Sturgeon Moon 2025: A Backyard Triumph from Houston
This August 9th, 2025, the night sky graced us with the presence of the Sturgeon Moon, and from my backyard in Houston, Texas, I managed to capture its full glory.
This wasn't just a simple snapshot; it was a carefully orchestrated effort involving some truly impressive gear and a multi-stage processing workflow.
The Gear Behind the Shot:
- Camera: Nikon Z8
- Telescope: Takahashi TSA-120
The Capture and Processing Workflow:
Achieving this level of detail and clarity requires more than just pointing and shooting. Here's a breakdown of how this image came to life:
- Acquisition: RAW files were captured using the Nikon Z8 and Takahashi TSA-120.
- Pre-processing: Each RAW frame was meticulously ranked for quality using PIPP. I then hand-picked 44 of the best frames, a crucial step for maximizing detail.
- Initial Processing: The selected frames were pre-processed in Nikon NX Studio, ensuring optimal starting conditions.
- Stacking: For incredible detail and noise reduction, the frames were stacked using Photoshop.
- Final Touches: Photoshop was also used for the final adjustments and enhancements.
- Animation: To bring the lunar surface to life, I created an animation using Adobe After Effects.
It's moments like these that truly highlight the dedication and skill involved in modern astrophotography. I'm thrilled to share this capture of the Sturgeon Moon with you all!
