Photographing the Full Moon: iPhone 15 Plus vs. the Corralejo Night Sky

L to R: Main Camera 21:09, AstroShader 21:11, MoonTake 21:13,

BlackSight 21:26, NightCam 21:30, Lumina 21:37

Yamera 21:38, Fjorden 21:39, Pro Camera 21:40

There's something magical about a full moon, especially when it hangs low over a dramatic landscape. Last month, the Pink Moon offered just such a spectacle, rising over the unique contours of the Corralejo Dunes here in Fuerteventura. Armed with my iPhone 15 Plus, a tripod, and a healthy dose of ambition, I set out to capture it. (Please note, my photos were severely lacking and too amateur. This is just an experiment for using apps on an iphone to capture the moon.)

The Initial Hurdle: The Non-Pro Phone

Right away, I knew I was facing an uphill battle. My iPhone 15 Plus is a fantastic phone, but it's not the "Pro" model. This primarily means less direct access to the manual camera controls that are crucial for tricky lighting situations like night photography. The native iPhone camera app, while brilliant for everyday snaps, tends to struggle when trying to balance an incredibly bright subject (the moon) against a very dark foreground (the dunes at night). Getting both in focus and properly exposed automatically? Nearly impossible. It usually results in either a blown-out white blob where the moon should be, or a completely black landscape.

Focus was the immediate and persistent enemy. Tapping to focus on the distant moon often left the dunes blurry, and focusing on the nearer dunes turned the moon into that dreaded bright smudge. Manual control was clearly needed.

Gear Up: My Makeshift Setup

Knowing stability was key, I brought a tripod. However, attaching the phone securely needed some improvisation. I actually unscrewed the head from my regular tripod and replaced it with the phone clamp from a motorbike phone holder I had. It worked surprisingly well and even had a small spirit level on it, helping me keep things straight!

The App Store Deep Dive: A Quest for Control (on a Budget)

Since the native app wasn't cutting it, I embarked on a digital quest, downloading a host of third-party camera apps renowned for offering more manual control or specific night modes. Crucially, I was sticking to free options or the free tiers of paid apps. Here’s the rundown of my experience:

1. Native Camera: As mentioned, great for point-and-shoot, but inadequate for this specific challenge due to lack of accessible manual controls and focusing difficulties.

2. AstroShader: This one took a different approach, automating much of the process. It did a good job, essentially asking you only to handle the focus. While the results were decent, the process felt a little clunky, and I prefer having more direct control.

3. Moontake: Gave this one a try, part of the initial wave of apps I downloaded. This app was genuinely amazing... for just the moon. It delivered crisp shots of the lunar surface. However, its singular focus meant I couldn't incorporate the beautiful dune landscape I was aiming for. A great tool, but not for this particular vision.

4. Blacksight: I really liked Blacksight. It seemed to handle the low light well and offered good control. I managed to get some promising shots lined up... until I reviewed them. The free version places a watermark directly over the center of the image, rendering it unusable for my purposes. A real shame, as the underlying tech felt capable.

5. Nightcam: Simple and easy to use. It even had a dedicated "Moon Mode." While convenient, the lack of a RAW option was a limitation for serious editing later.

6. Lumina: This turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It offered basic, clear manual controls (ISO, shutter speed, focus) and, importantly, allowed saving in RAW format. Of all the apps I tried, Lumina felt the easiest to quickly jump into and adjust everything manually without intrusive prompts or limitations on the core function.

7. Yamera: I found Yamera interesting for its ability to manipulate imagery in the dark. It seemed geared towards adjusting things after the fact or in challenging low light, which was useful, but didn't fully solve the initial capture problem.

8. Fjorden: Visually, this was the most beautiful and elegantly designed app of the bunch. I'd read reviews suggesting it was free to use, but it seems that's changed. It now offers a 30-day free trial, after which it apparently becomes limited unless you purchase their physical camera grip accessory. A bit disappointing, as the interface was lovely.

9. Pro Camera: This app looked promising! It boasted loads of options: slow shutter, burst, time-lapse, RAW capture, bracketing, even fisheye and AI settings. The catch? The free version was almost unusable due to constant pop-ups asking me to subscribe (€14.99 one-time or €9.99/year). Every adjustment triggered the prompt, making the experience incredibly frustrating.

The Lingering Struggle: Focus, Focus, Focus

Even with apps offering manual controls, achieving sharp focus on both the moon and the dunes remained the biggest challenge. The tiny screen, the distance differences, and the low light conspired against me. Peaking assistants in some apps helped, but it was a constant battle of trial and error.

The Verdict: Learning More Than Capturing

Did I get the award-winning, perfectly crisp shot of the Pink Moon hanging majestically over sharply defined dunes? Honestly, no. The limitations of the non-Pro phone sensor, the inherent difficulty of the shot, and the compromises of free apps meant the results were more 'attempt' than 'triumph'.

However, the experience was far from a failure. I learned a ton about the capabilities and limitations of my iPhone 15 Plus for night photography. I discovered the frustrating realities of free app tiers (watermarks, paywalls) and the different philosophies behind camera app design – from the fully automated (AstroShader) to the elegantly manual (Lumina) and the feature-rich but restricted (Classic Pro Camera).

Lumina emerged as my favourite free tool for manual control and RAW capture in this scenario. Blacksight showed promise but was torpedoed by the watermark. Moonshot proved excellent for its specific niche (moon only).

While I didn't capture the exact image I envisioned, the process of trying – experimenting with apps, wrestling with focus, and enjoying the quiet beauty of the dunes under the Pink Moon – was its own reward. And maybe, just maybe, it's time to start saving for that Pro model... or at least invest in the full version of an app that truly delivers.

Have you tried capturing the moon with your phone? What apps or techniques have worked for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!

A Brighter Christmas, A Darker Future?

Even though Christmas has passed, the festive spirit lingers here in Fuerteventura! Our Christmas tree remains proudly displayed, twinkling with lights. And the celebrations continue, as we eagerly await the arrival of the Three Kings on Dia de Reyes.

Christmas lights! They transform our neighborhoods into twinkling wonderlands, casting a festive glow on the season. But as we string up those dazzling displays, it's worth considering the potential impact of our holiday cheer.

The dazzling spectacle of Christmas lights comes at a cost, not just to our wallets (though those energy bills can certainly add up!), but to the environment and even our own health.

The sheer volume of holiday lights creates a blanket of artificial light, washing out the stars and disrupting the natural night sky. This "light pollution" isn't just a nuisance for astronomers and stargazers. It confuses wildlife, disrupts their natural rhythms, and can even harm their delicate ecosystems. Imagine a tiny insect drawn to a brilliant streetlight, circling and circling until it's exhausted and disoriented. Or picture a migrating bird, its natural navigation severely impacted by the city's glow, losing its way and struggling to find its destination.

Furthermore, all that artificial light at night can wreak havoc on our sleep cycles. It becomes harder to fall asleep, sleep quality suffers, and individuals often wake up feeling groggy and unrefreshed. This can lead to mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and even serious health problems down the line.

So, what can we do? Can we still enjoy the magic of the season without sacrificing our environment and our well-being? Absolutely! Here are a few simple steps individuals can take:

• Embrace energy-efficient LEDs: They use less energy and produce less heat, making them a much greener choice.

• Embrace timers: Set timers to automatically turn off lights when individuals are asleep or away from home.

• Shield your lights: Direct the light downwards to minimize light pollution and reduce glare.

• Choose warm-colored lights: They're less disruptive to wildlife and create a more cozy, festive atmosphere.

• Support your local "Dark Sky" initiatives: Join a local organization or participate in community events that raise awareness about the importance of preserving the night sky.

This holiday season, let's make a conscious effort to be more mindful of our lighting choices. By making small adjustments, we can create a brighter Christmas for everyone while ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

....MARCH NIGHT SKY 2019..MARZO 2019 CIELO NOCTURNO….

Moonlight wonder!

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March is taking back the Spring, which starts the day of the Equinox, when the day and the night have the same duration, falling this year on March 20th. The air is now sweeter and invites to the contemplation of the Firmament, where the winter constellations are still very high in the sky in the first hours of the night. This is the case of Orion and the Great Dog towards the South, as well as the bright stars Sirius and Canopus, while in the zodiacal region Gemini and Taurus dominate the zenith, preceded by the mythical Seven Sisters, the Pleyades, who are escaping for ever from the great hunter. Another famous cluster, visible with naked eyes as a blurry spot, marks the faint constellation of Cancer: it is the Beehive (M44), which a telescope with a few magnifications can reveal in all its beauty.  From the East, Leo is now raising and announcing the great season of the galaxies we shall enjoy in the next months. 

If we make the effort to wake up very early, we have a chance to admire the bright planets Jupiter, Saturn and Venus towards the East, but in order to watch them in more convenient hours  we have to be patient a few weeks more. But the object which never fails her monthly date with us is the Moon, the most admired and interesting of all. Her Full phase falls just the same day as the Equinox, so the most favorable moment to admire her craters, her seas and her mountains, which only a telescope reveals us in all their magics, we recommend the previous nights, starting for the 10th.

Clear skies to everybody!

..

Marzo nos trae de vuelta la primavera, que empieza el día del equinoccio, momento en que el día y la noche tienen la misma duración y que este año corresponde al 20 de marzo. El aire ahora está más suave e invita a la contemplación del Firmamento, donde a primeras horas de la noche las constelaciones del inverno siguen muy altas en el cielo. Destacan hacia el Sur Orión y el Can Mayor y las brillantes estrellas Sirio y Canopo,  mientras que en la zona zodiacal Gémini y Tauro siguen dominando el cielo del cenit, precedidos por las míticas siete hermanas, la Pléiades, siempre huyendo del gran cazador. Otro famoso cúmulo, visible a simple vista como un manchón borroso,  marca la débil constelación de Cáncer: se trata del Pesebre (M44), que un telescopio con pocos aumentos nos revela en todo su esplendor. Ya desde el Este se asoma Leo, anunciando la llegada de la gran temporada de galaxias que nos espera en los meses venideros.
Si nos apetece despertarnos antes del alba, podremos admirar hacia el Este los brillante planetas Júpiter, Saturno y Venus, pero para verlos en hora más cómodas habrá que esperar unas semanas más. Quién nunca falta a la cita es el objeto celeste más admirado de todo el cielo: la Luna. La fase de plenitud se da justo el día del equinoccio, así que para disfrutar de sus cráteres, de sus mares y de sus montañas, que sólo un telescopio nos revela en toda su magia, recomendamos las noches anteriores, a partir del día 10.

¡Cielos despejados para todos!….

....JUNE 2017 NIGHT SKY.. JUNIO 2017 CIELO NOCTURNO ....

.... With the solstice of June 21th, a new summer begins, a very promising epoch for the observation of the night sky. The firmament is dominated this year by the brilliant planet Jupiter, which through a telescope reveals the secrets of his atmosphere and the tireless dance of his satellites. The most typical constellations of this period, are the Lion and the Virgin, already very high when the night comes in, leaving the East for the beautiful view of Scorpio, so rich in astronomical treasures, or the mythical Hercules, with his fantastic cluster M13.

The Moon accompanies us in the first part of the month. A telescope can easily reveal her mountains and carters, her seas and highlands. Do not miss this incredible view which can fascinate everyone.

Clear skies to everybody!  .. Con el solsticio de junio, que este año cae el día 21, empieza el verano, época muy adecuada para la observación del cielo nocturno. El firmamento está dominado por el brillante planeta Júpiter, que al telescopio nos desvela los rasgos de su atmósfera y el baile incansable de sus satélites. Las constelaciones más típicas de este período, como el León o Virgo, ya están bien altas cuando aparece la noche, dejando el paso en el Este al maravilloso Escorpión, tan rico en tesoros astronómicos, o al mítico Hércules, con su fantástico cúmulo M13.

La Luna nos acompaña en la primera parte del mes. El telescopio nos desvela sus montañas y sus cráteres, sus mares y sus Tierras Altas. No se pierdan este espectáculo tan asombroso que no deja indiferente a nadie.

¡Cielos despejados para todo! ....

....MAY 2017 NIGHT SKY.. MAYO 2017 CIELO NOCTURNO ....

....With the arrival of May, we are in the heart of Spring, with kinder temperatures, that invite us to enjoy the beauty of the night sky. Many constellations, which accompanied us in the last half of the year, are now saying goodbye till the next Winter, while from the East the ones which mark the new season are appearing: the faint and weak crab Cancer, the powerful Lion and the terrible monster Hydra, witnesses of the challenges of the mythical hero Hercules, as well as the beautiful Virgin, related to the calendar of the agricultural activities.

In this area, a brilliant yellow object draws strongly our attention: it is the planet Jupiter, the mighty King of the Ecliptic, the giant of the Solar System, whose atmospheric bands, actual storms of incredible size, such as his 4 main satellites, can be admired through a small telescope.

As in the previous months, the Moon is the protagonist of the first part of the month. Nobody remains indifferent when looking at her mountains, craters, seas or highlands. It is difficult to believe we are able to distinguish so many details of her surface, in spite of the enormous distance which separates her from our Earth.

Clear skies to everybody!  ..

Con el mes de mayo, ya ha llegado el corazón de la primavera, trayéndonos  temperaturas más suaves que invitan a disfrutar del cielo nocturno. Mientras vamos despidiendo  las constelaciones que nos acompañaron en el invierno, desde el Este se levantan las que marcan la nueva estación: el pequeño y débil cangrejo Cáncer, el majestuoso León y el terrible monstruo Hydra, testigos de las empresas del mítico héroe Hércules, así como la bonita Virgo, protagonista del calendario de  las actividades agrícolas.

En esta zona, nos llama prepotentemente la atención un objeto amarillento muy brillante: es el planeta Júpiter, el majestuoso Rey de la Eclíptica, el gigante del Sistema Solar, cuyas bandas atmosféricas, autenticas tormentas de dimensiones descomunales, así como sus 4 satélites principales, pueden ser admirados por medio de un pequeño telescopio.

Como en los meses anteriores, la Luna es la protagonista de la primera parte del mes. Nadie permanece indiferente a la visión de sus montañas y sus cráteres, sus mares y sus Tierras Altas. Resulta difícil de creer como lleguemos a ver tantos detalles de su superficie, a pesar de la enorme distancia que nos separa.

¡Cielos despejados para todo!

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