The Phases of Moon
We have a special relation with Sun and Moon. While Sun is a symbol of energy and power, Moon represents calm and romance. Interestingly, while Sun always rises in the East and sets in the West, Moon doesn’t necessarily follow the same path. Further, there can be significant difference in moon rise and moon set timings from one day to the other. The basic reason for this is that like Earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the Sun, Moon also rotates on its axis and revolves around the Earth.
Due to the rotation-revolution combination, amount of sunlight falling on the Moon’s surface also differs daily. Hence, from New Moon to Full Moon an increasing amount of sunlit surface of the Moon is visible from Earth resulting in different phases of the Moon. Each phase is a fascinating spectacle that has always inspired mankind in its scientific and artistic work. A couple of days after New Moon, when sunlight directly falls on the Moon’s surface that is facing the Sun then a crescent is formed. However, sunlight also reflects off Earth, falls on Moon and slightly brightens up its remaining surface. This amazing view is called as the ‘Earth Shine’.
From Earth we can see only about 50-60% of the Moon’s surface which is known as the Near side and the rest remains hidden as the Dark Side. This is because Earth and Moon are in a ‘Tidal Lock’. It implies that Rotation time of Moon on its axis equals Revolution time of Moon around Earth. Hence, the Dark side remains invisible to us unless someone is lucky to be on a Lunar Mission to explore it.
Moon’s surface has been ravaged by molten lava from volcanic eruptions billions of years back. This caused dark patches called as Maria or Seas (dried) to appear on Moon. Also, since it has no atmosphere, meteors and asteroids collide with Moon resulting in huge craters all over its surface. A telescopic view of the Full Moon clearly reveals these seas and craters. Nevertheless, Moon’s beauty in all the phases doesn’t lose any shine.
Image Gallery: On Day 1, moon is invisible as only 1% of its surface is sunlit
Simply breathtaking photography. The phases ckearly depict Shraddha and Saburi of Vivek and are a testimony of his God given talent which he has nurtured. Wishing him the best in capturing more such celestial events for posterity. The Saturn and Jupiter was one such recent event which you would have loved to capture albeit, from a more accessible lioction. All the Best. God Bless.
Thanks Sir for your encouraging words
This was so good !!!!
Amazing pictures and beautiful write-up
Superb sir.
Wonderful photography
Wow
Amazing bhaiya
👍👍👌👌2
Wonderful. Feels like viewing again and again.
Awesome photography and excellent description . बहुत ख़ूब ..
Vivek, your pictures take us into a different world altogether which we know exists but is not within our reach. Your perseverance shows in capturing each phase of the moon. They are simply breathtaking. 👌🏻
Wonderful!
Awesome. Minutely captured 14 days Chandrakala shows great quality of photographer. Superlative & amazing photography. 👌👌
Wow Vivek, what breath taking pix these are. Each photo has your stamp of capturing nature at its full beauty. Simply marvellous 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌
Too gd
Fantastic 👌
Expertly captured 👍
Vivek ji
Wonderful to see this and also a good learning for kid about moon journey between amavashya and poornima
Great photography 👍
बहुत खूब! कलायें चाँद की, पैगाम मुहब्बत का, तिस पर शेरो-शायरी! थिरकती कलम काअद्भुत अंदाज़ और कैमरे का झीना लेंस उसे निहारता हुआ; हर कोण से। शब्बा खैर!!
Pl read Davit Manchanda as Savita Manchanda.
सविता मनचंदा की शायरी भी गजब की है।
विवेक की मनमोहक फोटोग्राफी का सटीक विवेचन है।
Maan gaye Vivek babu…
Excellent.
Amazing photography and presentation
Good work during the lockdown phase.
Best photo of the world👌
Wonderful. Liked the commentary in Hindi. Lajawab.
Vivek, this the best I’ve seen so far. What a wonderful display of the moon. The commentary is superlative too. Well done !! Really appreciate. Keep it up. Cheers…..!!!!
Vivek, fantastic pictures !! Your passion shows.
Wow!!!!
Amazing sir..pictures justify the beauty of moon.. Beautiful..Hatsoff to your dedication and hardwork..
Vivek has captured very minute details of the Moon’s surface as the final day of the full moon approaches.
Presentation of all 14 faces in one frame is excellent.
With all this Vivek,’s presentation and narrative particularly in hindi is very very entertaining!!