The Moon “photobombs” the Earth in the image of a Japanese satellite

A researcher from Oxford University, Simon Proud, has published a curious picture taken by the Japanese satellite Himawari-9. At first glance, only our planet is depicted on it. But if you look closely, you can see that the Moon “looks out” from behind the upper right part of its disk (where Alaska is located).

The Earth and the Moon in the image of the Japanese meteorological satellite “Himawari-9”. Source: JMA/RAL Space

Himavari-9 was launched in 2016. It is in geostationary orbit at 140° east longitude., which allows it to cover the Asia-Pacific region. Its main scientific instrument is a 16-channel multispectral camera capable of taking pictures in both the visible and infrared range.

The Japanese satellite is designed for meteorological observations. It regularly transmits images of the earth’s surface, which allow it to track weather processes and give more accurate forecasts. However, sometimes the Moon also gets into the field of view of Himavari-9, which makes it possible to make such unusual “family portraits” of our planet and its companion.

The Earth and the Moon in the image of the Japanese meteorological satellite “Himawari-9”. Source: JMA/RAL Space

You can also watch the amazing images of the Earth rising above the Moon, taken by the South Korean Danuri spacecraft.

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