Italian photographer Valerio Minato captured an incredible photo of the Moon perfectly lined up with the Basilica of Superga and Monviso mountain near Turin.
This breathtaking image came after years of planning, as Minato had noticed the unique alignment of the mountain and basilica back in 2017. He had been working towards this shot ever since, but weather conditions often prevented him from getting the perfect image.
Finally, in December 2023, Minato’s vision became a reality. Even though the Moon was in its crescent phase, the long exposure technique he used brought out the Earth’s reflection, called “da Vinci glow,” which lit up the top of the Moon, creating a magical effect in the photograph.
The da Vinci glow happens when sunlight reflects off the Earth’s surface onto the dark part of the Moon, giving it a subtle, almost mystical appearance. This phenomenon has fascinated photographers and stargazers for years.
Minato’s dedication to capturing this special moment paid off, turning a vision from 2017 into a stunning photograph. The combination of the crescent Moon, the glowing Earthlight, and the beautiful backdrop of the basilica and mountain makes this image truly remarkable. It showcases both his technical skill and his passion for photography, capturing a rare alignment that many would dream of witnessing.
