Turksat5b by SpaceX
Another view of the Dec 18 SpaceX Turksat5B Falcon9 launch, seen in a 339-sec exposure from Satellite Beach (FL).
This launch was a nice reminder of why I dislike shooting launches from the beach. Sand ends up everywhere, often on equipment that doesn't get along with sand. It was hazy and dewy. And for this shot, I had planned on setting close enough to the ocean that I'd be able to get some of the streak reflected in the water or the wet sand. The tide was going out, so I felt I was safe setting the camera fairly close to the water, but not soon after I placed the tripod and began adjusting the frame, I was drenched from the knees down by a wave. So, I moved (a bit) to higher ground and jammed the tripod into the sand to what I thought was a decent depth.
Well, I was wrong. When I checked the exposure afterward, there was a clear zig-zag in the highest part of the streak, caused by the tripod leg closest to the ocean having sunk deeper in the sand after another higher-than-expected wave had hit the tripod. I was rather vexed, so much so that I didn't even import the image (at first), and it's taken me this long to take the time to spot remove the offending zig-zag (and all the double stars). If you look closely (and obsessively, as I have been) at the top of the streak, the dim portion of the second stage (traveling toward the right of the frame) doesn't align properly.
Also, maybe of note -- the Full Moon is just out of the frame to the right, casting an otherworldly glow over the scene.
Anyway, this is the cleaned-up version, probably my last (new) rocket image of 2021, unless I've got some other ignored photos sitting on memory cards (doubtful).
Details: 339-sec exposure at ISO500 and f11 with a Canon 6D and a Rokinon 14mm lens.
