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article culture calendar_today Monday, May 11, 2026

Photographer Valerio Minato strikes again. The extraordinary shot of the red moon aligned with the Milan skyline: 'I waited for 5 years'

Il fotografo Valerio Minato colpisce ancora. Lo straordinario scatto della luna rossa allineata con lo skyline di Milano: “ho atteso per 5 anni”

Italian photographer Valerio Minato captured a striking image on May 2, 2026, showing a giant red moon aligned with Milan's skyline, including the Porta Garibaldi skyscrapers and the Duomo with its Madonnina. The photograph, which went viral, was the result of a five-year pursuit involving astronomical calculations, multiple location scouting across northwestern Italy, and precise timing to align the moon with the city's landmarks. A Ryanair Boeing 737-800 crossing the lunar disk added an unexpected cinematic element.

This image matters because it exemplifies the intersection of photography, landscape, and scientific precision in contemporary art. Minato's work highlights how patient, almost obsessive planning can produce a symbolic portrait of a city, blending historical and modern architecture in a single frame. The photograph also underscores the growing role of social media in amplifying photographic art, as Minato shared the story behind the image on Instagram, engaging a wide audience with the creative process.