Crescent Moon, Earthshine and Jupiter Observed from Lisbon

May 08, 2012

Crescent Moon, Earthshine and Jupiter Observed from Lisbon

Photographer
: Miguel Claro; Miguel's Web site 
Summary Author: Miguel Claro; Jim Foster 

Shown above, the waxing crescent Moon hovers over a bridge in Lisbon, Portugal. A brilliant Jupiter can be seen just beneath the bridge, below and to the left of the Moon. This photo was taken a little past sunset (9:20 p.m.) on April 22, 2012 -- the Moon was only one percent illuminated at the time. Note the distinct ashen light on the non-illuminated portion of the Moon. This is called earthshine or “the old Moon in the new Moon's arms” and results from sunlight reflecting onto the Moon off both the Earth’s surface and atmosphere. It's typically only visible when the Moon is in the crescent phase.

Photo details: Camera Model: Canon EOS 50D; Lens: 70-300mm; Focal Length: 133/1mm; F Number: f / 45/10; Aperture Value: 433985/100000; Exposure Time: 2/1; Shutter Speed Value: -1/1; ISO Speed Ratings: 500; Metering Mode: Pattern; Exposure Program: Manual; White Balance: Auto white balance; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Software: Adobe Photoshop CS3 Windows.