Astrophotographer Captures Paschal Full Moon Aligned with Crosses for Easter

Astrophotographer Josh Dury photographed the paschal full Moon setting behind three crosses in Brent Knoll, Somerset, England, on Thursday morning at 5:24 AM. The image marks the beginning of Holy Week, with the crosses having been erected annually at this location for four decades. Dury explained his interest in the astronomical timing of movable feasts tied to lunar cycles, noting that both Easter and Passover are linked to spring full Moons. He used a Sigma 150-600mm Sport lens at 600mm and the PhotoPills app to plan the shot, creating an HDR image that captures both lunar details and the foreground scene. Easter's date varies each year because it is determined by the paschal full Moon, defined as the first full Moon on or after the spring equinox. This lunar event connects Easter and Passover, as Passover begins on the 15th day of Nisan in the Hebrew calendar, which also coincides with a full Moon. The Christian Church established the paschal full Moon calculation to mirror this timing without directly using the Jewish calendar, keeping both holidays closely aligned. Easter can occur as early as March 22 or as late as April 25. Dury's work is available on his website and social media platforms.