Super Snow Moon

Our moon is currently making its way around us on the closest path to Earth for 2019...  at around 221,700 miles from Earth.  At its farthest point from us, it is 253,000 miles.  So, because it is closer to us, our February "Snow Moon" also appears slightly larger than usual...  especially as it just comes up over the horizon.  

We haven't seen much sky in recent months so it was a surprise to see the big, bright moon as it rose last night and bathed our snowy landscape with soft white light.  This light was so bright it was casting shadows in our living room. 

My first thought was to bring a telescope outside to get a closer look at the moon.  After quickly glancing at the thermometer, I instead opted for grabbing a camera and shooting a few shots through our living room window.  It was far too cold out there for me!  


The moon had just risen above the ridge of the Worcester Range opposite our living room window but was still behind the leafless trees.  I thought the trees would add a nice contrast to my usual moon photos so I composed the image while the moon was still behind the trees.  I manually focused on the moon...  chose an exposure that would still show the blue sky but not overexpose the moon...  breathed...  slowed down my breathing...  steady...  then carefully pressed the shutter release button.



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