Look down at the western sky after sunset for the next few days, and you may get a glimpse of the delightful light of the Earth illuminating the little moon.
This phenomenon occurs when sunlight emanates from Earth and returns to the moon, according to geologist Chris Vaughan, an astronomer with SkySafari Software in charge of Space.com‘s Night Sky calendar. The reflected light illuminates the dark hemisphere of the moon toward the Earth.
The spectacular view is also known as Ashen Glow and the “old moon in the arms of the new moon,” according to Vaughan.
Earthlight “appears a few days after the new moon,” writes Vaughan, “but it is more intense in the spring in the north when the moon is directly above the sun at sunset.”
If you are looking for a telescope or telescope to watch Earthshine, our guidelines for the best telescope deals and best telescope deals can now help. Our best astrophotography cameras and best astrophotography lenses can help you prepare to take the following view of skywatching alone.
