-A Closer And Keener Look To Satisfy Our Curiosity
I have always felt that when making celestial observations, it is always
better to respect one’s traditions, people’s cultural beliefs associated
with the moon. Since ages, man’s life has been intimately connected with
the Moon and their lives too are woven around it, in whatever form they
are. In fact, the earth’s satellite is represented sometimes as a male
deity or female goddess in different cultures.
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| Image credit : Kantharaj |
There has been more curiosity, scrutiny and observations of the Moon after
man set his first footsteps on it. In fact, people are more intrigued and
so continue to observe and look for different details
that are visible through different kinds of telescope. Some very minute
and small dimension features are visible but the atmospheric conditions
should be pretty good for such studies.
The moon’s surface can be widely seen covered with mountains and crater
chains. Well, one feels very surprised to see many other small ridges,
ranges, riverine like structures, serrations, small craters, etc and that one has discovered some new thing.
Each night, the moon is seen with a different view. In fact, there are 8
different phases of the moon - new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter,
waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter and
waning crescent. Although we see different shapes of the moon, however,
sometimes we are not able to see anything.
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| Lunar far side |
So, with the moon’s appearance changing throughout the month, isn’t it
fascinating to watch its waxing and waning every month? We cannot see the
moon when it is a new moon but we can see it when it is
completely illuminated during the full moon.
Since the moon’s rotation is tidally locked by earth’s gravity, we get to
see the ‘same lunar side’ that faces our planet. So, depending on the
position of the moon in its orbit, we see this side variously lit
by the sun – from zero to 100%. Not missing these characteristics of our
Moon at different times, one should prepare to observe it through a
telescope and then try to capture it on your cameras.
Now learning how to photograph the moon is one of the greatest joys of a
photographer's journey in learning, says Kantharaj of ISRO. For centuries,
the moon has captivated people, given direction and
provided hours and hours of enjoyment and wonderment. Being the
brightest object in the night sky, it's something photographers of all
levels can shoot.
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| Image credit : Kantharaj |
He adds, “If in your previous attempts to photograph the Moon, it came out
too small or looked like a plain white spot, don’t get frustrated! Every
photographer has to go through similar difficulties when
shooting the moon for the first time. This sub-genre of astrophotography
can be very challenging and frustrating. Shooting the moon can be amazing,
especially if you are willing to experiment with
different shooting techniques.”
Now how to capture the images of the Moon? Use a long focal length lens
(> 200mm), then set the camera to ISO to the lowest, the camera allows.
Find the sweet spot for sharpness by setting the aperture f/11 to f/16,
then choose the shutter speed. Shutter speed around 1/60th to 1/125th and
then set the focus manually to infinity.
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| Image Credit: Nasa |
Another tip - it is better to capture the moon either a day before the
full moon or the next day. Go for phases when you see a line (called as
the terminator line) between the dark and light sides. This will
enable you to see which is when the craters on the moon throw shadows
especially near the south pole.
It is always better to mount your camera on a tripod. So, therefore,
fellow enthusiasts continue your quest to study and picturize the moon to
your heart’s content. Shoot for the Moon, said Les Brown and even if you
miss it, you will land among the stars…..
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