[An interesting and apparently successful astronomical presence illusion is the subject of this short item from DesignTAXI, where the original includes two videos and an embedded tweet. Cosmopolitan Middle East has more images and the illusion merited coverage at Snopes, where there’s more information. –Matthew]
[Image: Source: IBB Online]
‘Double Moon’ In Dubai Baffles Onlookers, Turns Out To Be A Stellar Stunt
By Izza Sofia
17 February 2021
Residents in Dubai were surprised when they witnessed two moons appearing in the night skies last week.
Snaps of the moons in the skies made their way online with many thinking the apocalypse was looming. Even the media covered the “Double Moon” phenomenon. [From Gulf News: “After the moons appeared, Instagram and Twitter users have been discussing theories about what these curious objects are. The most popular one is called ‘Double Moon’ and suggests that some planets can appear as big as the moon due to the stars’ alignment. Some experts say that alignments between planets viewable from Earth are rare, occurring once every 800 years.”]
The truth behind the mystery was eventually revealed by Dubaian authorities on the day the United Arab Emirates’ Mars probe Hope entered the orbit of the Red Planet.
It was the work of creative agency Mullenlowe Dubai. The vision of the two moons was a projection of Mars’ moons Phobos and Deimos hoisted through advanced sky-mapping projection technology.
The phenomenon was simulated with 70-meter (230-foot) cranes and a 40-meter (131-foot) holo screen to appear believable in the sky.
The initiative was meant to create excitement and awareness around Hope’s arrival on Mars and to let everyone have a glimpse of what Hope Probe is seeing 500 million miles away.
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Via LBB Online