Witnessing the Cosmic Spectacle: A Stunning Total Lunar Eclipse Captured
The night sky often holds wonders that ignite our curiosity and awe. This past lunar eclipse was no exception, and one astrophotographer has shared a truly remarkable capture that offers an unprecedented look at this celestial dance.
A Journey Through the Eclipse
This incredible image was captured during a public event held at Kusza Observatory in Terengganu, near Unisza. Despite initial cloudy conditions, the skies cleared just in time to reveal the full glory of the lunar eclipse. The experience was profound, with the moon transforming into a much darker, more subdued spectacle compared to its usual bright full moon appearance.
This was the photographer's first time capturing a lunar eclipse, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. The detail in the image is a testament to careful planning and execution, achieved by stitching together four panels to account for the extreme zoom.
Behind the Lens: Equipment and Acquisition
Creating such a detailed image requires a specific set of tools and precise acquisition settings. Here's a look at what went into this stellar capture:
Equipment:
- Skywatcher Flextube 200p
- ZWO ASI585MC
- Svbony UV/IR Cut Filter
Acquisition Details:
- Gain: 600 (100%)
- Exposure: 22.91ms
Crafting the Image: Processing Workflow
The raw data captured is just the beginning. A meticulous processing workflow is essential to bring out the full detail and beauty of the celestial subject. The software used for this image includes:
- PIPP
- Autostackert!4
- imppg
- Microsoft ICE
- Adobe Photoshop
This combination of tools allowed for stacking, alignment, and final enhancements to produce a truly awe-inspiring photograph.
A Glimpse into the Process
For those interested in the behind-the-scenes of this captivating capture, a BTS and RAW video is available .
This lunar eclipse serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty and dynamism of our universe, and the incredible dedication of those who capture and share these moments with us.
