The Moon at 28%: A Detailed Astrophotographic Capture
This blog post showcases a remarkable image of the Moon, captured at approximately 28% illumination. The image is a testament to the power of dedicated equipment and careful processing in revealing the intricate details of our celestial neighbor.
Imaging Equipment and Technique
The capture was made using a formidable setup: a Nikon Z7 II camera paired with a Takahashi TSA-120 telescope. To achieve the desired magnification and detail, a Vernonscope Dakin 2.4x barlow lens was employed. The entire system was precisely tracked on a ZWO AM5 mount, ensuring sharp, clear images even with longer exposures.
Two distinct shots were taken to optimize for different aspects of the lunar surface:
- Shot 1: Captured at ISO 400 with a shutter speed of 1/30s. This exposure is ideal for preserving detail in the brighter, sunlit regions of the Moon.
- Shot 2: Taken at ISO 5000 with a shutter speed of 2.5s. This longer, higher ISO exposure allows for the capture of finer, subtle features and nuances in the shadowed areas and terminator.
Processing and Composite
The magic truly happens in post-processing. Both captured frames were meticulously processed and blended in Adobe Photoshop. This blending technique is crucial for creating a final image that showcases the best of both exposures – retaining the crisp detail from the shorter exposure while incorporating the subtle nuances from the longer one. Notably, no noise reduction was applied, allowing the natural texture of the lunar surface to shine through.
The Image
This image provides a fascinating perspective on the Moon during its waxing crescent phase. The sharp terminator, the line between light and shadow, highlights the dramatic topography of craters and mountains, with many features still cloaked in darkness, hinting at the mysteries yet to be revealed by the advancing sunlight.
Such detailed lunar imaging requires not only excellent equipment but also a deep understanding of camera settings and processing workflows. The result is a captivating view of our nearest cosmic companion.
