ODD “PINWHEEL CAMERA” CATCHES LIGHTNING (Nov, 1936)
ODD “PINWHEEL CAMERA” CATCHES LIGHTNING
Vagaries of lightning bolts are recorded with a “pinwheel camera” devised by Prof.
John G. Albright of the Case School of Applied Science. At the height of an electrical storm, the shutters of the cameras mounted on a wheel are opened, and the wheel is rotated rapidly by hand. A multiple lightning discharge along a single path is recorded as a series of parallel streaks, and a study of the film gives a clear picture of its behavior. Through the curious arrangement of the cameras, every part of the sky is covered.
I’ed think getting a decent shot going at speed would be impossible...
This is somewhat similar to the cameras used for “bullet time” effects. In those cases the cameras are arranged in a ring facing inward, instead of outward, and triggered simultaneously to produce an all-round view of a scene at a particular instant.
Comment by Stephen — August 1, 2011 @ 4:43 am
“Oh, good – an electrical storm. Think I’ll go up on the roof and spin the cameras.”
Comment by Toronto — August 1, 2011 @ 7:08 am