Nor'easter Films

08/01/2024

This is truly amazing.

08/07/2023

It's not a term you hear often: ghost dam.

Ghost dams refer to abandoned or decommissioned dams and mills that have been left without proper maintenance or removal. These hidden locations are often concealed by years of overgrowth and neglect, harboring secrets of the past. In New York State, there are hundreds of these decaying structures, silently impacting the ecological, hydrological, and cultural futures of the communities that once relied on them for industrial purposes.

It's not a term you hear often: ghost dam. Ghost dams refer to abandoned or decommissioned dams and mills that have been left without proper maintenance or removal. These hidden locations are often concealed by years of overgrowth and neglect, harboring secrets of the past. In New York State, there

04/07/2023

The galactic core rising over Martin Dunham Reservoir in Grafton Lakes State Park.

03/07/2023

Here are some practical tips for getting started in astrophotography.

Stanley Aryanto took a once-in-a-lifetime photo of the Milky Way, Comet NEOWISE, and auroras thanks to planning, patience, and luck. Now he's sharing what he knows.

02/07/2023

The night sky is disappearing.

The stars are disappearing from the night sky. Each year, more are claimed by the glare of expanding cities and sprawling suburbs. It’s something you may not have given much thought to, and in our time of global pandemics, extreme weather events, and armed conflict, preserving the night sky may no...

01/07/2023

Unveiling Why Wildfire Smoke Turns Sunsets Deep Red

Image: Wildfire Sun, Easton, New York

Nature never ceases to amaze with its captivating displays of beauty, and one such phenomenon is the transformation of sunsets into a breathtaking deep red hue when wildfire smoke fills the sky. As the sun bids farewell for the day, it paints the horizon with vibrant colors. However, when wildfires rage, something magical occurs, engulfing the setting sun in an otherworldly crimson cloak. Let us explore the science behind this captivating phenomenon. It’s important to remember that these colorful sunsets are the byproduct of a horrible wildfire cycle that starts earlier, lasts longer and gets more destructive every year. As exogenous climate change further enhances the wildfire cycles in the coming decades, these deep red sunsets, sunrises, and milky skies will become prevalent.

Understanding Wildfire Smoke Composition:
To comprehend why wildfire smoke alters the colors of sunsets, we must first delve into its composition. Wildfire smoke consists of countless tiny particles, such as ash, soot, and other aerosols, which are released when vegetation and organic matter combust during wildfires. These particles are carried high into the atmosphere by the heat and convective currents generated by the fire.

Interaction of Light with Smoke Particles:
When sunlight interacts with the smoke particles suspended in the atmosphere, a fascinating interplay begins. The light we perceive as white actually comprises a spectrum of colors, each with a different wavelength. These colors include red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. The shorter-wavelength colors, like blue and violet, scatter more easily in the atmosphere, while longer-wavelength colors, like red and orange, tend to pass through with less scattering.

Scattering and Absorption of Light:
As sunlight passes through the layers of smoke particles, the shorter-wavelength colors scatter more due to their interaction with the smaller-sized particles. This scattering effect causes the sky to appear hazy or even grayish. Simultaneously, the longer-wavelength colors, particularly red and orange, have a higher likelihood of being absorbed or refracted by the smoke particles rather than being scattered.

Reddish Light Dominance:
The absorption and refraction of shorter-wavelength colors leave the longer-wavelength colors to dominate the scene. Consequently, during sunset, when sunlight passes through a greater portion of the atmosphere, the remaining red and orange light undergoes less scattering and reaches our eyes relatively unhindered. This unique atmospheric condition, combined with the presence of wildfire smoke, intensifies the reddish hues during sunsets, creating a mesmerizing display of deep reds, oranges, and pinks.

The Role of Particle Size and Composition:
The size and composition of the smoke particles also play a crucial role in sunset colors. Larger particles tend to scatter light more effectively, resulting in a diffusion of colors. However, smaller particles—typical of wildfire smoke—preferentially scatter the shorter-wavelength colors, allowing the longer-wavelength reds and oranges to dominate. Additionally, the composition of the smoke particles can further influence the colors observed, as different materials may absorb or reflect specific wavelengths of light differently.

Artistic Marvel and Ecological Reminder:
While wildfire smoke altering sunset colors is a breathtaking sight to behold, it is important to remember the ecological impact behind these phenomena. Wildfires, although nature's regenerative process in some cases, can have devastating consequences, endangering lives, destroying habitats, and emitting harmful pollutants. The red sunsets serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address climate change, mitigate wildfires, and protect our natural ecosystems.

The transformation of sunsets into deep red masterpieces, under the influence of wildfire smoke, is a captivating reminder of the intricate dance between light and nature's elements. As sunlight traverses the smoke-laden atmosphere, the scattering and absorption processes selectively enhance the longer-wavelength red and orange light, painting the sky with an ethereal crimson glow. Let us appreciate the sheer beauty of this phenomenon while remaining mindful of the underlying environmental challenges we face in combating wildfires and safeguarding our planet.

30/06/2023

Wildfire-colored sunrise over Mirror Lake in the on June 30th, 2023z

27/06/2023

The Milky Way rising over the Tomhannock Reservoir, Valley Falls, New York.

26/06/2023

The seasons in Upstate New York are changing, and that change is accelerating.

The picturesque landscapes of Upstate New York, renowned for their natural beauty and diverse ecosystems, are facing unprecedented challenges due to the impact of climate change. As rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting precipitation patterns continue to reshape the region, scien

25/06/2023

Sunset in the protected turtle nesting grounds of Isla Verda, Puerto Rico.

25/06/2023

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve is a unique and ecologically important area located in Albany, New York. It is a globally rare ecosystem known as an inland pine barrens, characterized by its sandy soils, dry pine forests, and diverse plant and animal life. The natural history of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve spans thousands of years and is shaped by various factors, including geological processes, fire ecology, and human impact. Let's delve into its fascinating story.

Geological Origins: The Albany Pine Bush Preserve began to take shape around 15,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. As the massive glaciers that covered the region started to retreat, they left behind deposits of sand and gravel, forming the basis of the Pine Bush's unique soils. These sandy soils, known as glacial outwash, are well-drained and nutrient-poor, making them ideal for the growth of certain plant species.

Flora and Fire Ecology: One of the defining features of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve is its fire-adapted ecosystem. Historically, wildfires, either started by lightning strikes or Native American tribes, played a crucial role in shaping and maintaining the Pine Bush's vegetation. Frequent fires prevented the encroachment of trees and allowed fire-tolerant species to thrive.

The dominant tree species in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve is the pitch pine (Pinus rigida), known for its ability to withstand and even benefit from fire. These trees have thick bark that protects them during fires and serotinous cones that require the intense heat of a fire to open and release their seeds.

Other plant species found in the preserve include scrub oak (Quercus ilicifolia), blueberries (Vaccinium spp.), huckleberries (Gaylussacia spp.), sweet fern (Comptonia peregrina), and various grasses and wildflowers. These plants have adapted to the sandy soils and fire-prone conditions of the Pine Bush.

Fauna: The Albany Pine Bush Preserve provides habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including many species that are rare or endangered. The preserve is particularly important for its support of several species of reptiles and insects.

One notable resident of the Pine Bush is the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis). This small butterfly relies on the wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) as its larval host plant. The preservation and management of lupine stands in the Pine Bush are crucial for the survival of the Karner blue butterfly.

Other reptiles found in the preserve include the Eastern hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos), Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina), and various species of snakes, lizards, and turtles. Mammals such as white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), and Eastern cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) can also be spotted in the area.

Conservation Efforts: Over time, the Albany Pine Bush faced significant threats due to urbanization and habitat fragmentation. However, dedicated conservation efforts have been instrumental in protecting this unique ecosystem. The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission, in collaboration with other organizations, has been actively involved in land acquisition, habitat restoration, and fire management to preserve and maintain the ecological integrity of the Pine Bush.

Today, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve serves as a valuable educational and recreational resource for the local community. Visitors can explore the preserve through various trails, participate in educational programs, and learn about the importance of preserving this rare and fragile ecosystem.

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve showcases the interplay between geological forces, fire ecology, and human conservation efforts. This globally rare inland pine barrens ecosystem continues to thrive, providing a habitat.

11/03/2023

Nor'easter Films Case Study Update: Tomhannock Historical Restoration Project. This is a collection of all the images, so far, that I have restored for my project "The Valley That Disappeared". More images, maps, and historical documents are forthcoming.

The Valley That Disappeared

01/01/2023

Awesome shot
Photography by michael hike
@ animalsfratchy

04/12/2022

Amazing images!

When fall and winter storms send turbulent waves across Lake Erie, Canadian photographer Trevor Pottelberg documents the volatile eruptions that burst from the water’s surface. Facing winds up to 60 miles per hour, he frames massive waves as they emerge in dramatic outbursts, leaving sprays of icy...

08/11/2022

Mammatus clouds captured in Córdoba, Argentina
See more: https://stepcreeper.com/hours-after-her-dog-died-a-grieving-woman-sees-his-face-in-the-clouds/
Photo credit: picka.bel [IG]

30/10/2022

This is an amazing discovery!

Some of the cameras, from a climbing expedition 85 years ago, still had film in them. Conservators are looking to see if any images can be recovered.

21/10/2022

This hellish-looking thing is real, and you've actually seen it before: This is what an ant looks like up close. Photographer Eugenijus Kavaliauskas won a prize at the 2022 Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition for this closeup that was magnified five times under a microscope.

📸: Eugenijus Kavaliauskas/Nikon Small World

31/07/2022

Incredible image!

DIVE!

Grey-headed Fish-eagle locked on target, legs thrushed forward, wings folded back, talons extended at the final seconds of it's dive.

By Tan Tze Siong‎ facebook.com/tan.t.siong.1