Valerio Minato, a photographer from Turin, Italy, captured a photo of the moon perfectly aligned with the Basilica of Superga’s dome and the tip of Monte Viso, the highest mountain in the Cottian Alps. The photo was taken on December 15, 2023 at 6:52 PM and was selected as NASA’s “Astronomy Picture of the Day” for Christmas 2023

Minato has been studying the process of capturing the moon since 2017. Some say that the photo is a one-in-a-million lunar alignment and that it took years of study, months of preparation, and a love for the job to create

The photographer from Italy’s Turin, Valerio Minato, captured the extraordinary photo of the moon, which also earned him. In the image, the moon is perfectly aligned with the peak of Monviso, the highest mountain in the Cottian Alps, and the Basilica of Superga’s dome, which is situated near Turin

Taking a good photo of the moon can be tricky, but it doesn’t require a telescope. Here are some tips for capturing the moon: 

• Use manual mode 
• Set the aperture to f/11 or f/16 
• Set the shutter speed to at least 1/15 second 
• Set the focus to infinity 
• Use Spot metering 
• Use a low ISO 
• Use the mirror lock-up feature to reduce camera shake 
• Underexpose slightly to prevent bright details burning out 

You can also try these settings: 

• Digital Camera World Set the ISO to 400, the aperture to f/2.8, and open the shutter for 1–4 seconds 
• MasterClass Set the exposure time to 1/250th of a second, the aperture to f/11, and the ISO to 100 or 200 
• 42West Use the base ISO of your camera, and make sure the shutter speed is at least 1/125 seconds 
• Royal Museums Greenwich Use a low ISO setting, and shutter speeds of 1/30th of a second

Yes, it can be hard to photograph the moon. Here are some reasons why: 

• Distance The moon is very far away, even on nights when it appears close. 
• Dark sky The combination of a bright moon and a dark night sky can make it difficult to capture the moon. 
• Camera limitations Cameras have smaller sensors than the human eye and need longer exposure times to capture low-light scenes. 
• Automatic exposure Phone cameras’ automatic exposure settings can adjust to the dark sky, making the moon appear overexposed. 
• Moon’s size The moon’s small size in the frame can make it difficult for phone cameras to capture fine details. 

To get a detailed close-up of the moon, you’ll need a long super telephoto lens or a telescope attached to a high-resolution digital camera. For good detail, you’ll need a telephoto lens of at least 500 to 600 mm.

You can use a mirrorless or DSLR camera with a zoom or super-telephoto lens to photograph the moon. Some cameras that are good for moon photography include: 

• Olympus OMD EM-5 Mark III 
• Nikon D7200 
• Nikon P900 
• Sony A7 III 
• Canon EOS R5 

You can also use a single lens reflex (SLR) camera and a 250 mm telephoto lens to take good images of the moon. For the best detail, you’ll need a telephoto lens of at least 500 to 600 mm and ideally a long focal length telescope

You can also use a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra or Galaxy S23 Ultra to take a close-up shot of the moon. To use the 100x Space Zoom feature, stabilize the phone, point it at the moon, and zoom in slowly until the moon is in the frame

Yes, mobile cameras can capture the moon. However, a smartphone’s camera may struggle to capture detailed pictures of the moon because of its limited sensor size and lens capabilities

Here are some tips for taking a photo of the moon with a smartphone: 

1. Open the camera app 
2. Point the phone camera towards the moon 
3. Zoom in to around 30 times 
4. Tap on the moon to focus 
5. Adjust the exposure slider higher to make the moon brighter 
6. Once the inbuilt stabilization has locked in, take the photo 

Some say that the Google Pixel 6 Pro is one of the best smartphones for astrophotography

Here are some apps that can help you take pictures of the moon: 

• ProCam X Available on Android, this app allows you to control and adjust multiple settings, including slowing down the shutter and reducing the ISO. 
• NightCap Camera This app is available on the App Store and includes modes and features for capturing moon images. Some say it’s easy to use, and you only need to set the ISO value and take the shot. 
• MoonCatcher This app is available on Google Play and has a zooming factor that’s larger than the original, so you can take close-up photos of the moon. 
• SkySafari This app is similar to SkyPortal and has a free version available. 
• PhotoPills This app is available on iPhone and can help you find the best time to shoot the moon. 
• Slow Shutter Cam This app is available on iPhone and can help you take better night photos with long exposure.

NightCap is considered one of the best apps for astrophotography using an iphone. It makes your phone work like a DSLR and can capture photos of other celestial objects including the stars, the International Space Station (ISS) etc

Since 2017, Minato meticulously studied the moon’s phases, horizon position, and even weather patterns to find the perfect moment

Imagine the cosmos conspiring to create a fleeting spectacle, visible only from a precise point and at a specific moment in time. This was the challenge Valerio Minato, an Italian photographer, embraced for six years, culminating in a breathtaking image that has captivated the world.

His obsession? Capturing the moon in perfect alignment with the dome of the Basilica of Superga near Turin, Italy, and the majestic peak of Monviso, the highest mountain in the Cottian Alps

His photo is a mesmerising testament to the power of passion and perseverance. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most breathtaking sights are worth the wait, the accurate calculations, and the unwavering determination to turn a celestial dream into photographic reality

Finally, on December 15th, just as the evening approached 7 pm, Minato’s persistence paid off. The sky cleared, and the moon ascended into the exact position he had anticipated for so long. With his camera ready, Minato seized the moment and captured a one-in-a-million

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