The Mineral Moon in HDR: Unveiling Lunar Colors

Last night, I had the incredible opportunity to capture a breathtaking view of the Moon from my rooftop. What makes this image truly special is not just its detail and dynamic range, but the colors that hint at the Moon's underlying mineral composition.

More Than Just Grey: The Science Behind Lunar Colors

Many of us see the Moon as a monochromatic celestial body. However, this image is a testament to the subtle variations in its surface. The distinct colors you see are a direct result of the minerals present. Warmer tones, such as reds and oranges, are predominantly indicative of iron content, while the bluer regions suggest areas rich in titanium.

Capturing the Colors: A Multi-Image Approach

To achieve this detailed and color-rich representation, I employed a sophisticated technique combining three separate images, all captured with the same equipment on the same night:

• Color Image: This provided the foundational color information.
• Detail Image: Optimized for capturing fine surface features and sharpness.
• HDR Image: Focused on managing the extreme contrast between the sunlit and shadowed regions of the Moon.

By merging these three images in post-processing, I was able to create a final composite that showcases both the intricate details and the vibrant mineral palette of the lunar surface.

The Gear and the Process

• GEAR: Canon EOS600D, WO Z61ii telescope, Star Adventurer 2i mount
• SETTINGS: ISO 100 for all exposures. Shutter speeds varied: 0.6s for glow, 1/500s for normal detail, and 1/125s for video frames used in HDR.
• ACQUISITION: Stacked 100 photos for detail and color, and approximately 680 video frames were used for the HDR exposure (which was a single exposure).
• PROCESSING: Stacking, sharpening, and initial preprocessing were done using SIRIL. The final composition, including merging the HDR elements, was performed in GIMP. It's worth noting that the mineral colors were specifically enhanced in the detail image using an HSL Color Overlay.

I hope you enjoy this glimpse into the mineral-rich tapestry of our closest celestial neighbor!