July 11, 2009

Moon Catching

image by André Gonçalves

It is not an Olympic sport yet, but Moon catching is being attempted more and more frequently around the world. It is really a one person activity - two if the you count the photographer required for documentation, but a timer removes even the hint of unfair collaboration. Recording personal best efforts allow improvement over time. It is widely recommended that beginners start with the full Moon which is larger and easier to hang on to. A suitable progression in skill can be achieved by working on catching gibbous Moons, and then moving to the more challenging crescents. The ultimate, of course, is catching the new Moon; although a few advanced competitors have claimed success, so far they have failed to provide convincing documentation.

Chuck Wood

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