Imagine the cosmos conspiring to create a fleeting spectacle, visible only from a precise point and at a specific moment in time. This was the challenge Valerio Minato, an Italian photographer, embraced for six years, culminating in a breathtaking image that has captivated the world.
His obsession? Capturing the moon in perfect alignment with the dome of the Basilica of Superga near Turin, Italy, and the majestic peak of Monviso, the highest mountain in the Cottian Alps.
This celestial feat wasn’t a stroke of luck; it was the culmination of dedication and planning. Since 2017, Minato meticulously studied the moon’s phases, horizon position, and even weather patterns to find the perfect moment.
His relentless pursuit wasn’t without its challenges. Years of cloudy skies threatened to extinguish his dream. But on December 15th, just before 7 pm, the heavens aligned. Clear skies, the moon in its ideal position, and years of preparation converged to allow Minato to capture the image he’d dreamt of for so long.
His photo is a mesmerising testament to the power of passion and perseverance. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most breathtaking sights are worth the wait, the accurate calculations, and the unwavering determination to turn a celestial dream into photographic reality.
A page on Instagram @mindset.therapy posted this photo of the Moon captured by Minato a few days back.
One user wrote, “I’m convinced that the internet is a bridge between different realities because in my reality, the moon ain’t this big.” A second added, “This is what Frank Sinatra was singing about.” A third commented, “Picture of the day? This is more like the picture of the decade.”
The next time you gaze at the moon, remember that somewhere behind its luminous surface, a story of dedication and celestial magic unfolds. And who knows, perhaps with a little patience and perspective, you might just witness your own one-in-a-million moment under the celestial canvas.