Italian photographer Valerio Minato from Turin has captured a breathtaking photograph that perfectly aligns the moon with the Basilica of Superga’s dome and Monviso’s peak, the highest mountain in the Cottian Alps. This extraordinary shot has earned the prestigious “Astronomy Picture of the Day” award from NASA for Christmas 2023.
Valerio Minato’s journey to capture this one-in-a-million shot began in 2017. His vision was to photograph the moon in alignment with both the Basilica of Superga and Monviso. “The idea came to me in 2017, and since then, I was obsessed with capturing this alignment,” Minato shared with Corriere Torino, a Turin-based news agency. His dedication and patience culminated in the perfect shot on December 15, 2023.
Minato meticulously studied the moon’s phases, horizon position, and weather conditions to achieve this perfect alignment. “It took me six years to get the shot right. The secret? Changing perspective and knowing how to wait,” he revealed. The moon, once a year, aligns “exactly there with a circular appearance, in this case, the crescent half illuminated and the other highlighted by the ashen light of reflection.”
For five years, Minato faced cloudy weather conditions each time he attempted the shot. However, his perseverance paid off when he finally captured the image just before 7 PM on December 15. The resulting photograph showcases the moon perfectly framed by the dome of Superga and Monviso’s peak, creating a celestial spectacle that mesmerized viewers.
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Minato’s stunning photograph quickly went viral on social media, garnering widespread acclaim. His Instagram post featuring the image accumulated over 362,000 likes. While many netizens praised his work, some skeptics accused him of using photomontages or artificial intelligence.
Minato addressed these accusations, stating, “We must not get the idea that only technology can now surprise us. Sometimes technique, patience, and a spirit of observation are enough. A thoughtful and prepared photo will win over any artificial product.”
Alongside the photograph, Minato shared a time-lapse video that documented the precise moment of the alignment. The video has amassed more than 3.8 million views and over 201,000 likes, further demonstrating the impact of his work.
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Minato emphasized the importance of authenticity in photography, “We must continue on our own path, certain that in the community of photographers, there are still people capable of appreciating authenticity,” he remarked. His dedication to capturing a genuine moment has resonated deeply with both photography enthusiasts and the general public.
Minato’s journey began with extensive research and countless attempts to find the perfect location and timing, “I have been shooting since 2012, first in Turin, then in the surrounding area, to view the city from different points and distances. At a certain point, I started looking for the point to have the dome of Superga and Monviso perfectly aligned,” he explained.
In 2017, Minato identified a hill in the Chivassese area between San Raffaele Cimena and Castagneto Po, a 40-minute drive from Turin, as the ideal location. From there, he meticulously planned and waited for the right moment.
