A few weeks ago I posted some photographs of the 2nd stage of a Falcon 9 performing a de-orbit burn as it moved over the southwestern states. I recently had another chance to view a de-orbit burn and, as suggested in the previous post, used it as an opportunity to try some different things.

I wanted to use a telephoto lens this time and chose the Nikon 80–200mm f/4 zoom lens. This lens has manual focus and, more importantly, has a hard stop at infinity focus. This makes it very easy to focus in the dark.

My choice for a second camera was originally going to be shooting video. But the launch was delayed and the reentry was not going to happen during twilight. The video might have been difficult in those conditions. Instead, I decided to use my ultra-wide 12mm lens and mounted it on my older Nikon D700 camera.

Everything worked out well including the expected time of the burn. I was surprised when the burn ended and it became difficult to keep track of the rocket. Suddenly, it lit up a second time overhead and slightly behind me. This lasted only a few tens of seconds. And, once again, I was unable to pivot the telephoto lens around. But the ultra-wide angle lens managed to capture it.

The image of the de-orbit burn is great but watching it as it occurred was really spectacular.

There are two de-orbit burns scheduled in a few days but these will occur during daylight hours. I wonder if I will be able to see the burn?

See this article for information on ionosphere holes and red glow.