February 22, 2008

Colourful display


Our closest celestial neighbour has been charming humanity ever since man first became aware of his environment thanks to its variable brightness and apparent size as well as the daily metamorphosis in its appearance. This dynamic behaviour takes on a further dimension during a total lunar eclipse where colour comes into play as well.


Using an extended multi-hour exposure, TWAN member Stefan Seip captured with great virtuosity Luna's metamorphosis during a total lunar eclipse over the course of a few hours. His photo which appeared as NASA AstroPhoto of the Day on February 20, 2008 (click here) beautifully documents the change in apparent brightness and colour one observes during an eclipse including the minute and subtle changes in colouration during totality as well as the nonlinear motion of the moon across the sky.

Congrats Stefan for "one photo, a thousand words"!

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