Lunar Mirage

This image records the setting of the largest full Moon of 2025. As the Moon gradually descends toward the horizon, atmospheric refraction causes noticeable changes in its shape and apparent position. The sequence shows the Moon’s descent from 1.5° to 0° altitude; as the elevation decreases, refraction becomes stronger, compressing and stretching the lunar disk and even producing mirage-like distortions.
Near 0°, the lower edge of the Moon appears distinctly flattened and deformed — a classic example of an inferior mirage phenomenon.

Canon R7 +SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 S DG OS HSM Sports @233mm

Four photos of moonset taken 3 minutes apart (between 06:26 and 06:35 AM), cropped and merged using PowerPoint.