.png)
Description: Here is an extremely detailed and in-depth summary of the August 2024 sky-bound photography opportunities in North Carolina: Utilize this guide in conjunction with your PhotoPills app and watch your dream photography adventure come to fruition.
There is nothing quite like having a plan in place. While I am the first to admit that my Aperture Abenteuer partner and I absolutely love the spontaneity of a spur of the moment adventure, I must conversely admit that everything feels and typically goes much smoother when a plan (at least of sorts), is put into place. And this is why I can’t say enough just how awesome the PhotoPills application truly is! (No, this is not sponsored by PhotoPills; I just truly believe in this technology.) Be sure to check out some other reading goodies we have put together about the PhotoPills app here).
Now, let’s get to the nitty gritty! What is happening in August?
August 2024 crosses its heart and promises to be an exceptional month for astrophotography and celestial events across the diverse and juxtaposed landscapes of North Carolina. From the iconic lighthouses of the Outer Banks to the rugged peaks of the Appalachian Mountains, our state offers an array of picturesque locations primed for capturing the wonders of the night sky.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the key astronomical occurrences and provide specific recommendations for the best places to photograph them. Whether you're chasing the elusive Perseids meteor shower, seeking out dramatic moon-planet conjunctions, or aiming to immortalize the sweeping grandeur of the Milky Way, North Carolina will deliver an abundance of photographic opportunities this August.
The new moon on the 4th sets the stage for capturing the delicate crescent moon against the backdrop of historic lighthouses. As the lunar cycle progresses, the state will witness a series of captivating moon-planet alignments, culminating in a full moon rising over the Atlantic. Meanwhile, the core of the Milky Way will be prominently displayed, allowing photographers to frame the galaxy in both vertical and arching compositions.
With detailed planning, optimal vantage points, and a bit of luck, those who venture out under North Carolina's summer skies will be rewarded with an astro-photographic bounty. Let's dive into the specifics of how to make the most of this celestial extravaganza across the Tar Heel State.
New Moon (August 4th):
In North Carolina, the new moon on August 4th presents a great opportunity to photograph the thin crescent moon. One ideal location would be the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on the Outer Banks.
Around 8:38 PM on August 5th, the 1.9% illuminated crescent moon will be setting low on the horizon next to the iconic black and white striped lighthouse. The small sliver of the moon will create a beautiful, dramatic composition against the lighthouse and coastal landscape. Photographers should position themselves to the northwest of the lighthouse to capture this shot, as the moon will be setting in the west-northwest direction.
Milky Way Photography:
August is an excellent month to photograph the core of the Milky Way galaxy in North Carolina. In the western part of the state, the Milky Way can be captured in a near-vertical orientation aligning with landscape features.
One prime location is Roan Mountain State Park along the Tennessee border. From here, the galactic center of the Milky Way will be visible high in the southern sky, allowing you to frame the galaxy stretching straight up behind features like the rustic cabins or hiking trails. The Milky Way will appear diagonal across the frame, creating a dynamic composition.
Further east in North Carolina, the Milky Way can be shot in a more arching, horizontal orientation. An ideal spot for this is Jockey's Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks. From the top of the massive sand dunes, you can capture the Milky Way arching overhead, with the silhouettes of the dunes framing the scene below.
Perseids Meteor Shower (August 11-12):
The peak of the Perseids will occur on the night of August 11-12, 2024. In North Carolina, the moon will be below the horizon for most of the night, providing ideal dark sky conditions to photograph the meteors.
A great location to capture the Perseids is Grandfather Mountain in the western part of the state. The high elevation and lack of light pollution will maximize the number of visible meteors. Photographers should plan to be at the Grandfather Mountain Swinging Bridge overlook around 5 AM on August 12th, when the shower is expected to reach its peak of 82 meteors per hour.
Another brilliant location to view the celestial phenomenon from is Sam's Knob Lookout or Black Balsam Knob. From 6,214-ft. mountaintop with 360° views and very, very little light pollution, this North Carolina gem offers perhaps the best viewing setting possible.
The radiant point of the shower will be in the northeastern part of the sky, but it's best to simply compose a wide, sweeping vista and wait for meteors to streak through the frame, rather than trying to center the radiant.
Full Moon (August 19th):
The sturgeon blue super full moon (learn more lunar lure here!) on August 19th can be used to create stunning landscape or structural compositions in the Old North State. One great option as far as locations are concerned is the Cape Lookout Lighthouse on the Outer Banks/South Banks.
Around 7:30 PM on August 19th, the full moon will make it's great ascent just to the east of the lighthouse, creating a dramatic silhouette against the large, golden red supermoon. Photographers should position themselves to the southwest of the lighthouse to capture this shot, with the moon rising over the Atlantic Ocean in the background.
The full moon will be at 57.5% of its maximum apparent size, making it appear very large and prominent in the frame. With the lighthouse standing at 163 feet tall, the massive moon will dwarf the structure, creating a powerful contrast.
Moon-Planet Conjunctions:
North Carolina will have excellent viewing opportunities for the various moon-planet conjunctions in August 2024:
- August 5th: Moon and Venus - The 2% illuminated crescent moon will pass very close to the bright planet Venus low on the western horizon just after sunset. This can be shot from locations with a clear view to the west, such as Jockey's Ridge.
- August 6th: Moon and Mercury - Similar to the Venus conjunction, the 2.4% crescent moon will pass near the elusive planet Mercury shortly after sunset. The Blue Ridge Parkway or other western vantage points will provide good views.
- August 21st: Moon and Saturn - In western North Carolina, the 97% illuminated waning gibbous moon will pass directly in front of (occult) the planet Saturn. This can be observed and photographed from places like the Pisgah National Forest. The moon will cover and then reveal Saturn over the course of an hour or so.
- August 27th: Moon and Jupiter - The 37% illuminated moon will make a close pass of the giant planet Jupiter in the southern sky. This can be shot from anywhere with an unobstructed southern horizon, such as the Outer Banks beaches.
- August 28th: Moon and Mars - The 32% moon will closely approach the red planet Mars in the southern sky. Similar to the Jupiter conjunction, this can be photographed from locations with clear southern views.
Use the PhotoPills app's "Night AR" mode to track the positions of the moon and planets and plan your conjunction shots accordingly.
With this comprehensive guide, North Carolina photographers have a roadmap to capturing the stunning celestial events unfolding across the state in August 2024. From the dramatic crescent moon setting over iconic lighthouses, to the awe-inspiring Milky Way rising high above rugged mountain landscapes, to the dazzling meteor showers and planetary conjunctions - the Tar Heel State offers an arrayment of astro-photographic riches this summer.
By using the detailed planning information, location scouting tips, and just the right tools, aspiring photographers can elevate their nightscape work to new creative heights. So pack up the camera gear, study the sky charts, and get ready to immortalize North Carolina's natural wonders under the stars. The stage is set for an unforgettable month of legendary landscape and nightscape photography.
Commentaires