August Full Moon: A Celestial Spectacle and Astrophotography Triumph
The August Full Moon, affectionately known as the Sturgeon Moon, graces our skies with its presence. This name originates from the abundance of sturgeon fish found in the Great Lakes of North America during this time of year, a testament to the deep connection between celestial events and the natural world.
For many, the full moon is a familiar sight, but for dedicated astrophotographers, it presents a unique opportunity to capture its intricate details. This post chronicles one such endeavor, a successful attempt at capturing a "Mineral Moon" – a term often used to describe detailed lunar imaging.
The Inspiration Strikes
Following an Astronomy Club's Super Star Party at Lake Metroparks Penitentiary Glen Reservation, where the full moon was a prominent subject of viewing, the urge to capture it with a camera was irresistible. The initial attempt involved a DSLR with a telephoto lens in a driveway. However, the pursuit of superior quality led to utilizing a more specialized astrophotography rig at Starfront in Texas.
The Rig and the Result
The dedicated astrophotography setup proved to be the perfect choice. The field of view (FOV) was deemed ideal, allowing for the capture of stunning detail. Two one-minute videos were recorded, one each for LRGB (Luminance, Red, Green, Blue) channels. The night's conditions were favorable, with excellent seeing and perfect tracking from the equipment.
Equipment Used:
- Telescope: Stellarvue SVX102T with Flattener
- Camera: ZWO ASI533MM
- Mount: ZWO AM5
- Focusing: ZWO EAF
- Filter Wheel: ZWO EFW
- Filters: Chroma L, R, G, B
Software and Processing:
- Acquisition: Sharpcap
- Processing/Stacking/Editing: PIPP, Autostakkert, Photoshop
This combination of advanced equipment and meticulous processing techniques allowed for the creation of a detailed and beautiful image of the August Full Moon, a true testament to the dedication and passion of astrophotographers.
