Aerial hyperstereos and other sky phenomena

[P3D Dr. George A. Themelis <fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks to Paul for the detailed information on hyperstereos from an airplane.
I am privileged to have just seen some of Paul's hyperstereos (together
with a few fantastic Realist slides).  Excellent work Paul!

Unfortunately, I do not get the chance to fly often and when I do, I
usually find myself over clouds with not enough opportunity to record
surface details.  Getting good hyperstereos from an airplane is, to a large
degree, a matter of luck.  A combination of sitting at the right seat at
the right time.  Problems include being too close to the wing, in the wrong
side of the plane, dirty windows, etc. 

Most shots from the plane to the ground are too blue due to atmospheric
haze.  It is a good idea to use an orange filter to eliminate part of the
excess blue.  I would also recommend experimenting with color balance
conversion filters that can make the scene look like sunset.  Be careful
with polarizing filters and the interactions with the plane's windows.

In addition to hyperstereos, try regular stereos with your Realist, or
equivalent, and include the wing of the plane.  I find these pictures and
the sense of being there, very satisfying.

Northern lights?  Not many people have seen those. I have only seen them
from the ground one time, while vacationing in Northern Minnesota.  I took
a bunch of Realist stereos.  I found the experience very exciting and
stayed up most of the night to watch the show (better than TV, IMO!)  The
stereo pairs have no depth and cannot match the first-hand experience, but
there are still a nice record to have.

I would like to build up a collection of good stereo slides showing these
and other natural phenomena.  These are good to include in public
presentations.  If any one has some good slides to share, I'd love to
borrow them, copy them and return them promptly.

Thanks and regards,  George Themelis


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