Sturgeon Full Moon: An Astrophotographer's Perspective

This past August 8th, 2025, the skies graced us with the awe-inspiring Sturgeon Full Moon. As an amateur astrophotographer, I was eager to capture this celestial event and share the process with fellow enthusiasts.

Capturing the Moon

The image below was captured using a Sony a6400 camera paired with a Sony E 70-350 f/4.5-6.3 G OSS lens. This setup provided the necessary zoom and clarity to bring the lunar surface into sharp focus.

The Processing Pipeline

To achieve this detailed shot, a rigorous processing pipeline was employed. I began by stacking approximately 1,600 individual photographs using the software PIPP (Planetary Imaging Pre-processor). This process helps to align and combine multiple images, significantly reducing noise and enhancing detail.

Following the stacking, final touches and color correction were meticulously applied in Adobe Lightroom. The goal was to bring out the subtle textures and nuances of the lunar surface, presenting a visually compelling representation of the Sturgeon Moon.

Sharing and Learning

I'm always striving to improve my astrophotography skills, and I welcome all feedback on this image. Sharing these moments with the community is a vital part of the learning journey, and I look forward to your insights and suggestions as I continue to explore the wonders of the night sky.