Here's my video of the launch from the end of Arbuckle Neck.
I also have video of the subsequent brush fire after the launch.
Yes, there were lots of cars - into the hundreds...I parked 1/2 mile away about 15 mins before launch. While driving in there...I noticed there seemed to be 3 major groupings of where people parked. Of course, I thought, I need to get as close as possible...why are all these people parking 3-4 miles away when they can get 2 miles away!
I think it would have been better to have been further back as you could still see the launch pad/water tower and the rocket would not be going directly up where you basically pivoted your head 90 degrees.
What a blast today was! ...and not just figuratively speaking! 
BillyJoeBob
Despite having to run 1/2 mile to set up and being your first time at filming a launch, your efforts are very professional. Your additional coverage of the fire is in par for most free-lance news coverage crews. Congratulations. Perhaps you can donate your time to provide future Wallops NASA sub-orbital and Orbital launches for NSF.
Here's more useless video of the brush fire...this is the video that has the fire dept coming in and spraying it with some pretty powerful water jets.
BillyJoeBob
Despite having to run 1/2 mile to set up and being your first time at filming a launch, your efforts are very professional. Your additional coverage of the fire is in par for most free-lance news coverage crews. Congratulations. Perhaps you can donate your time to provide future Wallops NASA sub-orbital and Orbital launches for NSF.
Thanks for comments.
As for professional...I would have to disagree with you!
But...the wife did make a comment after I complained about the wind noise in the video that maybe we should go out and buy a better video camera! (this from a woman who would buy the latest and greatest video camera every 6 months if I let her!)
I wish i had bought a new camera for the launch. My Coolpix 500 just doe snot cut it anymore after I got droid apps. Those droid app panorama and such apps are amazing. and i say. why can't this $500 camera take pictures as fast as it and do the things it can do...
was the second stage ignition seen from the ground anywhere?
was the second stage ignition seen from the ground anywhere?
Interested to know that myself.
Also, here are some photos from about one mile back from the end of Arbuckle Neck, towards Assawoman:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fxmurphy/sets/72157633301277614/ (Note:
not by me)
This may represent the best view you can get if the road ends up being closed during future Cygnus flights (because of hydrazine and other toxics on board).
was the second stage ignition seen from the ground anywhere?
I don't believe it was visible from the ground. It took place at an altitude of 117 miles about 5 and a half minutes after liftoff...pretty far downrange.
Personally, I was just able to see first stage powered flight from my vantage point.
was the second stage ignition seen from the ground anywhere?
I don't believe it was visible from the ground. It took place at an altitude of 117 miles about 5 and a half minutes after liftoff...pretty far downrange.
Personally, I was just able to see first stage powered flight from my vantage point.
Should have only been visible over open ocean and near Bermuda with viewing aids.
Also, here are some photos from about one mile back from the end of Arbuckle Neck, towards Assawoman: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fxmurphy/sets/72157633301277614/ (Note: not by me)
This may represent the best view you can get if the road ends up being closed during future Cygnus flights (because of hydrazine and other toxics on board).
i was extremely curious to know what the view from that vantage point was like, for that very reason. thanks!
here's my video of the launch, from the end of arbuckle neck:
here are a few snapshots of the launch pad, from the end of arbuckle neck road.
(nikon d5100, 200mm, ISO 100, f/8, 1/800)
here are a few snapshots of the launch pad, from the end of arbuckle neck road.
(nikon d5100, 200mm, ISO 100, f/8, 1/800)
Could I please request for permission to use your 4th picture as a thumbnail for my YouTube video? That picture is awesome!
That was me with the photo from that area. :-)
I arrived late only about 30 minutes before launch and was in a hurry to set everything up. When I saw the police cars near the bend in the road I thought we could go no further plus I was guessing it must of been crowded at the end of the road and did not want to end up spending time trying to find parking. So ended up in that spot near the bend. Really not a bad viewing area however when I saw the other photos from the end of the road I thought, next time :-)
Hopefully Minotaur V/LADEE launch I will be closer.
was the second stage ignition seen from the ground anywhere?
Interested to know that myself.
Also, here are some photos from about one mile back from the end of Arbuckle Neck, towards Assawoman: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fxmurphy/sets/72157633301277614/ (Note: not by me)
This may represent the best view you can get if the road ends up being closed during future Cygnus flights (because of hydrazine and other toxics on board).
That was me with the photo from that area. :-)
Do you mind revealing what camera/lens you were using from there?
Sure no problem, it was a Nikon D7000 with the Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5
for the zoomed photos. The wide angle and video images were with a Nikon D90 with the Nikon 18-55mm f/4.5
Video link is here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2-ef05tSVw
For recording the sound I had a tripod with the Sony PCM-M10, Omnidirectional Microphones.
Currently having a friend CNC a larger mounting plate for a Majestic tripod I bought to so I can mount both cameras so I can shoot video and take stills at the same time.
Wish I lived closer
That was me with the photo from that area. :-)
Do you mind revealing what camera/lens you were using from there?
I'm thinking about trying to catch one or both of the September launches... is the Arbuckle Neck site generally considered the best option? Is the marsh vegetation in Oyster Bay high enough to worry about? The phragmites is quite high this year... I saw stands in 12' range in Queen Anne's County today.
-Bob
