Moon (Representative Image: Canva)

Kurdish astrophotographer Darya Kawa Mirza has taken lunar photography to an extraordinary level with his latest creation. After four days of continuous observation and shooting, Mirza produced what he calls the "clearest and sharpest Moon image" he has ever captured. This incredible photograph, a staggering 159.7 megapixels in resolution, was made by stacking over 81,000 individual images. The final file, an impressive 708 gigabytes in size, reveals the moon’s topography with unmatched clarity. By merging four different lunar phases and shadow areas, Mirza managed to uncover details that were previously unseen, showcasing the moon as a flat disk with intricate surface features.

To achieve this remarkable feat, Mirza utilized a Skywatcher Flextube 250p Dobsonian telescope, modified on an Equatorial Mount NEQ 6pro, paired with two cameras: a Canon EOS 1200D for capturing mineral content and a ZWO ASI 178mc for the finer details. Notably, the entire process was done without the aid of artificial intelligence, highlighting the authenticity and skill involved in creating this masterpiece.

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A post shared by Darya Kawa Mirza (@daryavaseum)

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Here are the details about the image shared by photographer in an Instagram post:

Image Size: 708 GB
Images Stacked: Over 81,000
Composition: Integration of four lunar phases and shadow areas to reveal detailed topography
Telescope Used: Skywatcher Flextube 250p Dobsonian, modified on an Equatorial Mount NEQ 6pro
Cameras Used: Canon EOS 1200D (for minerals), ZWO ASI 178mc (for details)
AI Involvement: None
Image Resolution: 159.7 megapixels
Visual Representation: Shows the Moon as a flat disk with intricate topographical details

Netizens' reactions

Another user commented, "These colour enhancements act as a tool, much like advanced detection capabilities, allowing viewers to see geological details that might otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. Similar to how someone with colour blindness might see muted or indistinguishable shades, our eyes may not be sensitive enough to detect these subtle differences without enhancement." Mirza’s photograph, therefore, offers a glimpse into the moon’s composition that would otherwise remain hidden, making it a significant achievement in the field of astrophotography.

This landmark image follows another notable lunar photograph, captured by NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick from the International Space Station, showing the moon setting over the Pacific Ocean. Yet, it is Mirza’s dedication and the unparalleled clarity of his work that sets his photograph apart, marking a new milestone in lunar exploration through the lens of a camera.