyrids.
https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/meteor-shower/lyrids.html
We may be able to camp at Hidden Lake Campground for the weekend of the field trip. The field trip location is still to be determined. Robert is working on scouting a new location for this field trip. The meeting time will be 10:00pm on Saturday, April 22nd, at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center parking lot.
Here's a link to Robert's video showing the possibilities – https://video214.com/play/zZ0QAUm9oJcuRejuqacLTg/s/dark
Keep an eye on our website and the club’s private Facebook page and newsletter for updates.
This is spring/summer season within the Everglades so proper clothing will be needed. Still being shoulder season, you may need a jacket for later in the evening. Definitely bring your mosquito repellent, jackets, any and all implements to keep you comfortable in the 'glades. Perhaps if we all have our ThermaCells running at the same time, we can keep them at bay. If you don't have one, they are not expensive. You can find them at most department stores or even Amazon. I highly recommend picking one up.
Other items you will need:
1) tripod
2) Wide angle lens with highest aperture (low f#)
3) remote shutter release or intervalometer (wired is best)
4) Comfy lawn chair
5) bottled water/beverages
6) Snacks
7) Patience :)
As stated, we are meeting in the Everglades, so if you get there before the guard gate closes, you will have to pay to enter, but usually after 4:30 or 5pm, you are allowed to come in without paying. Just be aware if you have to leave and reenter when the gate is manned, you will have to pay $25 entrance fee which is good for 7 days. However, I believe by now most of you will have purchased the Everglades yearly pass or the National Parks yearly pass. If not, they do sell them at any visitor center within all 3 areas of the park. Or you can purchase online from the link below. I would do so at least a week before going to be sure it will arrive on time.
I do hope everyone enjoys their time. If you have never shot time-lapse or star trails, you will be in for a treat. Especially when the images come together to make one whopper of an image. Be sure to RSVP by sending us an email here at info@sfnpcc.org.
Non-member visitors fee is $10.