Spectacular photo captures the Harvest Moon rising above the Isle of Man… with rare optical illusion making it appear like it’s on a stand
The amazing natural phenomenon is known as an 'Omega Moon' or an 'Etruscan Vase' and is normally only seen in sunrises
AMAZING pictures of a rare optical illusion known as an "Omega Moon" were taken last night.
Stephen Cheatley shot the stunning sequence on camera from Ramsey on the Isle of Man as the full Harvest Moon rose over the sea.
The unusual moonrise is also known as an Etruscan Vase moon because the optical trick makes it look as though the moon is on a stand.
The effect, which is more usually seen in views of the setting sun rather than the rising full moon, is caused by differences in air temperature near the earth's surface.
The moon's light is warped by layers of air of different temperatures and the effect is similar to the mirage of a puddle of water on a road surface on a very hot day.
Stephen said: "Some of the frames show what is sometimes referred to as an Omega effect, where refraction creates an inferior mirage effect, making it look like the moon is on a stand.
"I've seen this at sunset many times, but this is the first I've seen it with the moon."
The effect is named after the last letter of the Greek alphabet which looks like an incomplete circle on top of two serifs.
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Photographer Andrew Sharpe also took pictures of the full Harvest Moon as it rose behind Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire last night.
The Harvest Moon is the name given to the first full moon which takes place closest to the Autumn equinox.
The name comes from when farmers needed to start gathering crops for the winter months and they used the bright light of the moon to make their working day longer.
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