The Moon 1857 - 1860

"The Moon" (1857-1860) by John Adams Whipple is a striking early photograph of the moon, capturing its surface in detail. Taken with a daguerreotype process, the image showcases the lunar surface with its craters and seas, offering a glimpse of the celestial body that captivated viewers in the 19th century. The photograph, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, stands as a testament to the advancements in early photographic technology, highlighting the ability to capture astronomical phenomena through the lens. This work is a seminal example of astrophotography and has contributed significantly to our understanding of the moon’s visual characteristics.