Miguel Claro is a professional photographer, author and science communicator based in Lisbon, Portugal, who creates spectacular images of the night sky. As a European Southern Observatory Photo Ambassador(opens in new tab) and member of The World At Night(opens in new tab) and the official astrophotographer of the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve(opens in new tab), he specializes in astronomical “Skyscapes” that connect both Earth and the night sky. Join Miguel here as he takes us through his video “Earth Shadow – The Beauty of a Total Lunar Eclipse in Motion.”
A breathtaking 4K video time-lapse has captured the intense emotion and feeling of a total lunar eclipse, an extraordinary event when the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow, resulting in a striking blood-red appearance. As the moon slowly fades away, the stars surrounding it become visible, presenting a spectacular and rare opportunity to witness the mesmerizing presence of the Milky Way galaxy. The moon, in turn, reflects a low reddish light from being immersed in the umbra of the Earth’s shadow, creating a moment that evokes an indescribable ambiance.
The awe-inspiring footage was captured under a pristine starry sky in Mértola, Portugal, located within the Dark Sky Alqueva territory. The video was shot during the highly anticipated “super blood moon” total lunar eclipse on May 16, 2022, an event that occurred when the moon was at its closest point to Earth during its orbit. The stunning visual spectacle showcased in the video undoubtedly leaves viewers in complete amazement and in appreciation of the sheer magnitude of the universe.
For those eager to observe or photograph the moon, there are several guides available on the best telescopes and lenses for astrophotography, all designed to assist in capturing the remarkable and awe-inspiring beauty of our celestial neighbors. Moreover, it is important to note that the next lunar eclipse will be a penumbral lunar eclipse visible in various regions across the world on May 5 to 6, 2023. Later in the year, on October 28 to 29, a partial lunar eclipse will be visible from several regions, including North America and Antarctica. The next total lunar eclipse will occur on March 14, 2025, providing ample opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts and professionals to witness and record these celestial events.
To see more of Miguel Claro’s work, please see his website(opens in new tab) or follow his stories on Instagram at www.instagram.com/miguel_claro .
READ MORE: Boom! Astronomer catches meteorite smashing into the Moon (video)
