Medieval Attack [Explored]

First mentioned in 1304 and expanded to its current design in the 16th century, this Swiss castle has seen its share of history. In 1963 it was partially destroyed by a lightning strike. The remaining structures were subsequently acquired by the state and a patrons' association raised the funds to rebuild the castle to its former glory.

 

Fortunately, the heavenly attack from the recent Geminids meteor shower was no danger to the medieval building, but the rain of fiery debris streaming from their radiant near Castor was an impressive sight nonetheless. Unlike most meteor showers, the Geminids originate from an asteroid called Phaethon and not a comet. Phaethon is circling the Sun in a highly elliptical 1.4 year orbit and might be a dead comet. It does not develop a cometary tail and its spectrum looks like that of a rock asteroid and the small pieces that break off Phaeton to form the Geminids are several times denser than cometary dust flake from other meteor showers.

 

Special thanks to the friendly administrator to shut down the illumination of the castle for us.

 

EXIF

Canon EOS Ra

Canon EOS 6D

Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 @ 15mm

Sky:

4 panel panorama, each 5 x 90s @ ISO1600 with Canon EOS 6D on a moonless night

Meteors:

50 x 15s @ ISO6400, Canon EOS Ra

Foreground:

3 panel panorama, each a stack of 3 x 25s @ ISO800 under moonlight, Canon EOS Ra

Done