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Picture of the day - May 7, 2009
"Storm chasers"
Photo courtesy of Patrick Martin.
(Click on the photo for a larger view)
In the region of the United States known as "Tornado Alley", there
are a number of brave individuals known simply as "storm chasers".
Just as their name implies, these fearless and quite dedicated folks
are always eager to hop in their vehicles on short notice and head
out across the heartland in search of some of the world's most
dangerous storms armed only with video cameras, various
meteorological devices, and...nerves of steel.
The amazing video and all-important data collected on these
seemingly bizarre outings help us all to better understand and
prepare for the occurrence of tornados, hail storms and torrential
rain. In short, "storm chasers" help keep the rest of us safe
whenever severe weather rears its ugly head.
Photographer Patrick Martin is one of these brave souls, and the
following is his story behind today's rather dramatic picture:
"I captured this image while storm chasing south of Garden City,
Kansas on April 29, 2009. This striated supercell thunderstorm
had a
wonderfully structured striated updraft, produced multiple
tornadoes, and delivered hail up to the size of baseballs."
--Patrick Martin
Here are the camera and settings used to capture this image:
Camera: Canon XSi
Lens: EFS 18-55is
Focal Length: 18mm
Shutter Speed: 1/80 second
Aperture: f/8
ISO: 200
Shooting Mode: Aperture Priority
Image Time: 7:02pm CDT
Visitor Comments...
Name: Ron Trees
Town: Spokane, WA
WOW, what a phenomenal photo today!!!! Mr.Martin, you are a special
type of person to be chasing these storms. I think it would be a
real kick in the pants. Thanks a lot for sharing this amazing photo
with us!
Name:
Gordon
Brugman
Town: Gatlinburg, TN
Mr. Martins’ image is stupendous. It truly captures the immense
power of these incredible storms. And if you look at the focal
length used, 15 mm, Mr. Martin was a lot closer to this monster
super cell than it would appear! Great (and appreciated) work,
Patrick!
Name: Phyllis Helton
Town: Bristol, VA
I have never seen anything like it. I would sure rather look at this
amazing photo than to look at that storm in person.
Name: Scott McVey
Town: Southeast Nebraska
This is an amazing photo. Even though I live in one part of the
alley, I have never seen a tornado. I have been close and I have
seen the destruction. Last spring one passed very near our house.
This photo captures the beauty present even in something so
potentially destructive.
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