My 2nd Ever Attempt At A Mineral Moon: A Beginner's Astrophotography Journey
Back to articles

My 2nd Ever Attempt At A Mineral Moon: A Beginner's Astrophotography Journey

Astrophotography
September 8, 20253 min read
Cosmic Chronicles

Cosmic Chronicles

Space Science Writer

My 2nd Ever Attempt At A Mineral Moon

As a budding astrophotographer, every clear night is an opportunity to hone my skills and capture the wonders of the cosmos. This post showcases my second attempt at photographing the Moon, aiming for what's often referred to as a 'mineral moon' – a term that, while not scientifically standard for moon phases, often implies capturing subtle surface details and variations in lunar features.

The Gear Behind the Shot

For this endeavor, I utilized a Celestron Powerseeker 60AZ telescope, a popular choice for those starting out in amateur astronomy due to its accessibility and ease of use. The imaging device was my trusty iPhone 15, which has proven to be a surprisingly capable tool for lunar photography when paired with the right equipment.

My 2nd Ever Attempt At A Mineral Moon

Post-Processing with Adobe Lightroom

Capturing the image is only half the battle; bringing out the details requires careful post-processing. I relied on Adobe Lightroom to fine-tune the exposure, contrast, and sharpness, aiming to highlight the craters, maria, and other geological features that make our natural satellite so fascinating. The goal was to enhance the subtle variations in color and texture that can be present on the lunar surface.

Your Thoughts Welcome!

This is still very much a learning process for me, and I'm eager to hear your thoughts and feedback on this latest attempt. What do you think of the detail captured? Are there any specific areas of the Moon that I should focus on in future shots? Your insights are invaluable as I continue on this astrophotography journey. Please feel free to share your comments below!


Tags:

Astrophotography
Celestron
Moon Photography
iPhone Photography
Beginner Astrophotography
Lightroom Editing

Related Articles

NGC 6995 - A Veil Nebula Mosaic
Astrophotography
Jul 31, 2025

NGC 6995 - A Veil Nebula Mosaic

A stunning mosaic of the Veil Nebula, NGC 6995, is presented by an astrophotographer relearning their software workflow. This creation combines recent captures with older data, showcasing a meticulous process.

Cosmic ChroniclesCosmic Chronicles
Views - 00
M74, the Phantom Galaxy: A Glimpse into the Spiral Arms
Astrophotography
Aug 31, 2025

M74, the Phantom Galaxy: A Glimpse into the Spiral Arms

Explore Messier 74, also known as the Phantom Galaxy, a stunning grand design spiral galaxy. Discover its characteristics and the astrophotography details behind capturing its ethereal beauty.

Cosmic ChroniclesCosmic Chronicles
Views - 00
The Magic of Havasu Canyon: A Turquoise Paradise in the Grand Canyon
Astrophotography
Apr 16, 2025

The Magic of Havasu Canyon: A Turquoise Paradise in the Grand Canyon

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Havasu Canyon, a hidden gem within the Grand Canyon known for its vibrant turquoise waterfalls. This post delves into the experience of photographing this remote and magical location.

Cosmic ChroniclesCosmic Chronicles
Views - 00