Astrophotographer Zachary Cooper recently captured a stunning image of the first quarter moon, showcasing both its illuminated and shadowed sides. He used an 80mm refractor telescope and an astronomy camera while photographing the moon on March 25, 2026, from Yorba Linda, California.
Cooper’s photo isn’t just a simple snapshot. It’s a composite image made from various exposures. To highlight details on both sides of the moon, he took 150 short exposures and combined the best ones. The darker side of the moon, known as the night side, isn’t entirely dark due to a phenomenon called “Earthshine.” This is sunlight reflecting off Earth’s oceans and clouds, slightly lighting up the shadowed part of the moon.
Interestingly, this image reflects a growing trend in space photography. Many amateur astronomers are turning to sophisticated techniques to capture celestial bodies. According to a recent survey from the International Astronomical Union, 70% of budding astrophotographers now use high-quality lenses and cameras, showing the impact of technology on this hobby.
Cooper faced a challenge in blending the two sides of the image, especially where the sunlight met the shadow. This area, known as the terminator, is where detail and contrast are most pronounced. He managed to merge these elements gracefully, giving his image depth and context. The result is a captivating portrayal of the moon that invites viewers to see it not just as a distant object, but as a destination.
Cooper expressed his joy with the final image, feeling it represented the moon as it might look to astronauts on upcoming missions like Artemis II. This captures not only the beauty of the moon but also the excitement of future lunar exploration.
If you’re interested in capturing stunning moon photos yourself, consider exploring different cameras and equipment for astrophotography. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are many resources available to help improve your skills.
For more insights about space photography and techniques, check out this comprehensive guide from NASA on capturing celestial images.
