Have you ever felt a sense of wonder looking at the moon? Imagine seeing a breathtaking full moon, perfectly aligned with the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur Basilica! Photographer Martin Giraud achieved just that, capturing a spectacular image of January's "Wolf Moon" rising over the Paris skyline. This isn't just a pretty picture; it's a testament to planning, skill, and a little bit of luck.
Giraud's stunning shot, posted on his Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/tinmar_g/?hl=en), showcased the full moon as it appeared to ascend behind Paris's iconic landmarks on January 3rd. The image immediately went viral, and it's easy to see why.
The Gear Behind the Shot
While the photographer's eye is crucial, the right equipment helps too. Giraud used a Canon 6D camera (https://www.space.com/canon-eos-6d-review-astrophotography) paired with a Samyang telephoto lens. Specifically, he used a 150-600mm lens, shooting at 500mm and an ISO of 100. He then combined the individual frames to create a composite image. Understanding your gear is essential for capturing amazing astrophotography shots.
Speaking of cameras, if you're looking for a top-of-the-line option, the Nikon Z8 (https://www.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l5pnyB/pubref:space-us-5097912402637756231/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adorama.com%2Fnkz8.html) is considered by many to be among the best overall cameras currently available. Our sister site, Space.com, has rated it as such! It boasts a full-frame 45.7MP sensor, impressive 8K video recording, outstanding low-light performance, and rapid burst speeds. While it comes with a higher price tag, the Nikon Z8 provides exceptional value for the investment. For a deeper dive, check out Space.com's Nikon Z8 review (https://www.space.com/nikon-z8-review).
The Science Behind the Beauty
The moon appeared in a striking orange-yellow hue thanks to Rayleigh scattering – an atmospheric effect. This phenomenon scatters shorter wavelengths of light (like blue and violet) more than longer wavelengths (like orange and red), especially when the moon is low on the horizon. This is why sunsets often appear red or orange, too!
Also visible in Giraud's shot are the subtle warps in the moon's appearance near the horizon and the dark silhouettes of lunar maria (https://www.space.com/2036-origins-man-moon.html). These "seas" are vast plains of solidified lava that flowed into impact basins billions of years ago. It's a reminder of the moon's ancient and dynamic past.
Planning and Execution
"Before the new year, I noticed on my planning app that the first full moon (https://www.space.com/16830-full-moon-calendar.html) of the year, also a supermoon (https://www.space.com/supermoon-what-is-it-2026) , would align perfectly with the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica from a spot I had previously scouted," Giraud explained to Space.com. His dedication to planning and scouting locations truly paid off. He continued, "Despite the cold and the snow in the morning, the weather forecast for Paris announced a completely cloudless sky, so I decided to give it a try."
He strategically positioned himself 6.3 km (3.9 miles) from the Eiffel Tower and 11.1 km (6.8 miles) from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. This distance, combined with the telephoto lens, is what made the moon appear so large relative to the landmarks.
What's in a Name? The Wolf Moon
January's full moon is traditionally known as the "Wolf Moon (https://www.space.com/stargazing/january-full-moon-2026-when-where-and-how-to-see-the-wolf-moon)." This name comes from the howling of wolves often heard during the long, cold nights of winter. But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that the name is a romanticized notion with no real historical basis, and that different cultures have their own names for the January full moon. Some Native American tribes, for example, have names related to the cold or the snow.
Furthermore, this particular Wolf Moon was also a supermoon because it occurred close to perigee – the point in the moon's orbit when it's closest to Earth (https://www.space.com/54-earth-history-composition-and-atmosphere.html). Supermoons can appear up to 14% larger and brighter than the smallest full moon of the year. And this is the part most people miss... while 14% sounds significant, it's often difficult to discern the difference with the naked eye.
Ready to Capture the Cosmos?
Feeling inspired to try your hand at astrophotography? There are many resources available to help you get started. Space.com has a guide filled with helpful tips on how to photograph the moon (https://www.space.com/how-to-photograph-the-moon-camera). They also offer recommendations for the best cameras (https://www.space.com/best-cameras-for-astrophotography) and lenses (https://www.space.com/best-lenses-for-astrophotography) for capturing the beauty of the night sky.
And now it's your turn! Have you ever tried astrophotography? What are some of the challenges you've faced? Do you think the name "Wolf Moon" is appropriate, or do you prefer other cultural interpretations? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
