Lunar
The Moon (32% Illumination)
The Moon photographed by amateur astrophotographer Pete Lawrence: Earth's only natural satellite, 240,000 miles away and 4.51 billion years old.
Target details
The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite and one of the largest moons in the Solar System. It orbits about 240,000 miles away on average – just over one light-second. It formed around 4.51 billion years ago, not long after Earth, most likely from debris thrown out when a Mars-sized body called Theia crashed into the young Earth. The Moon always keeps the same face towards us, and that near side is a patchwork of dark volcanic plains, the maria, between bright ancient highlands and sharp impact craters.
Capture details
Data captured 30th May, 2017.
550x 1/250 second exposures at ISO400.
Equipment details
Skywatcher Quattro 200 CF
NEQ6 Pro
Canon 40d (IR Filter removed)
Processing details
This image was processed in Pixinsight & Lightroom.
Quick facts
- What is The Moon?
- The Moon is Earth's only natural satellite and one of the largest moons in the Solar System. It orbits about 240,000 miles away on average – just over one light-second.
- When was this photo taken?
- 30 May 2017
- What equipment was used?
- Skywatcher Quattro 200 CF, NEQ6 Pro, Canon 40d (IR Filter removed)
- Where was it taken from?
- Lisburn, Northern Ireland.