NASA Awards Photo Capturing Superga, Monviso, and Moon Alignment
Valerio Minato, a photographer from Biella born in 1981, won NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for December 25, 2023, with his image 'Cathedral, Mountain, Moon.' The photo was taken on December 15, 2023, at 6:52 PM from a forest in Castagneto Po, about 30 kilometers from Turin, Italy. It captures a precise triple alignment of the Basilica of Superga, the pyramidal profile of Monviso, and the Moon. Minato spent six years planning and waiting for the perfect moment. The image also shows the Da Vinci glow, earthshine illuminating the Moon's dark side. Despite accusations of forgery, Minato defended his work by sharing a behind-the-scenes video on X, emphasizing that no photomontage or AI was used. The award is jointly given by NASA and Michigan Technological University.
Key facts
- Valerio Minato is the photographer, born in 1981 in Biella.
- The photo was taken on December 15, 2023, at 6:52 PM.
- Location: Castagneto Po, about 30 km from Turin, Italy.
- The image shows alignment of Basilica di Superga, Monviso, and the Moon.
- It was selected as Astronomy Picture of the Day for December 25, 2023.
- The award is from NASA and Michigan Technological University.
- Minato spent six years planning the shot.
- He faced accusations of forgery and responded with a video showing the process.
Entities
Artists
- Valerio Minato
Institutions
- NASA
- Michigan Technological University
- Artribune
Locations
- Biella
- Castagneto Po
- Turin
- Piedmont
- Italy