Eartshine Moon and Lenticular Cloud Over Mount Etna Eruption Unesco World Heritage Site
Day 27 July, I was preparing to photograph the Moon that stood near the star Aldebaran. I had decided to go near the small town of Bronte, its western side of the volcano Etna (Unesco Site), and wait for dawn. On the same day, however, Etna awoke and two cracks in the south-east crater began intense volcanic activity with the formation of two lava flows and sporadic pyroclastic material jets. The phenomenon could be observed from the south-south west slopes but despite having the possibility of going to the site, I decided to respect the initial plans. To my enormous surprise, I could see that some lenticular clouds aligned perfectly on the mountain top from the point of shooting I had initially chosen. The show was incredible!!!!....especially when the Moon rose. The most beautiful moment occurred when it passed behind the cloud allowing me to capture various celestial and terrestrial details: the Moon in cinereal light whose brightness was partially shielded, the same lenticular cloud, iridescences spread over the edge of the cloud, contrasts of shadows and lights in the sky with the cloud that partially blocked the moonbeams leaving the stars in the dark sky visible and finally…. the eruption with the fountains and the lava flow.
Dario Giannobile, Italy, Siracusa
