A breathtaking celestial event was captured by photographer Martin Giraud, showcasing the majestic Wolf Moon rising over the iconic Paris skyline. This stunning composite image, taken on January 3rd, showcases the moon's journey across the horizon, its disk illuminated by the atmospheric phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering, giving it an enchanting orange-yellow hue.
The Nikon Z8, a powerhouse camera, was used to capture this extraordinary moment. With its full-frame 45.7MP sensor, 8K video capabilities, and exceptional low-light performance, it's no wonder this camera is rated as the best overall. Giraud's skill and the camera's prowess combined to create a truly remarkable image.
"The Wolf Moon, a name derived from the howls of predators in winter, occurred near perigee, resulting in an impressive supermoon. This supermoon, up to 14% larger than the smallest moon of the year, is a sight to behold," Giraud explained.
Giraud's planning and perseverance paid off. Despite the cold and snow, he ventured out, guided by his app's prediction of a clear sky. His composite shot, a masterpiece of astrophotography, showcases the moon's subtle warping near the horizon and the dark lunar maria, ancient lava flows that once filled impact basins billions of years ago.
"This image was captured using a Canon 6D with a Samyang telephoto lens, set to an ISO of 100. The Eiffel Tower, 6.3 km away, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, 11.1 km away, are both visible, giving the moon its prominent presence in the frame," Giraud added.
If this inspires you to try astrophotography, we've got you covered. Check out our guide on how to photograph Earth's moon, along with our recommendations for the best cameras and lenses to capture the night sky's majesty.
And remember, if you capture a stunning image of the moon, share it with us at spacephotos@space.com, and we'll share it with our readers!
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