Avoiding Lunar Interference for Optimal Perseid Meteor Shots: Guidelines for This Year's Spectacular Event
In the night sky on 12 August, the Perseid meteor shower will grace our view, but photographing these celestial wonders under a full moon can present a challenge. Here's a guide to help you capture the Perseids during this bright lunar phase.
To photograph the Perseids successfully, it's essential to point your camera away from the Moon. Aim for an altitude of around 40° to 60° above the horizon, in a direction offset from the Moon to avoid overexposure and lens flare caused by the bright moonlight.
A sturdy tripod and a camera set to continuous or interval shooting mode are indispensable for capturing many long-exposure shots over time, as meteors appear unpredictably.
Because of the strong moonlight, keep exposure times moderate to avoid overexposing the sky. The 500 Rule, which is calculated by dividing 500 by your lens focal length in millimetres, can help limit star trailing. For example, with a 20mm lens, use exposures around 25 seconds.
Use a wide aperture (low f-number) and adjust ISO to balance brightness without excessive noise, increasing ISO if necessary. Remember to avoid including the bright Moon in the frame to reduce lens flare and bright sky patches.
Automate shooting with a remote shutter release or intervalometer to capture many continuous exposures over an hour or more, increasing your chances of catching meteors. Choose a dark location with a clear view of the sky opposite the Moon, preferably away from city lights to reduce skyglow.
Patience and experimentation are key—adjust settings incrementally during the session to optimise exposure for the bright moonlit sky. While moonlight dims the faintest meteors and causes light pollution, bright Perseid meteors still produce visible streaks that can be captured with these strategies.
The meteor trails typically last under a second, so even with moonlight, a bright trail will register clearly against the brighter background. In summary, avoid the Moon in your frame, use moderate-long exposures on a tripod, automate shooting for lots of frames, and adjust ISO/aperture to compensate for moonlight for the best chance at capturing Perseids during a full moon.
Happy shooting!
- Astrophotography of the Perseid meteor shower on 12 August requires avoiding the Moon in the camera's frame to prevent overexposure and lens flare.
- The use of technology, such as a sturdy tripod and a camera set to continuous or interval shooting mode, is important for capturing numerous long-exposure shots of unpredictable meteors.
- In environmental-science and space-and-astronomy, the best results for photographing meteors can be achieved with a wide aperture, moderate exposure times, and a dark location with a clear view of the night sky.
- Science and technology, including the 500 Rule, can help optimize exposure for the bright moonlit sky during astrophotography, increasing the chances of capturing bright Perseid meteors despite the presence of moonlight.
