Another Dipper...

A week ago I posted a shot of the Big Dipper (part of the constellation Ursa Major) over the Fox River illuminated by the full moon (post from 21 August). With the added light pollution of the moon, however, the dipper could hardly be seen. So I went out again night before last and tried again without the moon and it can be seen much easier.

Unfortunately, there is still a lot of light pollution in the area - folks here don't get much exposure to full-cutoff lighting, so don't see the benefit. In addition, the higher population density (a LOT more lights) and higher humidity levels than I'm used to scatter more light into the sky...

Interestingly, you can spot what looks light 2 separate light glows, center and to the right of the shot. You can also note that the color looks different. I'll make a trip and confirm it someday, but the lights in the center are from a commercial development zone along Randall Road about 6 miles from here - likely metal-halide lighting - bluer in color than the high-pressure sodium lighting of the glow to the right from the town of Elgin and South Elgin about 5 miles away. Clicking on the image and looking at the full sized version makes the Big Dipper stand out more easily. Taken with the Canon XSi, 30 seconds with a 10-22 zoom set to 14mm@F/3.5.