September 7, 2006
If the universe seems cold from a distance, birthdays are part of its rebuttal.
Colorful Moon Mosaic
Birthday · September 7, 2006
A little universe, just for you
Your date.
Ready to give.
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APOD published September 7, 2006. Credit: Noel Carboni. A publication-date match, not a photo taken on your date. Independent of NASA.
No single exposure can easily capture faint stars along with the subtle colors of the Moon. But this dramatic composite view highlights both. The mosaic digitally stitches together fifteen carefully exposed high resolution images of a bright, gibbous Moon and a representative background star field. The fascinating color differences along the lunar surface are real, though highly exaggerated, corresponding to regions with different chemical compositions. And while these color differences are not visible to the eye even with a telescope, moon watchers can still see a dramatic lunar presentation tonight. A partial eclipse of the Moon will be visible from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Image credit: Noel Carboni