Earthshine tonight: How, what and when to see the moon, check details
2 min read . Updated: 24 May 2023, 10:45 AM IST
PremiumEarthshine is a subtle glow on the unlit part of the Moon during specific phases which will be visible tonight after sunset if weather conditions permit.
Have you noticed the ethereal glow emanating from the Moon? It's a phenomenon known as Earthshine, where a subtle light bathes the typically dark side of the lunar surface. Earthshine presents a captivating spectacle and an excellent chance for lunar photography.
“Take a look on the evening of May 23, and you’ll be able to see the crescent moon between the bright planet Venus and the star Pollux, and the red planet Mars to the left of the couple," Dr. Darren Pasquil Lecturer in Astronomy at the University of Sussex said.
What is Earthshine?
Earthshine is a subtle glow on the unlit part of the Moon during specific phases. It creates a beautiful sight, with the full moon nestled within a bright crescent. The intensity of Earthshine varies based on weather conditions and surface reflectivity. It's important to clarify that the "dark side of the moon" is not visible from Earth.
When to watch it?
If weather conditions permit, tonight, on May 23rd, after sunset (8:56 p.m. GMT in London; 8:13 p.m. EST in New York City), you can witness the earth’s brightness. This phenomenon is visible a few days before and after the new moon, and you might have already observed it during the waning crescent phase on May 17th. The upcoming opportunity to experience Earth's brightness is during the waxing crescent phase on May 23rd, where the moon will be 15.5 percent illuminated.
This celestial spectacle is best observed during the spring season when the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun and the lingering winter snow and ice enhance the reflective effect. Although winter sees abundant snow and ice, the limited sunlight reaching the North Pole makes Earth's brightness less prominent during that time.
Da Vinci glow!
Earthshine, also known as the Da Vinci glow or ashen glow, is a phenomenon where sunlight reflected off the Earth's surface illuminates the unlit part of the Moon.
During the crescent phase, the direct sunlight illuminates the bright crescent while the Earth's reflected sunlight gently illuminates the darker part of the Moon. This ghostly glow occurs because some of the sunlight reaching the Earth is scattered and reflected towards the Moon's unlit side, creating a faint illumination on the lunar surface.
How to watch?
Clear skies are ideal for observing Earthshine, and while no special equipment is required, having binoculars or a telescope on hand can enhance the experience. With these tools, you can better observe lunar surface features and closely monitor subtle variations in brightness that may not be visible to the naked eye.