The Moon Through My Minox 20X25 Binoculars

It's always exciting to share a glimpse of the cosmos, and today I'm thrilled to present this image of the Moon, captured using an unexpectedly simple setup!

The Gear

Many ask about the equipment used for such shots. For this particular image, the primary optical instrument was a pair of Minox 20x25 binoculars. This compact and powerful pair provided a surprisingly detailed view of the lunar surface.

The Technique

The question often arises: "Did you use a phone or a dedicated photo rig?" In this case, it was a combination of the binoculars and a smartphone. The method was rather straightforward, though it required a steady hand and a bit of patience. I had to carefully position the binoculars to point directly at the Moon. To keep them stable, I rested them on a surface. Then, the challenge was to align the smartphone camera with the eyepiece of the binoculars. This "afocal" method, while basic, allowed me to capture the magnified view the binoculars offered.

The Results

While not a professional astrophotography setup, the results speak for themselves. Even with such accessible equipment, we can begin to explore the wonders of our celestial closest neighbor. The craters and maria of the Moon are clearly visible, offering a fascinating perspective.

It's a testament to the accessibility of amateur astronomy and astrophotography that even basic equipment can yield such rewarding images. Keep looking up!