The act of capturing lunar photographs utilizing an Android-based smartphone entails leveraging the machine’s digital camera capabilities and obtainable settings to {photograph} the moon. This ranges from easy point-and-shoot makes an attempt to extra deliberate efforts involving handbook changes for focus, publicity, and zoom.
Efficiently imaging the moon with a cellular machine affords quite a few advantages, together with accessibility to astrophotography for newbies, documentation of lunar phases and occasions, and the sheer enjoyment of capturing a celestial object. Traditionally, astrophotography required specialised tools; nevertheless, fashionable smartphone know-how has democratized this area, permitting a broader viewers to take part.
Reaching optimum outcomes requires understanding sure photographic ideas and making use of them throughout the constraints of the Android digital camera system. These ideas contain stabilizing the machine, managing gentle publicity, and maximizing obtainable zoom capabilities. The next sections element the particular strategies to boost the standard of lunar images obtained by way of Android telephones.
1. Stabilization Strategies
The connection between stabilization strategies and profitable lunar images utilizing Android gadgets is direct and elementary. Digital camera shake, even minimal, turns into considerably amplified when imaging distant objects such because the moon, leading to blurred or vague photographs. Stabilization strategies serve to counteract this movement, permitting the digital camera sensor to assemble gentle persistently over the publicity interval, thereby producing a sharper, extra detailed image.
The first explanation for picture blur in handheld images is involuntary motion. When imaging the moon, this concern is exacerbated by the telephoto impact inherent in digital zoom. For instance, making an attempt to seize the moon freehand, even with a comparatively regular grip, will probably yield a blurry end result because of the magnification amplifying minor hand tremors. Using a tripod, a monopod, and even propping the telephone in opposition to a steady floor eliminates the first supply of motion. Some smartphones supply built-in picture stabilization (OIS or EIS), which mitigates digital camera shake electronically or mechanically; nevertheless, such programs are usually not an entire substitute for exterior stabilization.
In abstract, efficient stabilization is a prerequisite for attaining high quality lunar images with Android telephones. Whereas software-based stabilization affords some enchancment, bodily stabilization strategies like tripods stay essential. Understanding this precept and making use of applicable stabilization methods considerably will increase the chance of capturing a transparent and detailed lunar picture. Failure to deal with stabilization points will nearly inevitably end in suboptimal picture high quality, no matter different digital camera settings employed.
2. Handbook Focus
The correlation between handbook focus and profitable lunar images with Android gadgets is essential. Autofocus programs, whereas usually environment friendly, usually battle to precisely concentrate on the moon attributable to its distance and the comparatively low distinction introduced to the digital camera sensor. This imprecision usually ends in photographs that, whereas seemingly in concentrate on the telephone’s display, exhibit a delicate or blurry high quality upon nearer inspection or when seen on a bigger show. Handbook focus overrides the automated system, granting the photographer direct management over the lens’s focusing mechanism and facilitating exact changes.
In observe, attaining sharp concentrate on the moon usually entails incrementally adjusting the handbook focus slider throughout the digital camera software whereas fastidiously observing the picture on the display. Zooming in digitally (previous to seize) to amplify the lunar floor can help on this course of, making it simpler to establish the purpose of optimum sharpness. A typical method entails focusing barely previous the purpose of perceived sharpness after which slowly backing off till essentially the most element turns into seen. It is essential to notice that the perfect handbook focus setting could fluctuate barely relying on atmospheric situations, the telephone’s lens high quality, and the extent of digital zoom employed. For instance, a slight adjustment could also be vital because the moon rises larger within the sky and atmospheric distortion modifications.
In summation, using handbook focus is important for attaining sharp, detailed lunar photographs with Android gadgets. Whereas autofocus programs could supply a handy start line, their inherent limitations on this context necessitate using handbook focus for optimum outcomes. Overriding the automated system and making cautious, incremental changes permits the photographer to realize a degree of precision unattainable by automated strategies, considerably enhancing the standard and element of the ultimate lunar {photograph}.
3. Publicity Management
The connection between publicity management and capturing high quality lunar photographs with an Android machine is direct and important. Publicity, within the context of images, refers back to the quantity of sunshine that reaches the digital camera sensor throughout picture seize. Inadequate or extreme gentle results in underexposed (darkish) or overexposed (brilliant) photographs, respectively. For the reason that moon is a comparatively brilliant object in opposition to a darkish sky, automated publicity settings usually misjudge the scene, leading to an overexposed lunar disk missing element. Due to this fact, handbook publicity management is usually vital to realize a well-balanced and detailed picture.
Below supreme situations, the digital camera app’s handbook mode allows exact changes to each shutter pace and ISO. Shutter pace determines the length the digital camera sensor is uncovered to gentle, whereas ISO dictates the sensor’s sensitivity to gentle. A sooner shutter pace and decrease ISO usually produce a darker however cleaner picture with much less noise (grain). Conversely, a slower shutter pace and better ISO improve brightness however can introduce noise. For lunar images, a sooner shutter pace is often wanted to forestall overexposure of the moon’s floor, whereas a decrease ISO minimizes noise within the surrounding darkish sky. Think about a situation the place the automated mode yields a totally white, featureless moon; manually decreasing the publicity time, or decreasing the ISO if shutter pace is already minimal, will progressively reveal the lunar floor particulars. This necessitates experimentation to seek out the optimum mixture of settings for a given machine and lighting state of affairs.
In abstract, efficient publicity management is paramount for profitable lunar images with Android gadgets. Overriding the automated publicity settings and punctiliously adjusting shutter pace and ISO permits the photographer to seize a correctly uncovered picture that reveals the intricate particulars of the lunar floor. The ability to govern these settings represents an important part in attaining high-quality lunar photographs, mitigating problems with overexposure and undesirable noise. The flexibility to manually alter publicity permits for overcoming the restrictions of automated settings, thus rendering a balanced and revealing picture of the Moon.
4. ISO Sensitivity
ISO sensitivity, within the context of Android lunar images, immediately impacts the brightness and noise degree throughout the captured picture. Greater ISO values amplify the digital camera sensor’s sensitivity to gentle, permitting for shorter publicity occasions in low-light situations. Nonetheless, this amplification introduces digital noise, manifesting as graininess or discoloration, significantly in darker areas of the picture. When photographing the moon, the objective is to seize element with out extreme noise, necessitating cautious administration of the ISO setting.
For instance, using a excessive ISO setting, reminiscent of ISO 3200, may allow capturing a usable picture in extraordinarily darkish situations, however lunar floor particulars will probably be obscured by noise. Conversely, using a low ISO, like ISO 100 or 200, requires an extended publicity time to realize enough brightness. If the Android machine isn’t adequately stabilized, this longer publicity will end in movement blur. Due to this fact, a balanced method entails choosing the bottom attainable ISO setting that enables for a fairly brief publicity time, minimizing each noise and movement blur. Some Android digital camera functions supply noise discount algorithms, however these usually sacrifice positive element within the course of.
In conclusion, understanding the trade-off between ISO sensitivity, brightness, and noise is important for profitable lunar images with Android telephones. Experimentation and cautious statement of the ensuing photographs are vital to find out the optimum ISO setting for a given machine, atmospheric situation, and degree of stabilization. Reaching a stability between enough brightness and minimal noise is important for capturing detailed and visually interesting images of the moon. Whereas the optimum worth varies, a decrease ISO, coupled with steady mounting, usually yields superior outcomes.
5. Zoom Optimization
Zoom optimization immediately influences the obvious dimension and element achievable when photographing the moon with an Android machine. Cell phone cameras usually incorporate each optical and digital zoom capabilities. Optical zoom makes use of lens parts to amplify the picture, preserving decision, whereas digital zoom crops into the picture, successfully decreasing decision and introducing pixelation. As such, maximizing optical zoom, if obtainable, is preferable when making an attempt to seize lunar element. Using digital zoom past the purpose the place pixelation turns into noticeable compromises picture high quality, rendering positive lunar options vague. A sensible instance entails observing the dwell preview whereas incrementally growing the zoom; stopping on the level earlier than the picture begins to degrade considerably is essential for optimized outcomes. The diploma of acceptable digital zoom varies significantly relying on the particular Android machine and its sensor decision.
Past the restrictions of digital zoom, efficient zoom optimization incorporates stabilization strategies. As zoom ranges improve, even minute actions of the telephone turn into magnified, resulting in blurring. The utilization of a tripod or different stabilization equipment is paramount to counteract this impact, permitting the sensor to assemble gentle persistently through the publicity. Moreover, adjusting the digital camera’s focus settings turns into extra important at larger zoom ranges. Autofocus programs can battle with distant, low-contrast topics just like the moon. Thus, handbook focus, fastidiously adjusted, usually yields superior sharpness. The interaction between zoom degree, stabilization, and focus have to be thought-about to keep away from compromising picture high quality. The next zoom degree necessitates larger stability and extra exact focus.
In abstract, profitable zoom optimization in Android lunar images entails a strategic stability between optical and digital zoom, coupled with strong stabilization and meticulous focus changes. Understanding the restrictions of digital zoom and using strategies to mitigate its drawbacks is important for capturing essentially the most detailed lunar picture attainable with obtainable smartphone know-how. Whereas important magnification is achievable, prioritizing picture readability over sheer zoom issue yields extra visually interesting outcomes. The sensible significance of this understanding lies within the skill to seize essentially the most element attainable from the restricted capabilities of a cell phone digital camera, permitting even novice customers to acquire satisfying photographs of the moon.
6. Digital camera App Selection
The collection of a digital camera software is a figuring out think about acquiring high-quality lunar images with an Android machine. The default digital camera software usually lacks the granular controls vital for efficient astrophotography, significantly when imaging a distant, dimly lit object such because the moon. Different digital camera functions often supply enhanced handbook controls, superior options, and post-processing choices that considerably affect the ultimate picture high quality.
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Handbook Management Granularity
Enhanced digital camera functions present exact handbook management over ISO, shutter pace, and focus. This degree of management is significant for compensating for the automated settings’ limitations in difficult lighting conditions. Default digital camera apps could supply restricted or no handbook adjustment, leading to overexposed or blurry lunar photographs. As an example, exact focus management turns into paramount given the moon’s distance.
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RAW Picture Seize
Capturing photographs in RAW format preserves all picture information captured by the sensor, in contrast to JPEG, which applies compression that discards data. RAW photographs present larger latitude for post-processing changes, reminiscent of correcting publicity and recovering element in shadows and highlights. Default digital camera apps could lack RAW seize, limiting the power to refine photographs with out introducing artifacts. Preserving as a lot information as attainable is particularly useful in astrophotography.
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Specialised Taking pictures Modes
Sure digital camera functions incorporate specialised taking pictures modes or computational images options designed for low-light or long-exposure situations. These modes could make use of picture stacking or noise discount algorithms to enhance picture high quality in difficult situations. Whereas default apps may supply a “evening mode”, devoted astronomy apps could present superior lengthy publicity capabilities particularly tailor-made for celestial objects.
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Submit-Processing Capabilities
Some digital camera functions combine post-processing instruments that permit for instant changes to distinction, brightness, and sharpness. Whereas devoted picture modifying apps present extra complete instruments, having fundamental modifying capabilities throughout the digital camera app facilitates fast optimization of lunar photographs instantly after seize. This streamlined workflow affords instant suggestions and permits for iterative changes through the imaging session.
In essence, choosing a digital camera software with complete handbook controls, RAW seize, specialised taking pictures modes, and built-in post-processing instruments offers the person with the required performance to beat the inherent limitations of Android smartphone cameras when imaging the moon. The chosen app allows the operator to maximise their capabilities and generate superior photographs to these achievable utilizing the default digital camera software program.
7. RAW Seize
RAW seize refers back to the observe of saving picture information immediately from the digital camera sensor with out compression or in-camera processing. This observe is intrinsically linked to the endeavor of photographing the moon with Android gadgets as a result of it maximizes the quantity of data obtainable for post-processing, resulting in probably important enhancements in picture high quality. When an Android machine captures a JPEG picture, the digital camera’s inner processor applies sharpening, noise discount, and compression algorithms, which discard among the unique sensor information. This lack of data might be detrimental when making an attempt to seize the refined particulars of the lunar floor, particularly underneath difficult lighting situations. RAW seize bypasses these in-camera processes, preserving a larger dynamic vary and extra granular coloration data. This preserved data affords the photographer significantly extra latitude to get better particulars within the shadow areas of the lunar floor and proper publicity with out introducing artifacts.
The advantages of RAW seize are significantly pronounced when coping with the restrictions of cell phone cameras. These gadgets usually have smaller sensors and lenses in comparison with devoted cameras, which inherently impacts gentle gathering skill and picture sharpness. The prolonged dynamic vary afforded by RAW seize turns into important in compensating for these {hardware} limitations. As an example, areas in shadow on the lunar floor which may seem fully black in a JPEG can usually be recovered with shocking element when processing a RAW file. Furthermore, the superior coloration information permits for extra correct white stability changes, rendering the lunar floor in a extra pure and real looking hue. Moreover, the absence of in-camera sharpening in RAW recordsdata permits the photographer to use sharpening extra selectively and exactly throughout post-processing, avoiding the tough, over-sharpened look usually related to JPEG photographs from cell phones. Utilizing applications like Adobe Lightroom or Snapseed, RAW photographs captured on Android gadgets can bear detailed refinement that reveal refined textures and contrasts that had been beforehand hidden within the compressed JPEG model.
In abstract, RAW seize serves as a cornerstone method in attaining optimum lunar images with Android gadgets. By circumventing the restrictions imposed by in-camera processing, RAW recordsdata retain a considerably larger quantity of picture information, enabling more practical post-processing changes and in the end leading to images that reveal finer particulars and exhibit a extra correct illustration of the lunar floor. Whereas RAW recordsdata require extra processing and space for storing, the substantial enhancements in picture high quality justify the added effort for these in search of the very best outcomes from their Android-based lunar images efforts. The improved dynamic vary of RAW photographs ensures that lunar particulars are recoverable, rendering higher and extra detailed photographs than with default settings of the telephone.
8. Submit-Processing
Submit-processing represents a important stage within the workflow of capturing lunar photographs with Android gadgets. Given the restrictions inherent in cell phone cameras, significantly regarding sensor dimension and lens high quality, post-processing strategies serve to boost picture particulars, right imperfections, and in the end maximize the visible affect of the ultimate {photograph}.
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Publicity Adjustment
Publicity adjustment corrects for cases the place the preliminary picture seize resulted in both underexposed or overexposed lunar surfaces. By manipulating publicity settings in post-processing software program, reminiscent of Adobe Lightroom or Snapseed, the general brightness of the picture might be refined, revealing particulars that had been beforehand obscured. An overexposed moon, as an example, could also be introduced again into stability, revealing crater particulars that had been washed out within the unique seize.
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Sharpness Enhancement
Because of the inherent limitations of cell phone lenses and the results of atmospheric distortion, lunar photographs usually exhibit a level of softness. Sharpening instruments in post-processing can improve the perceived sharpness of the picture by growing distinction alongside edges. Selective sharpening is essential; extreme sharpening can introduce undesirable artifacts or amplify noise, whereas considered software can convey out refined particulars within the lunar floor options.
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Noise Discount
Excessive ISO settings, often employed in lunar images to compensate for low gentle, usually introduce digital noise within the type of graininess or discoloration. Noise discount algorithms can mitigate this concern by smoothing out noisy areas whereas making an attempt to protect element. The applying of noise discount requires a fragile stability, as extreme noise discount can soften the picture and obliterate finer particulars of the lunar terrain. Totally different algorithms cater to various noise profiles; understanding and making use of these nuances is important to optimum outcomes.
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Distinction and Coloration Correction
Changes to distinction and coloration can considerably improve the visible attraction of lunar photographs. Growing distinction could make the lunar floor seem extra dramatic, highlighting the variations in terrain. Coloration correction can handle any coloration casts launched by atmospheric situations or digital camera settings, rendering the moon in a extra pure or aesthetically pleasing hue. Cautious consideration to those parameters permits the operator to convey out the distinctive options of the Moon.
In abstract, post-processing serves as an indispensable complement to the picture acquisition course of when photographing the moon with Android gadgets. The flexibility to selectively alter publicity, sharpness, noise, distinction, and coloration allows the photographer to beat the inherent limitations of cell phone cameras and produce photographs which might be each visually putting and wealthy intimately. Mastering these post-processing strategies represents a key part in unlocking the total potential of Android-based lunar images.
9. Atmospheric Situations
Atmospheric situations symbolize a important variable influencing the standard of lunar photographs captured with Android gadgets. The readability and stability of the ambiance immediately affect the extent of element and sharpness attainable within the remaining {photograph}. Turbulence, cloud cowl, and air air pollution all contribute to picture degradation, making favorable atmospheric situations important for profitable lunar images.
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Atmospheric Turbulence (Seeing)
Atmospheric turbulence, sometimes called “seeing,” refers to variations in air density and temperature that trigger gentle to refract and warp. Excessive ranges of turbulence end in a shimmering or blurring impact, significantly noticeable when viewing objects at excessive magnification, such because the moon by a telephoto lens. Calm atmospheric situations, characterised by steady air, produce considerably sharper and extra outlined lunar photographs. Actual-world examples embrace nights following rainfall, which are inclined to have diminished turbulence. Adversarial situations can render lunar surfaces blurry, diminishing total photographic high quality.
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Cloud Cowl
Cloud cowl represents a direct obstruction to visibility, impeding the passage of sunshine from the moon to the digital camera sensor. Even skinny, high-altitude cirrus clouds can diffuse gentle, decreasing distinction and element. Clear skies, free from cloud interference, are important for capturing the brightest and most detailed lunar photographs. Makes an attempt to {photograph} the moon by cloud cowl usually end in poorly outlined and underexposed photographs. Moreover, the presence of clouds can intrude with autofocus programs, complicating picture acquisition.
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Air Air pollution and Haze
Air air pollution, together with particulate matter and gaseous pollution, scatters and absorbs gentle, decreasing visibility and distinction. Haze, usually composed of water vapor and positive particles, equally degrades picture high quality. In areas with excessive ranges of air air pollution or haze, lunar photographs could seem washed out or lack sharpness. Clear air, characterised by low concentrations of pollution, permits for the seize of clearer and extra vibrant lunar photographs. Areas at larger altitudes or away from city facilities usually supply improved atmospheric situations.
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Lunar Elevation and Air Mass
The moon’s elevation above the horizon impacts the quantity of ambiance the sunshine should journey by to succeed in the digital camera. When the moon is low on the horizon, the sunshine passes by a larger quantity of air mass, growing the results of atmospheric turbulence, air pollution, and haze. Imaging the moon when it’s larger within the sky minimizes these results, leading to improved picture high quality. The elevated air mass at decrease elevations results in larger gentle scattering, impacting each brightness and readability.
The interplay of those atmospheric parts creates a posh interaction that dramatically influences the last word success or failure of lunar picture seize with an Android machine. By understanding and accounting for these atmospheric elements, photographers can choose optimum viewing situations and make use of applicable strategies to mitigate their destructive results. The sensible ability on this regard lies in observing native climate patterns and environmental situations to strategically select occasions of low atmospheric affect, thereby maximizing photographic potential.
Steadily Requested Questions
The next part addresses widespread inquiries relating to capturing lunar photographs utilizing Android gadgets, offering clarification and sensible steerage.
Query 1: What’s the most vital setting to regulate for clear lunar photographs?
Handbook focus management is paramount. Autofocus programs usually fail to precisely concentrate on the distant moon. Cautious, incremental changes to the handbook focus setting yield a sharper picture.
Query 2: Is digital zoom helpful for lunar images?
Digital zoom ought to be used sparingly. Optical zoom is preferable, however digital zoom degrades picture high quality by pixelation. Incremental digital zoom, intently monitored, could also be acceptable as much as a sure magnification threshold.
Query 3: Why do lunar photographs usually seem overexposed?
Computerized publicity settings usually misread the intense moon in opposition to the darkish sky. Handbook publicity adjustment, particularly decreasing the publicity time, is usually vital to forestall overexposure.
Query 4: Does picture stabilization matter for photographing the moon?
Picture stabilization is important. Any motion, even slight, is amplified at excessive zoom ranges, leading to blurred photographs. A tripod or steady help is strongly really helpful.
Query 5: Are specialised digital camera apps wanted for lunar images?
Specialised digital camera apps supply benefits. They supply granular handbook management over ISO, shutter pace, and focus, in addition to RAW picture seize capabilities, all contributing to enhanced picture high quality.
Query 6: How do atmospheric situations have an effect on lunar photographs?
Atmospheric situations considerably affect picture high quality. Turbulence, cloud cowl, and air air pollution degrade picture sharpness and readability. Clear skies and steady air are important for optimum outcomes.
Mastering handbook focus, controlling publicity, stabilizing the machine, and accounting for atmospheric situations symbolize key expertise for capturing high-quality lunar photographs utilizing Android telephones. Exploring completely different digital camera apps can yield varied advantages, however customers ought to prioritize RAW capturing.
The following part outlines superior strategies for additional enhancing Android-based lunar images, together with superior processing strategies.
Ideas for Lunar Pictures with Android
This part offers concise tips for optimizing the method of lunar picture seize utilizing Android gadgets, aiming for improved readability and element.
Tip 1: Maximize Optical Zoom: Prioritize optical zoom over digital zoom at any time when attainable. Optical zoom makes use of lens parts to amplify the picture, preserving decision, whereas digital zoom crops the picture, decreasing decision and element.
Tip 2: Stabilize the System: Make use of a tripod or different stabilization equipment. Even minor digital camera shake is amplified when photographing distant objects. A steady platform prevents blurring and enhances sharpness.
Tip 3: Make the most of Handbook Focus: Disable autofocus and manually alter the main target setting. Autofocus programs usually battle with the low distinction and distance of the moon. Exact handbook focus offers sharper outcomes.
Tip 4: Regulate Publicity Settings: Manually alter the publicity settings to forestall overexposure. The moon is a brilliant object in opposition to a darkish sky, main automated publicity programs to misjudge the scene. Reducing publicity time reveals floor particulars.
Tip 5: Choose a Low ISO: Select the bottom attainable ISO setting to attenuate digital noise. Greater ISO values improve sensitivity however introduce graininess. Balancing ISO with shutter pace is important.
Tip 6: Seize in RAW Format: If supported, seize photographs in RAW format. RAW recordsdata protect extra picture information than JPEGs, offering larger flexibility for post-processing changes.
Tip 7: Think about Atmospheric Situations: Monitor atmospheric situations for optimum readability. Turbulence, cloud cowl, and air air pollution degrade picture high quality. Clear nights with steady air present the most effective outcomes.
Following the following pointers enhances the standard of lunar photographs captured by way of Android, bettering readability, element, and total aesthetic attraction. The following concluding part summarizes key suggestions.
Subsequent is the conclusion summarizing all of the information we’ve.
Conclusion
This exploration of the right way to take an image of the moon with Android gadgets has illuminated key strategies for capturing detailed lunar photographs. Efficient picture seize hinges on a mix of optimized digital camera settings, machine stabilization, and favorable atmospheric situations. Handbook focus and publicity changes override limitations of automated digital camera features. RAW seize maximizes information retention for subsequent post-processing refinement. Minimizing digital zoom and prioritizing optical zoom prevents picture degradation. Stabilization strategies, reminiscent of tripod use, cut back blurring. Moreover, consciousness of atmospheric turbulence and cloud cowl is important for choosing optimum viewing occasions.
The democratization of astrophotography, facilitated by developments in cell phone know-how, invitations ongoing exploration of its capabilities. Continued experimentation with digital camera settings and post-processing strategies will yield additional enhancements in picture high quality. As smartphone digital camera know-how evolves, the potential for capturing ever extra detailed photographs of celestial objects, together with the moon, from available gadgets will undoubtedly broaden. Think about the knowledge right here a place to begin, not an finish.
