WHAT IS THIS LINE? (on my Super Blue Blood Moon Photo) - Smarter Every Day 188

TL;DR

Destin attempts to capture a photo of the blood moon aligning with a Saturn V rocket but is puzzled by a strange line that appears on his lunar eclipse photos.

Transcript

Hey it's me Destin. Welcome back to Smarter Every Day. Super. Blue. Blood. Moon. I heard those words and I was like "Mmhmm, that's my life now." So, here's the deal. "Supermoon" refers to the fact that the Moon goes around the Earth in an ellipse. When it's closest to the Earth, that's called perigee, and when that coincides with a full moon, Bam, ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😚 A supermoon occurs when the Moon is at its closest distance to the Earth during its elliptical orbit.
• 🥮 A blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month.
• 🥮 A blood moon refers to the reddish appearance of the Moon during a lunar eclipse caused by Earth's shadow.
• 🫥 Optical phenomena on lunar eclipse photos, such as the mysterious line observed by Destin, can still perplex and challenge scientists.
• ❓ Mathematical calculations and planning are crucial for capturing specific celestial events in photography.
• 🙂 Ambient light and positioning can affect the visibility and quality of photographs during celestial events.
• 🛟 The Saturn V rocket in Huntsville, Alabama, serves as an iconic backdrop for lunar eclipse photography.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is a supermoon and how does it occur?

A supermoon is when the Moon is closest to the Earth during its elliptical orbit, coinciding with a full moon, making it appear larger and brighter.

Q: What is a blue moon and how does it happen?

A blue moon refers to the occurrence of a second full moon within a calendar month.

Q: What causes a lunar eclipse and the "blood moon" phenomenon?

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon. The "blood moon" effect is caused by the Earth's shadow turning the Moon red.

Q: What is the significance of the line appearing on the lunar eclipse photos at the tip of the Saturn V rocket?

The line is a mysterious optical phenomenon that Destin does not understand and seeks answers for. It appears only when the Moon aligns with the rocket's tip during the eclipse.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Destin sets out to capture a photo of the blood moon aligning with a Saturn V rocket in Huntsville, Alabama.

• With the help of a friend, he uses mathematical calculations to determine the optimal location and angle for the shot.

• During the lunar eclipse, Destin discovers a mysterious line appearing at the tip of the rocket and seeks answers from the internet.