Darya Kawa Mirza, a Kurdish astrophotographer, recently captured stunningly detailed images of the moon’s rugged surface after four days of continuous observation. Using a high-powered telescope and a pair of cameras in his backyard, Mirza compiled 81,000 images into a 708-gigabyte composite, showcasing the moon’s intricate topography in exceptional resolution.

The composite reveals individual craters, bruise-colored spots, and various geological features on the lunar surface. These features are a result of asteroid and comet impacts, as well as volcanic eruptions that have left distinct deposits on the moon’s landscape. Mirza’s meticulous approach to capturing these details provides viewers with a closer look at the celestial body that illuminates our night skies.

Mirza’s technique, known as “phase fusion,” involves merging images of the moon taken during different phases to create a seamless mosaic. This process requires careful alignment of the images to account for the moon’s movement on its axis. By merging the frames frame by frame, Mirza captures not only the unique features of the moon but also the changes in light and shadow as its visibility shifts over a few days.

Having started his astrophotography journey in 2007, Mirza continues to refine his techniques and expand his portfolio. His next projects include documenting planets, galaxies, and nebulae with the same level of precision and attention to detail. For more of Mirza’s work, you can explore his photos on Instagram.

The images captured by Mirza offer a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of the moon’s surface, inviting viewers to marvel at the wonders of our celestial neighbor. Through his dedication to capturing these details, Mirza provides a unique perspective on the moon and inspires others to explore the mysteries of the universe.