October 27, 2004

The Moon by Day

Image Credit: HJP Arnold

The Moon by Day Some people never notice that the Moon is visible during the day, but it often is. Because the Earth's atmosphere is so bright and blue (from sunlight scattered by aerosol particles) the daytime Moon is also blue and exhibits little contrast. But as these images demonstrate, relatively good pictures can be obtained during the day. The first image was taken in daylight with a normal digital camera attached to a telescope. Image B was taken immediately afterward with the same equipment but using the B & W mode. It was originally of low contrast (insert) but was enhanced using Photoshop so that it resembles a night time shot such as Image C. There is considerable detail in Image B, including Aristarchus, Grimaldi, Gassendi, Schickard and many smaller craters. Arnold commented, A record obtained under optimum circumstances will always be superior to one secured under less favourable conditions and subsequently improved. But it would be interesting to experiment with day time imaging to see how much can be captured in closeup images - a good project for the last two weeks of a lunation! — Chuck Wood Technical Details: Image A: Sept. 9, 2004. A color digital image recorded by a Nikon D1 camera attached to a Starfire f/9 178mm refractor. The sensor was rated at the equivalent of ISO200 and the exposure was 1/350th second. Image B: Slightly later in BxW mode; enhanced with Photoshop levels, curves and unsharp masking functions. Image: Taken at night on a different date. Related Links: Photon Magazine with complete article Books by HJP Arnold Yesterday's LPOD: Eclipse Preview Tomorrow's LPOD: Britannic Moon

Author & Editor: Charles A. Wood

 

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