Full Flower Moon 2023

Honorable mention in the 2023 IAU OAE Astrophotography Contest, category Still images with smartphones-mobile devices: Full Flower Moon 2023, by Joslynn Appel.

The Flower Moon, named for the bloom of flowers in North America, casts a radiant glow over the night sky in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, USA, in May 2023. Despite initial cloud cover, the moon's luminosity broke through around 23:00, creating an enchanting spectacle. This captivating smartphone-captured image not only commemorates the celestial event but also emphasises the significance of safeguarding our dark skies. The moon’s brilliance illuminates the intricacies of Earth’s atmosphere, creating an atmospheric drama heightened by the presence of scattered clouds. Preserving these pristine, unblemished skies is vital in retaining our connection to celestial wonders.

Credit: Joslynn Appel/IAU OAE (CC BY 4.0)