A Blood Moon Revealed: Stunning Details Through an IR-Converted Sony A7 III
This past September, the skies graced us with the awe-inspiring presence of a Blood Moon, and one astrophotographer managed to capture its intricate details like never before. Using a modified Sony A7 III camera, equipped with an IR conversion, and a powerful Sigma 60–600mm lens paired with a TC2001 teleconverter, the results are simply breathtaking.
The Technical Arsenal Behind the Image
The moon was captured using a Benro Polaris tracker, ensuring precise tracking during the exposure. The acquisition details are as follows:
- Camera: Sony A7 III (IR converted)
- Lens: Sigma 60–600mm
- Teleconverter: TC2001
- Tracker: Benro Polaris
- Exposure: 200 subs (f/13, 0.8s, ISO3200)
The Power of BiggSkyDecon
What truly elevates this image is the advanced processing. The 200 individual frames were stacked and then put through a deconvolution process using BiggSkyDecon, a promising new tool for astrophotographers. This technique helps to sharpen the image and reduce noise, bringing out finer lunar surface features. The final touches were then applied in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to perfect the color and contrast.
The astrophotographer expressed immense satisfaction with how BiggSkyDecon handled the deconvolution, hinting at its potential for enhancing future deep-sky and planetary imaging. This work not only showcases a stunning Blood Moon but also highlights the exciting advancements in astrophotography processing software.
