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Iridium flare over Georgia

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December 9, 2014

Iridium flare by brothers Lee and Joe Hartley over Watson Mill State Park, Georgia. — View larger. | Iridium flare by brothers Lee and Joe Hartley in November, 2014 over Watson Mill State Park, Georgia.

Lee Hartley wrote:

While shooting long exposure night shots at Watson Mill State Park, my brother Joe and I both caught this iridium flare by accident. Look closely in the upper right quadrant and you will also find the Andromeda galaxy peeking through the clouds.

Nikon D5300.. 18-55mm lens at 18mm.. 20 sec – f3.5 – 1600 iso

Mild enhancements of RAW image in Lightroom 5.

Thank you, Lee and Joe! Love the juxtaposition of old and new in this photo.

Click here to learn more about seeing iridium flares.

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December 9, 2014

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Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.