This Thursday, take a moment to look up at the Moon with binoculars or a small telescope. You might spot a fascinating sight: a giant “X” on the lunar surface. If you glance at the line where light meets dark, you may also notice a temporary “V.”
The “terminator” is the line that divides the day side from the night side of the Moon. This line helps us see the Moon’s three-dimensional shape. Shadows become longer near the terminator, making it easier to recognize details. “The lunar surface looks different near the terminator because the Sun is low on the horizon,” explains NASA. “Shadows give us clues about height and depth.” This is why craters are particularly visible in this area; their height stands out against the light and dark contrast.
During the first quarter phase, keep an eye out for shadows that create the “X” and “V” shapes. They don’t appear all at once. According to David M.F. Chapman, a lunar expert, the “X” slowly reveals itself over about two hours as the Sun rises and highlights various peaks and walls around the Purbach crater.
On Thursday, March 6, you’ll have a great chance to see the “X” and “V” as the terminator aligns just right. The “X” really begins to show around 11 pm UTC and will be visible for about an hour.
If you happen to miss this sighting, don’t worry. The “X” and “V” appear at several times throughout the year, including on April 5 and June 3. So, there will be plenty of opportunities to catch these intriguing lunar features in action!
Check out this related article: Unveiling the Underwater Drama: A Crab’s Last Moments Before Becoming Cuttlefish Dinner
Source link