February 6, 2007: Fireworks, comet, lightning

When xoB sent this along I thought it surely must be a fake. When it became
Astronomy Pic of the Day yesterday I asked the photographer for permission to
use it. This is the work of Antti Kemppainen, and a fine work it is; APoD says it's
actually a three photograph panorama digitally processed to reduce red
reflections from the exploding firework, which is one reason it takes on this
otherworldly quality.

But never mind the processing; the most impressive part is that all three events
are captured at the same time and place, including the sunset and the beach and
visitors; and it's beautiful. The comet is McNaught's comet, visible now in the
southern hemisphere. The location is Perth, just north of Hillary's Marina. And the
reason for the fireworks is that it was taken on Australia Day.

Saw this on Aopd yesterday and was awestruck. Bravo to a great rendering!! That's a bravo to the photographer adn also to Mother Nature!

Is there anything more beautiful than a beautiful, beautiful flamingo, flying across in front of a beautiful sunset?
And he's carrying a beautiful rose in his beak, and also he's carrying a very beautiful painting with his feet. And also, you're drunk. - Jack Handey

Really, really, really gorgeous and awe inspiring.

So. Why do those three guys sitting together on the beach all have white t-shirts with black triangles on them?

They're pointing the way to the comet.

Brianna;313280 wrote:

Really, really, really gorgeous and awe inspiring.

So. Why do those three guys sitting together on the beach all have white t-shirts with black triangles on them?

To keep from getting sunburned on their backs? :-)

This is a great Image of the Day.

glatt;313289 wrote:

This is a great Image of the Day.

Agreed Thanks for going through the extra trouble to secure this one. I really enjoyed it.

I just got back from Botswana and Namibia but was never able to find the comet. A full moon and frequent clouds made seeing hard and I was mostly north of the Tropic of Capricorn.

Did anyone else see the person holding what looks like a sparkler?

Or is it a lighter exploding from trying to lite too many cigs? :)

I think what I find most interesting is none of these people seem to notice the lightning. Thet're too interested in the comet or fireworks.

Brianna;313280 wrote:

So. Why do those three guys sitting together on the beach all have white t-shirts with black triangles on them?

The are followers of Zoltan. They are looking for the continuum transfunctioner. The continuum transfunctioner is a very mysterious and powerful device - it's mystery is exceeded only by it's power. Danger follows the continuum transfunctioner. So says Zoltan.

I'm thinking Turner missed a pretty good opportunity, here...

That picture is unreal.

way awesome

Wow.
Just... Wow.

As to the triangle t-shirts, I imagine they say 'Made in Australia'

http://www.australianmade.com.au/trademark/

The picture creates a whole new definition of the phrase "shock and awe".

The picture was posted, sent in by a reader, on an Australian site last Thursday. I was sure it must have been photoshoped because it's so incredible.
I was quite surprised to see APoD verify it was legit. One of the most amazing photos ever taken.:2cents:

So. Why do those three guys sitting together on the beach all have white t-shirts with black triangles on them?

umm...I think the guy on the left is female.

Can you imagine floating on a boat, on your back, under the point of explosion...???

No one seems to concerned about the lightning even though they're sittin:shocking: ducks.

Oh and Elspode:biggrin::thumb:

Brianna;313280 wrote:

So. Why do those three guys sitting together on the beach all have white t-shirts with black triangles on them?

Because for some people, a picture containing simultaneous lightining, comet and fireworks over water just isn't enough.... :lol:

SPUCK;313496 wrote:

Oh and Elspode:biggrin::thumb:

Thanks. *I* thought it was funny, but with the lack of any comment, I was beginning to feel like I'd picked the wrong photo to use for irreverence, since the original is so damn striking.

I didn't realise how wide the picture was at first.
I could see the comet, and the fireworks, but I couldn't see any lightning no matter how hard I looked.

Imagine my awe when I scrolled across and saw the whole picture. Wow.

I must be completely blind because I cannot see any lightning in this picture...Can someone point me in the right direction.

Never mind...found it. I didn't scroll over to the right far enough. For a minute I thought I was losing my mind....

scroll over to the right

Edit: I see you got it. Never mind.

Sundae Girl;313563 wrote:

I didn't realise how wide the picture was at first.
I could see the comet, and the fireworks, but I couldn't see any lightning no matter how hard I looked.

Imagine my awe when I scrolled across and saw the whole picture. Wow.

Thank you SG. This is another example of what your teachers told you to encourage you to ask questions. "Don't be afraid to raise your hand. If you have a question, chances are others in the class have the same question." I got to ride free on your question.

Wow at the picture and Thanks for the tip!

Funny, I hadn't seen the lightning either, until SG said to scroll over. If I had only asked the question! :)

Thanks. *I* thought it was funny, but with the lack of any comment, I was beginning to feel like I'd picked the wrong photo to use for irreverence, since the original is so damn striking.

Naw I looked at your post and thought, "Why did he just re-post the picture??!" Then noticed the 'idiot devices'. I almost fell out of my chair. It was an endorphin minute!