The Impossible Shadow: A Lunar Anomaly from La Palma
Last October, a trip to the stunning island of La Palma offered a truly unique astronomical spectacle. While capturing a panorama of the Milky Way arch, a peculiar phenomenon occurred: the moon, at a waxing gibbous phase of 22%, aligned itself remarkably close to the galactic core. This celestial dance resulted in an effect that, at first glance, appears to defy logic – an impossible shadow cast by the moon.
Capturing the Cosmos
The ultra-wide projection used for the panorama created a fascinating optical illusion. The moon's proximity to the expansive galactic view distorted its apparent position, leading to the seemingly out-of-place shadow. It's a reminder of how perspective and lens choices can dramatically influence our perception of the universe.
While I can't recall the exact number of panels used for this shot (let's just say I might have overdone it with the bracketing!), the result is undeniably worth the effort. The sheer detail and the surreal nature of the moon's shadow make this one of my most cherished captures.
Technical Details:
- Camera: Sony A7III
- Lens: Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM
- EXIF: 13 seconds, f/1.4, ISO 1600
Behold the Image:
This image serves as a beautiful testament to the wonders that await us when we venture out to observe the night sky, especially from locations renowned for their dark and clear conditions like La Palma. The unexpected shadow adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already awe-inspiring scene. It truly is a reminder that the universe is full of surprises!
