Moon Bow at Upper Yosemite Falls ( 06 A )
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Moon Bows are fairly uncommon occurrances, requiring several conditions to happen concurrently. 1- the waterfall must have a very high water flow so there is a lot of mist at its base. 2 – The moon must be full or nearly full to insure enough light to illuminate the falls in the dark of night. 3- the moon must be in the right position or the angle of light will not make a “Moon Bow”. 4 – The night sky needs to be very clear and free of clouds.
In Yosemite, this phenomena occurs only during the months of high runoff in May, June, and sometimes July and April of good water years.
The April of 2007 proved to be such a time, but the published data was for the Lower Yosemite Fall and I planned to photograph the Upper Fall . I had to estimate the correct time for the shot since the two falls do not face the same direction. My calculations were off . I figured a midnight shot, but the moon did not get into the right spot until 2:30 a.m. At that time, I was too tired to do the 1 ½ hour hike back to the Valley, so I spent the rest of the very very cold April night curled up under an oak tree. I was rewarded by a very fine shot but also incurred a parking ticket in a “NO overnight Parking” lot. I think it was worth all the trouble.
In Yosemite, this phenomena occurs only during the months of high runoff in May, June, and sometimes July and April of good water years.
The April of 2007 proved to be such a time, but the published data was for the Lower Yosemite Fall and I planned to photograph the Upper Fall . I had to estimate the correct time for the shot since the two falls do not face the same direction. My calculations were off . I figured a midnight shot, but the moon did not get into the right spot until 2:30 a.m. At that time, I was too tired to do the 1 ½ hour hike back to the Valley, so I spent the rest of the very very cold April night curled up under an oak tree. I was rewarded by a very fine shot but also incurred a parking ticket in a “NO overnight Parking” lot. I think it was worth all the trouble.