The Moon (95% 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 19th April, 2016.
500x 1/500 second exposures at ISO100.

Equipment details

Orion Europa 200
NEQ6 Pro
Nikon d7100

Processing details

This image was processed in Pixinsight & Lightroom.