NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick has captured a stunning image of the moon setting over the Pacific Ocean from the International Space Station (ISS). The photograph, taken from the cupola observation module, showcases the moon with blue hues in the foreground, a result of the Earth’s atmosphere and clouds. Dominick had initially intended to photograph Tropical Storm Hone near Hawaii but noticed the moon setting just after passing the storm.
He shared the technical details of the image, stating, “400mm, ISO 500, 1/20000s shutter speed, f2.8, cropped, denoised.”
The image quickly went viral on social media, garnering over 400,000 views and 5,000 likes. Users expressed their awe, with comments such as “This photograph touched my heart” and “The vastness of space is so humbling and so beautiful.
Photographer Andrew McCarthy praised the detail captured and inquired about the fast shutter speed. Dominick explained, “To give you a sense of how fast the moon sets from our perspective.
Moon setting over the Pacific
I kept shooting till the moon was gone. The posted image was shot at 21:34:45 GMT.
The last image I have where I can see the moon is 21:34:59 GMT. That is 14 seconds later.”
The ISS cupola, a six-sided window, provides astronauts with an extraordinary view and is crucial for observing operations outside the station, such as robotic activities and spacewalks. Dominick’s photograph not only garnered admiration but also sparked curiosity about the observational technologies used by astronauts.
As the image continues to captivate audiences, it highlights the unique perspectives offered from space and the breathtaking beauty of our planet and its celestial neighbors.
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