"Isn't This Photoshop?" Awe Poured In... 'All-Time Best Astrophotography' Taken After 6 Years of Waiting

"Perfect Photo Took 6 Years to Capture"
Scientists Praise as "All-Time Great Celestial Image"

The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has selected a photo featuring a crescent moon, a cathedral, and mountain peaks aligned together as one of this year's most outstanding 'celestial photographs.' This photo is the work of Italian photographer Valerio Minato, who waited six years in one spot to capture this magnificent scene.

Minato succeeded in taking the photo on the 15th at around 6:52 PM in Piemonte, Italy. The photo shows the Superga Cathedral, Mount Monviso, and the setting moon neatly aligned. In an interview with a local Italian media outlet, he said, "I decided in 2017 that I wanted to take this kind of photo, and since then, I became obsessed with capturing the moon together with the cathedral and mountain in the same frame." He added, "It took a full six years to take the perfect photo." He explained, "This was the result of meticulous research on the moon's phase, horizon position, and weather conditions."

[Image source=Instagram account 'valeriominato']

Minato also shared a video on his Instagram account documenting the process of taking this photo. He said, "A magical moment unfolded. For a few seconds, the cathedral, mountain, and moon met to present a unique and spectacular view." Netizens commented on the post with remarks such as "Great effort yields great results," "Respect for the patience and determination to capture a single photo," "The wait was not in vain," and "A romantic work of art." Scientists also expressed admiration, saying, "A celestial photo born from the precise timing down to the second and perfect weather conditions."

However, some raised concerns that Minato might have used Photoshop or artificial intelligence (AI) technology. In response to the controversy, Minato said, "We should not think that only technology can amaze us. When showing a wondrous scene, sometimes patience and observation alone are enough. I ultimately succeeded."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.