It's really an amazing world we live in. Of course, we don't always realize how amazing it really is because we rarely take the time to really look at it, especially from a different perspective.
Luckily, Reddit user Proteon is making the amazing, hidden parts of the world a little more accessible to the rest of us thanks to a vintage microscope and a natural curiosity.
Proteon took the wing of a luna moth they'd found and placed it under a 1951 American Optical Spencer microscope, then took a peek, snapping photos with each increased magnification. And the results are stunning, even with a 65-year-old instrument!
We all know that anything placed under a microscope looks wildly different, but what we don't always remember is that it's also surprisingly beautiful, even humble things like sand, dust, sugar, and, even seawater turn into stunning pieces of abstract art, and it's all around us!
Take a look at what a moth's wing really looks like and be amazed!
[H/T: Twisted Sifter]
Luna moths are large moths native to North America, known for their bright, lime-green coloring, and dramatic wing tails. They can reach a wingspan of up to four and a half inches.
They're quite common, and with an adult life span of only about seven days, finding one that had died of natural causes was likely not hard for Reddit user Proteon.
Proteon laid out one of the wings under a 1951 microscope to see what it really looked like from closer than the human eye could ever see.
Proteon focused on one of the "eye spots" on the moth's wing.
Luna moths, along with many other species, use these markings to confuse potential predators and look much larger and more threatening than they are.
From this magnification, you can already see the texture of the moth's wing.
Zoom in a little more and it becomes more evident, as do the amazing color variations.
Zoom in even further and you might think you're looking at a traditional piñata, covered in tissue paper fringe. But that's really a moth wing!
Like those of butterflies, moth wings are covered in tiny feather-like scales that provide insulation for the wings and aid in flight, too. Their unique shape reduces drag while flying.
Although the spots on all the moths are similar, no two are ever exactly alike. This close-up was taken from another luna moth.
It just goes to show you that you think you may know what the world looks like, but change your perspective a bit, and everything seems totally new and wondrous.
So the next time you find yourself feeling jaded, consider looking a little closer at things. You never know what you might find!
Please SHARE if you think Mother Nature is absolutely incredible!
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