A menacing Clavius!

[astroavani]

I know some colleagues may find this kind of picture a little dark, but I still choose not to light it. I love the intricate details revealed on the floor and walls of this crater as the sun is so low on the lunar horizon. The appearance of darkness, of the image, a threatening sensation that must be valued.
Clavius is the third largest crater on the visible side of the Moon and also one of the oldest lunar craters. Clavius measures about 225 km (140 miles) in diameter and was formed by an asteroid whose impact occurred about 4 billion years ago. Although well preserved, Clavius shows its age by many smaller craters within it formed by impacts that occurred later.
Clavius is large enough to be seen with the naked eye and if by chance you were on your floor near the center you would see only a plain because its walls would be below the horizon due to the curvature of the Moon.
There are few lunar observers who have not devoted more or less attention to this beautiful formation, one of the most striking objects to be seen at the telescope. However familiar with its features though, there is always something new to watch and admire as we examine the seemingly inexhaustible details due to the different angles of solar lighting.
Almost three decades ago, the Clavius crater exploded into public consciousness as the site of a lunar colony in the 2001 film A Space Odyssey. For astronomers, it stands out in a heap of other craters in an area of the Moon known as the "Southern Highlands."
The crater floor is slightly higher in the center than at the ends. So, if you catch the moon in the right phase with the Sun illuminating Clavius very smoothly, you will see the ground illuminated with a shadow ring at the base of the east and west walls that can be seen in this photo. This effect is accentuated by the high latitude of Clavius near the southern limb.
I hope the next time you look at the moon, if the lighting conditions are favorable, do not forget to do this exercise to look for smaller and smaller craters on the floor of the lunar base, and if you happen to see a black monolith like that found in Tycho do not forget to let me know!
http://www.astrobin.com/full/312820/0/?nc=user

[Dave In Vermont]

A most foreboding and somber Clavius you've snagged, Avani.

Thanks You!!

Dave

[astroavani]

Glad you commented! Most are just limited to like my friend Dave.

[Dave In Vermont]

Always a pleasure, Avani!

Enjoy -

Dave

[astroavani]

I hope you also liked the slightly humorous text my friend Dave!

[nightfisher]

Avani, a superb luna image, the dark theme works well with the shadows

[Mr Spock]

Excellent image and the lighting looks completely natural.

[Pete Presland]

A fine looking image Avani.

[ImmortalBee]

Lovely image and the lighting looks just fine. Nice introduction too  

[Dave In Vermont]

I've found that nowhere does the observation side of astronomy represent a place where science meets art more so than with our own Moon.

I believe you've touched on this quite well, Avani!

Congratulations,

Dave

[astroavani]

Hello friend Dave!
Since my beginning in astronomy I have always been a lover of the Moon. This usually happens with everyone who starts, the difference is that with me this love persists to this day, LOL.

[Ruud]

it's a beautiful photo once again! The light in this image is magnificent. It makes the bulging curvature of the bottom of the crater obvious. Wonderful!

[ronl]

Superb Avani, keeping the natural light gives it a real looking down the eyepiece image,

I am an observer, not an Imager, but I really admire your skill and dedication, I am a big fan

of your work, it's always superb, thank you for sharing.