A Glimpse of the Half Moon from Brazil

The Journey to Capture Lunar Beauty

This stunning image showcases our Moon in what is commonly referred to as a half-moon phase. Captured from the southern hemisphere in Brazil, this photograph is the result of dedicated effort and a passion for the cosmos.

The Gear Behind the Shot

The astrophotographer utilized a homemade 130mm f5 telescope for the primary capture, paired with a modified Canon t2i camera. To ensure steady tracking of the Moon's movement, a Celestron logic drive motor was employed for right ascension.

Processing the Celestial Canvas

The final image is a composite of 292 individual photos, meticulously aligned and stacked using the powerful software Siril. Further enhancements and color corrections were then applied in Adobe Lightroom, bringing out the intricate details of the lunar surface.

Understanding Lunar Phases

While this image depicts a half-illuminated Moon, there's often a discussion about the precise terminology for lunar phases. Some consider a 'crescent' to be a smaller portion than what is shown here, perhaps around a quarter illumination. Regardless of the specific nomenclature – whether half moon, gibbous crescent, or waning gibbous – each phase offers a unique and captivating perspective of our nearest celestial neighbor.