Paul M. Hadfield

Sangamon/Logan County Sub-Severe

2013-05-21T07:23:00.002-07:00

Central Illinois finally got a taste of the massive system out west though it was far from being that of the heart wrenching catastrophic intensity felt in the Southern Plains. A severe thunderstorm lifting from the SW near St. Louis would lose its warning at Springfield but still be an active intracloud as well as sheet lightning producer with a few CG's thrown in for good measure. Numerous farmers dotting the fields could be seen taking advantage of the recent lull in precipitation as they worked late into the night and in spite of the advancing storm.

Now in Logan County south of Lincoln

For those wondering how to help, do it today!

Credit: Weather Decision Technologies

It goes without saying regardless of where you live or how little of an interest you possess in all things atmospheric that having a weather safety plan is absolutely critical. This is not reserved to simply thunderstorms and tornadoes but a myriad of scenarios that could quickly get out of control if left unchecked. In a society that is more connected than ever all the way down to customized conditions based upon a personal GPS location, the excuse of "we had no warning!" is no longer valid. The best defense is to arm yourself with KNOWLEDGE FOUND HERE.

Assorted Pulse Storms

2013-05-16T14:38:00.001-07:00

Around 10 PM CDT a line of highly charged pulse storms fired in the vicinity of I-72 so I left early for work.

18 minute image stack captures a flaring satellite.

Single frame.

Attention was on distant lightning to the extreme SW when another little rouge cell fired within reasonably close range and put on a show with the moon.

Later at work with separate activity to the N.

The Morel of The Story Is...

2013-05-14T05:05:00.002-07:00

After having visited a few regional natural areas and coming away unsuccessful in my search for morels, I expected yesterday to be no different...

Then it happened! and not only did it happen but it went big in that I encountered another forest wander who appreciates this elusive delicacy. So what is The Morel of The Story? In whatever it is you are seeking, Never Give Up!

A secondary cluster tucked well away under some brush through the 300mm. The foreground one exhibits signs that perhaps other "forest wanderers" were fortunate enough to stumble upon their own success.

Wall Cloud at Niantic Illinois

2013-05-10T18:01:00.000-07:00

On a day when the majority of the weather and chaser community thought nothing would go down, mother nature once again stepped up to show us who is in control. Morning rain that was believed to have made the atmosphere less than favorable for afternoon thunderstorm development kept most inside being that there was little more than a few showers dotting the region. As for myself, I was watching an MCV (mesoscale convective vortex) coming out of Missouri on radar but dismissed it for cool, cloudy, stable skies were in place. Though I dipped out to have a better look at conditions away from the city, I was not impressed and instead, dropped down to Griswold Conservation Area in Blue Mound to hunt for morels with the camera. While there it began to rain at which point I happened to look out from a west facing clearing to see a wall cloud in the distance near Edinburg. Checking my phone for verification I was stunned to see a mild couplet on velocity indicative of rotation. Immediately leaving out and in the direction of this feature, I would end up in perfect position to intercept a separate cell with strong rotation to form between myself and the far western one. This cell would wrap up HARD from between Illiopolis and Niantic IL in the vicinity of I-72 and Old US 36 that for those wondering, runs all the way from Indiana to Colorado. The motion on this cell was so impressive that I notified the National Weather Service who were watching as well. Pulling over from just W of town, I managed to pop off a few shots and video during peak intensity. As was the case with everything to develop so rapidly this day, the storm became elevated and lost much of it's vigor just as quick. I would follow the storm and relay this information as well. Meanwhile, to the south in Christian County, a photogenic tornado developed near Owaneco that I could have easily intercepted had I not been so enamored by the distant wall cloud to my west. In hindsight being that I was able to photograph two unexpected storms that to my knowledge went undocumented while other locals got the tornado, it all worked out.

Velocity scan from the "magic moment" including the early cell observed at Edinburg but now near Buffalo (1.), the Niantic cell at the moment I intercepted and was calling in strong rotation (2.) and lastly, the Owaneco tornado in progress (3.). I am unsure why these areas weren't warned but believe that perhaps upper level activity did not meet warning criteria threshold despite surface boundary interaction that was quite literally flying "under the radar". This was a prime example of why spotters and people in the field are so vital to the warning process. I was only able to contribute for happening to be out and in the right place at the right time.

c/o RadarScope

Facing W from Blue Mound at the first cell near Edinburg to capture my attention. To give an idea for scale and distance, I am shooting through the 300mm which gives the impression of closeness but was roughly 13 miles away. The persistent scud fingers in the middle are associated with the developing mesocyclone that would become the Niantic cell though I dismissed them at the time.

The cell is now close to Buffalo and was drawing up insane amounts of ragged low level scud. Cursing myself for the distance and inability to make positive identification on the activity occurring, interest quickly abated with the realization of what the foreground cell was exhibiting.

What would become the Niantic cell took precedence for as I paralleled it on Four Bridges Road (CR 2025), when it crossed I-72 to my left, dangling scud fingers rapidly carouseling around inside the parent wall cloud led me to think it might produce a tornado so I called it in. Completing the call and getting into position as it pulled away to the N, I am shooting wide so it is much closer than appears though I was in no danger. RFD (rear flank downdraft) blowing around the back from L to R caused the power poles to strain but fortunately not collapse. For all I know, a ground circulation could have easily been occurring however with so much happening all at once I did not notice.

Following the storm, it would become cold and not pose the tornado threat it did during initial encounter. I would also call this observation in for just as important as warning issuance is, so too is warning restraint to curb unnecessary panic or use of resources. At this time as luck would have it, National Weather Service public radar feed unexpectedly went down. Yet another example of why eyes in the field are so important. Letting the storm go and getting caught up on social media regarding the Owaneco Tornado, May 9, 2013 was another lesson in why you don't turn your back on even the most marginal of setups.

Much later during the "blue hour".

Softball Weather / Fayette County

2013-05-06T23:58:00.000-07:00

Sunday was an interesting setup in that the showers and isolated storms to develop across the region were wrapping around the backside of the persistent low to the south and thus traveling an unusual NE to SW. A special weather statement for the possibility of funnel clouds was issued which wasn't a surprise given the noticeable shear that was present. Despite the on and off showers, Ava still had softball practice which took a turn for the interesting as several cells with organized structure passed by.

Edited phone pic facing NE at the first cell of note that had easily discernible rotation.

Now facing N, same cell through the wide angle as it stretched itself into oblivion.

Secondary cell approaching from the SE.

Same cell now facing S.

A third cell would run us over and end practice early due to rain. Later, I would follow this cluster on the backside and at Blue Mound, quickly climb the kame at Griswold Conservation Area to get an elevated look.

c/o RadarScope

Facing WNW, again, everything is moving away to the SW.

It seemed as though the line was trying to better organize so I followed it. Along the way it went through several cycling processes where an rfd (rear flank downdraft) cut would appear on the end cell which was the strongest. Letting it go at Edinburg, I managed to capture this activity with the 300mm in the final shot. Given the strange nature of this event and a quasi-supercell traveling opposite, 2013 is becoming "year of the bizarre!"

On Monday I headed down into Fayette County to hunt for morels. Unfortunately I didn't find any but the trip was still worthwhile. As mentioned on Facebook, I have never seen one and despite researching this fascinating activity, I am clearly a shroom noob or as the self appointed term, a "shroob" lol. Ideally though, I would just like to find a photogenic cluster, get my shot and otherwise leave them be, "blondes" preferably...

Christian County Storm

2013-05-04T02:17:00.001-07:00

Heading out after attending the opening of the Barn Colony Artists May Show for which I have a few pictures in this month, ongoing storms to the SW over Christian County did not appear all too significant on radar. Upon getting closer though, what met the eye was an entirely different matter at Mt. Auburn.

Since the complex was moving SE to NW and basically away the entire time, I was unable to get ahead of the outflow portion but it was worth taking in a few snaps.

Much later near Buffalo as it was pulling away.

Full Pink Moon

2013-04-26T13:50:00.002-07:00

Yesterday's full moon rising was perfectly timed with the flyby of the International Space Station for a composite idea as it departed to the SE.

I've also been working on my SmugMug site and although it's kind of useless for not currently having a print order option, I did introduce new galleries including WEATHER 2013 and NATURE 2013. Have a look!

Lyrid Meteor Shower

2013-04-23T01:15:00.001-07:00

Over the past few nights when skies weren't too cloudy, I tried for the annual Lyrid Meteor Shower. The morning of the 20th netted two from a near hour long session including one to just graze by Polaris.

The morning of the 22nd and able to be out, I saw about a dozen or so over the span of two hours but most were short and too fast to be imaged save for one. Several long, slower ones naturally fired from out of frame.

Broken lunar halo through an approaching cirrus band.

42 minutes, no meteors, lots of cloud debris.

28 minutes, one meteor and an unknown satellite.

Yesterday was also Earth Day so I took Ava to the park.

Friday Flooding / Cold Showers

2013-04-20T00:35:00.000-07:00

Stevens Creek which is usually little more than a shallow ditch over along the tree line is running exceptionally high, the likes of which I have not seen since 2008. You can tell where the water had been even higher per the flotsam sticking to the foliage. HERE is a look at recent regional rainfall totals c/o NWS. Later in the evening, a very cold pool dropping through on brisk northwesterly winds produced light rain showers and even some frozen graupel.

Girard Revisited

2013-04-19T18:59:00.002-07:00

On this day two years ago, I found myself unintentionally going toe to toe with a large tornado from just north of Girard Illinois. It was an experience unlike any other and one that still affects my way of thinking today. I caught some heat from the storm chasing community for having been in such close proximity but I handled the situation appropriately and will leave it at that. Contrary to what anyone including notables in the field will say, there is a significant degree of risk involved in severe weather observation regardless of how careful one conducts themselves. Personally, I believe in being as cautious as possible but if there is one truth about storm chasing, at some point everyone has an "oh s***" moment that they are forced to deal with. This particular tornado went from as they say "bird fart" to full blown EF3 faster than I imagined possible. As alluded to in the original post from this day, the tornado was of lesser concern than the galloping power lines that posed a far greater threat and was the focus in my decision making. Enough about the past though for we live, we learn, and as discovered on yet another unintended visit back on March 19, 2012 the story did not end that night.

Awaiting for storms to initiate on a slight risk that would end up being a bust, none of these images have been previously published.

Heading west and then eventually south, I decided to bail on precipitation 'blips' appearing on radar that would amount to very little. I had not been back to the tornado site so with a good friend following, I opted to revisit and share the experience. We parked up by the farm that had been for the most part restored. The house was surprisingly intact and a pole structure was erected in lieu of the massive old barn that collapsed. A fence had also been put up around the perimeter with numerous "NO TRESPASSING" signs which was a bit unsettling as I surveyed from the shoulder area.

Measuring the space between power poles, it is 200'. Using this as a frame of reference, it was 700' from where I was crouched down to the center of circulation. The first pole used as a starting pointing is just out of frame to the right and due E of the fence corner. Several of the poles were also new.

Looking south, it is another three power pole lengths equaling 600' to the elongated building. This brings the total to 1300' feet away from the center of circulation where numerous other chasers were 'safely' observing the tornado.

Moving back up to the house, a man pulled into the driveway for whom I recognized as being the property owner. Angrily asking what we were doing, I reintroduced myself at which point his demeanor immediately changed to one of welcome. Someone driving by alerted him to our presence for which apparently he has had issues with people trespassing since the event. He went on to tell me more about what happened in the time since which was nothing short of mind blowing.

Despite heavy damage, he attributed the survival of the house to the copper that was fastened to the roof with large nails and kept it from being ripped off. Both he and his girlfriend (who had also arrived by now) sought safety in the cellar. He noted that moments before closing the door, he saw a large drum style tank ascend vertically.

He also mentioned about a vintage pedal car ending up in his yard yet no one knows where it came from. I knew what he was talking about for I remembered seeing and even managing to document it in a picture that has not been seen till now. He also spoke of small debris that flew through the house including a piece of straw that embedded itself in the upper corner of a room near the ceiling. A distant shredded tree line to the west was littered with rubble from other properties downstream that were hit shortly after the tornado first touched down roughly three miles away.

Remember when I alluded to other chasers 'safely' observing the tornado? Turns out down at the building where they were parked which is a bowling alley, a large projectile fell from the sky, punched through the roof and embedded itself in one of the lanes. He didn't remember what it was exactly but the thought that were it to have shifted a short distance and land on an unsuspecting vehicle was chilling. People are welcome to their opinions but ultimately, no one was exactly 'safe'. I have maximum respect for those who were there and know how this tornado behaved for there were no "adrenaline junkies" or other dumb labels present, just people who stumbled upon an unexpectedly intense intercept.

The opportunity to talk to Glenn and his girlfriend helped me have some closure. I asked how they were doing psychologically and it affected them almost identically as did me. He had difficulty sleeping for weeks and it took awhile for that terrible hell sound to ebb from his consciousness. I shared my experience and they appreciated that someone else understood. I had the audio on my phone and asked if they wanted to hear it. They said yes and their reaction along with the noticeable goosebumps as though they were living it over again is something I will never forget. Since I was unable to get his information that night, before parting ways I asked if they wanted video and pictures to which they also said yes. Throughout our talk, an exceptionally friendly outdoor cat milled about our feet. He told me that it rode out the tornado from somewhere on the property and upon discovery, its fur was soaked and matted with mud. We can only imagine what it may have witnessed.

Heavy Rain / Flooding

2013-04-19T00:30:00.001-07:00

A massive, slow moving squall line in advance of a frontal system came through around 7:00 AM CDT. Though relatively tame upon passage, it was expected to intensify further east but never really did. The copious amounts of heavy rainfall that fell throughout the day resulted in a flash flood situation affecting nearly the entire Midwest. The passage of the front has brought the rain to an end but for area residents who are dealing with flooding woes, a forecast high around 25° cooler than 24 hours ago is hardly the ideal clean up weather.

Overnight Severe

2013-04-16T06:59:00.000-07:00

A particularly strong storm as part of a nocturnal MCS developed after midnight and ran straight over my location with nickel sized hail and intense cloud to ground lightning.

c/o RadarScope

ISO 100, F8.0, 6 sec.

Much later as the complex departed... (ISO 400, F7.1, 13 sec.)

April 10th Storms

2013-04-14T09:34:00.001-07:00

A stalled frontal boundary draped across the state last week brought periodic showers and storms. Wednesday was the day of greatest interest as the parent system out west lifted across the area and put us in a slight risk for severe weather. A morning outflow boundary would drop through and make conditions less favorable for storm development or so we thought as a tornado warned cell would form across EC IL with a secondary round of storms after the outflow passage. The day would end up being cloudy, cool, showery and overall stable. I was out with the secondary round and chose to stay up this way instead of drop SE with the boundary and thus, missed the tornado warned storm. Afternoon development just to the S of the warm front which had nudged its way down to I-72 would however, produce a remarkable storm with jaw dropping structure from inside Christian County. Heavy rains through the overnight with the cold front passage effectively put any drought concern to rest.

Morning outflow from earlier storms up N.

Approaching hail core from the secondary round that produced 1/2" to 3/8" stones at my location.

Much later from just S of I-72 and watching turbulence along the boundary.

Attention quickly turned to activity approaching from the SW that was generating a significant velocity return.

(c/o RadarScope)

Yes please...

180° panoramas featuring the unbelievable dual tail cloud formations.

Continuing from behind, upstream development including rapid scud ascension along with noticeable (albeit disorganized) rotation. The storm would go severe but I would let it go for lacking fuel and needing to get back home.

Extremely heavy drought busting rains through the overnight.

(c/o RadarScope)

From Saturday evening, at the same time last year, this portion of Lake Decatur was dry.

Monday Night Surprises

2013-04-09T02:07:00.000-07:00

Arriving home at 8:25 PM and unaware of the flyby time, I happened to look up and the International Space Station was cruising by. My gear was in hand so I was able to pop off a quick shot before it was gone.

Around 1 AM, an extremely small storm with surprisingly intense lightning lifted out of the south.

Griswold Conservation Area / Lightning / Misc.

2013-04-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday was the picture perfect spring day so I took Ava down to the Griswold Conservation Area located outside of Blue Mound Illinois. It is park built around a glacial kame that was deposited during the last ice age. I figured she would enjoy the steep walk to the top. Upon reaching the observation overlook, I noticed a family of distant dust devils to the WSW. They were easily over 1 mile away but the zoom lens at 300mm plus our elevated vantage made for an interesting composition. Later, as we explored a wooded area at the bottom, she spotted a bat just "hanging out".

A weak line of showers and storms came through early this morning.

and finally, on Friday it was decided to scrap my 94' GMC Jimmy. It had sat idle all winter with the intent of being fixed once the weather warmed up. What was thought to be a electrical issue after extensive tinkering was determined to be a fuel system problem. For what it would cost to fix this along with everything else that was wrong did not justify the investment. Parting ways when I wanted to get a few more months out of it so as to save up on a down payment was not in the plan for this season. In the short term I have transportation for work but not sure what I will do long term. Ten years and over 200k miles, I definitely got my money out of it though. It was the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned and I am certainly going to miss "The James".

April Showers

2013-04-07T07:30:00.001-07:00

later during an overnight frontal passage...

Pan-STARRS vs. Andromeda

2013-04-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

Though the comet is waning in intensity as it slips away from the sun, it is pairing up with the M31 galaxy for a unique conjunction in early April. I don't exactly have proper equipment for viewing or photography but figured I would give a try on capturing the two entities. More information including better images can found at SpaceWeather.com.

Easter Showers

2013-04-01T06:49:00.003-07:00

Hope everyone had a nice holiday! It was mild for the better part of the day but a weak evening cold front would bring the true spring-like temperatures to an end. Having time to mess around, I took a short drive so to kick around with a few ideas.

Per the above, smallest 'cell' yet!

Palm Sunday Snowstorm

2013-03-26T04:44:00.002-07:00

Unsure of what to expect with the passing of this latest system that has been deemed historic on a number of levels, wispy leading edge cirrus as precursor to the arrival caught my attention Saturday evening.

Thinking that high altitude cirrus might kick off a lunar halo per the above, I went on a 'barn tour' late Saturday night. Though no atmospheric optics would manifest, moonlight filtering through the cloud layer coupled with areas of activity made for a few interesting visuals or so I thought at least.

Not satisfied with the previous barn, I dropped down to a familiar site in Shelby county where I was treated to the welcome spring sound of cricket frogs along with the well timed passage of a small arcus cloud lifting from the south.

c/o RadarScope

Early Sunday morning the snow began to fill in and by lunchtime was coming down in earnest. Thunder was reported through the afternoon though I never heard it for myself as I was out doing errands before roads got too bad.

Unofficial measuring device with storm total accumulation at my location being 12".

Of all that there was to see on Monday once the storm had cleared, what captured my attention most was that which was deposited by the wind on the south facing top floor balconies.

"Anyone seen Spring?"

More from this event including regional snowfall totals c/o the NWS can be found HERE.

Comet Pan-STARRS III

2013-03-22T23:28:00.000-07:00

Taking advantage of another clear evening that seems to be just as rare as any measure of spring warmth right now, I stepped out at dusk on Wednesday despite the brutal cold and wind which gusted at times to 25 MPH. It is not easy to spot both for being dim as well as small and only until background sky becomes dark enough does it become apparent.

Time lapse at the end has some flickering which likely had to do with the wind despite my best attempt at anchoring the camera.

On Thursday, skies were clear again only this time without any wind at all so I headed up to the marina at Clinton Lake to try for a different foreground idea. The shoreline is 1 kilometer away or roughly .60 of a mile. I hope to do more from this location with time.

16 minute stack.

This should help give perspective on why the comet is so hard to find with the naked eye. Follow the dock to the little fuzzball on the horizon. Hindsight being what it is, I wish I would have had the sense to tilt for a vertical shot with the 300mm as the lake was so calm that the comet reflection could be seen!

Comet Pan-STARRS Attempt II

2013-03-20T01:52:00.001-07:00

FINALLY got some clear skies and time to try for this elusive little ice ball. Despite the hype it is not exactly a naked eye entity. Knowing the approximate region for where it should be towards the WNW, it was only after making a test shot that I was able to determine the exact location. From there it wasn't difficult to photograph though I never actually saw it for myself. Utilizing the 300mm, I am satisfied with this first comet since unsuccessfully trying to get McNaught on a digicam back in 2007 (lol). I should however, have given myself ample time to find more suitable foreground subject. Weather permitting I may try again but this ridiculous chill that wants to hang on despite being the vernal equinox makes for less than ideal shooting conditions.

Right around the 8 o'clock hour is when it seemed most apparent. Due to the earth's rotation, it does not take long to drop to the horizon. As it does, it loses clarity due to earth curve atmospheric interference. The farm is a little over a mile away and was the best I could do given what was available. Annoying as the light is, it helps for night focusing. I'll spot autofocus on a distant light such as this, flip it to manual once it does, check, then reposition camera if need be. Started out at 800 ISO, F 4.0, 15s

Then went 1600 ISO, 13s

Ideal foreground but now too late, still pleased though.

March Miscellaneous / Plasma Ball

2013-03-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

With comet Pan-STARRS still out there as well as an intense aurora display having come to pass, it would figure that Illinois is socked in with clouds as usual. Not wanting to let the day go to waste, here are few recent items of note as I simultaneously clean up my cluttered desktop.

Average sunrise from the 9th captured through the 10-24 has me hopeful for future events.

Tried working static through multiple contacts to flint on the 12th.

Another little NW flow disturbance dug through the region on the 14th producing virga with some light snow actually making it to the surface but not much.

Affixing a Swiss ball bearing to the doorknob using a small droplet of hand sanitizer to keep it in place...

Static vs. Flint vs. Swiss Bearing vs. Self Portrait!

Slowly getting caught up with my SmugMug website, I have created a Designated Gallery with notes for all of this static electricity stuff.

and finally, just for fun last night, I tried getting Ava's finger against a plasma ball in macro. In the first and only good shot, she's holding a CFL that reacts when placed near the device.

Later, I placed a paper clip on the surface and positioned my finger close to see what would happen. A continuous discharge would occur when I came within 1mm of the surface. It was pretty wild looking and very bright!

Wanting to step it up, I switched out for a screw. I was also beginning to catch the occasional whiff of burnt hair though I didn't really feel anything.

and that would explain the burnt smell! :)

Comet Pan-STARRS Attempt I

2013-03-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

With the first clear evening in Macon County Illinois since this entity has become visible in our part of the Northern Hemisphere, I stepped out at dusk to try catch a comet. It would be easier said than done though for unbeknownst to me at the time, it is not exactly visible to the naked eye. Straining to pick it out, I never saw it till later review at which point I also realized that my camera settings were too fast. I did however per my last shot while simply messing with the new lens discover that in fact I did get the comet! I would also find a rouge meteor that I never saw either. It will be around for several more nights so hopefully the weather will cooperate for getting it right.

Just the moon.

My biggest mistake was a lack of patience and not waiting till skies were much darker wherefore it would become more apparent as it drops towards the horizon.

I'll still take a meteor in frame! The comet is the small white dot about 2/3rd's down between the moon and the lights on the lower right horizon.

More on this event including better pictures can be found at SpaceWeather.com.

Scush Bomb

2013-03-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

A series of small disturbances dropping in from the NW along a lobe spiraling away from the parent system up towards the Great Lakes region dotted the area with widespread rain/snow showers Tuesday afternoon. Among the strongest of these disturbances, one cruised through our area bearing quasi-thunderstorm characteristic including some extremely ominous features on the SW flank. With no better description than as "scud bomb", upon passage the heavy precipitation was a mix of rain and snow that splatted against the window like "slush bombs" hence the post title Scush Bomb. The starting image is my first full 180 degree panorama stretching from west to east. Upon completion of the necessary shots and seeing what was upstream, it's easy to see why I repositioned for a better look.

Brief time lapse clip.

Screen shot shortly after the above and heading back to town. It did not seem like much on radar yet was enough to leave a messy dusting. (c/o RadarScope)

Dropping further S, a separate smaller end cell departing.

As said on a Facebook post, I like these vigorous little late winter northwest flow diurnally enhanced events because you never know what you'll get.

Static vs. Ultraviolet Light

2013-03-06T15:33:00.001-08:00

I was teaching my daughter about phosphorescence and chemiluminescence the other day when it occurred to me to apply a blacklight to the static exercises I have been doing. Initially I sought to use a liquid that would react and thus render the effect of a glowing droplet in motion. After experimenting with a few materials, I settled on an industrial strength cleaner with chemiluminescent properties. Unfortunately this wouldn't work though for just as soon as I approached the setup, the droplet would fall on its own due to my charge imbalance drawing electrons from surrounding sources. After numerous attempts without success, I determined that the light reaction was also generating an opposite charge within the fluid that was enough to attract the invisible charge that was ascending from the doorknob into the needle and thus pull the droplet off the needle. I never had to make contact with the needle but simply come near for the action to occur like magic.

After giving up, I resorted to the simple flint particle technique.

Introducing the water droplet technique (which is also more cooperative than other fluids since it doesn't react to the light), another observation of note was that the static filament lost it's blue coloration and took on more of a pinkish white. Bouncing between 800 and 1600 ISO is why some are darker and lighter.

The droplet beat the filament (probably due to opposite charge prematurely drawing it off the needle) thus rendering a cool effect as it travels horizontally across moisture.

Static and water droplet only this time I funneled particles directly on to the droplet.

and finally, four frame stack of static and flint.