A Glimpse into Lunar Geology: HDR Moon Photography

This breathtaking image captures the Moon in its 40% phase, showcasing a unique perspective on its surface composition through the art of High Dynamic Range (HDR) astrophotography.

Unveiling the Moon's Colors

The vibrant colors in this photograph are not mere artistic license; they are a direct interpretation of the Moon's mineral makeup. Areas glowing with warm orange hues signify regions rich in iron oxide, while the striking blue tones highlight basalts containing significant amounts of titanium. This enhancement was achieved by carefully increasing the saturation, effectively emphasizing the geological contrasts that often go unnoticed.

The HDR Advantage

To bring out the finer details, both in the brightly lit and shadowed areas of the lunar surface, the HDR method was employed. This technique involves stacking multiple exposures, each captured with different settings. By combining these exposures, a wider range of light and shadow detail is preserved, allowing for a more complete and textured representation of the Moon's terrain.

Observed Optical Phenomena

Eagle-eyed viewers might notice some fascinating optical phenomena captured within the image. The subtle rainbow halo surrounding the Moon is a result of dispersion, where different wavelengths of light are refracted at slightly different angles. Additionally, the distinctive diffraction rays are a testament to the construction of the Newtonian telescope used for this capture, caused by the light waves bending around the secondary mirror supports.

The Gear Behind the Image

This remarkable shot was made possible with the following equipment:

• Camera: Sony a7s ii
• Telescope: GSO 150/750 telescope
• Mount: Arsenal EQ5 mount
• Accessory: Barlow 2x lens