[ad_1]
Understanding Earthshine: A Comprehensive Guide
Have you noticed the Moon exhibiting a ghostly glow lately? You might be seeing Earthshine, a subtle light illuminating the usually unlit portion of the lunar surface. In this article, we dive into everything you need to know about this phenomenon, including when and where you can see it, what causes it, and why it’s called the Da Vinci Glow.
When and Where Can You See Earthshine?
Earthshine is visible in the mornings a few days before the new Moon, and in the evenings a few days after the new Moon. You might have already glimpsed it before sunrise on 17 May during the waning crescent phase. Weather permitting, you can also see Earthshine this evening, 23 May, after sunset (8:56pm BST in London, 8:13pm EDT in New York City).
The phenomenon is most visible during the waxing or waning crescent phase, and it’s the ideal time of the year to view it because during the spring, the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, while at higher latitudes, lingering winter snow and ice still provide ground cover. Snow and ice have a higher albedo than darker-coloured vegetation and water, so we get more apparent Earthshine.
Here are the next opportunities to see Earthshine:
– 23 May: 15.5 per cent illuminated waxing crescent Moon
What is Earthshine?
Earthshine appears as a soft, subtle glow on the unlit, or ‘night’ portion of the Moon during specific phases. It’s also known as the Da Vinci Glow and the old Moon in the new Moon’s arms. The intensity of Earthshine can vary depending on certain factors, such as atmospheric conditions and the observer’s location.
What Causes Earthshine?
Earthshine is caused by sunlight reflecting off the Earth’s surface and then being reflected back onto the Moon. As the Moon is tidally locked, we’ll never be able to see the dark side of the Moon from our vantage point here on Earth. Rather, we can see the unlit portion.
What Affects Earthshine?
The appearance and intensity of Earthshine are influenced by several factors, including the Earth’s cloud cover, the composition of its atmosphere, and the angle of sunlight reflecting off our planet onto the Moon. These factors can cause slight variations in the brightness and colour of the Earthshine, making it different each time.
Why is it called the Da Vinci Glow?
In the early 16th Century, Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci turned his thoughts to unravelling the enigma of this strange, otherworldly glow. He made detailed drawings and sketches of the Moon, and while da Vinci did not coin the term himself, these observations led to its association with his name.
What Equipment Do I Need to See Earthshine?
Aside from the ever-constant wish for clear skies, no special equipment is required. If you have some to hand, while not necessary, using binoculars or a telescope can help you pick out features you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to see on the Moon’s surface, and observe the subtle variations in brightness more closely.
Will Climate Change Affect Our Ability to See Earthshine?
Potentially. Researchers looking at Earth’s albedo have found that warming temperatures may result in less intense Earthshine. As the oceans warmed, they found that fewer low clouds formed over the eastern Pacific Ocean, west of the Big Bear Solar Observatory in California where they were taking measurements.
Conclusion
Witnessing Earthshine can be a spectacular sight and a great opportunity for lunar photography. It’s visible a few days before and after the new Moon, most apparent during the waxing or waning crescent phase. Earthshine is caused by sunlight reflected off the Earth’s surface reflecting back onto the Moon. Named after the celebrated polymath Leonardo da Vinci, exploring Earthshine does not require special equipment, only clear skies and a keen eye.
FAQ
1. When can I see Earthshine?
Earthshine is visible in the mornings a few days before the new Moon, and in the evenings a few days after the new Moon.
2. What is Earthshine?
Earthshine appears as a soft, subtle glow on the unlit, or ‘night’ portion of the Moon during specific phases. It’s caused by sunlight reflecting off the Earth’s surface and then being reflected back onto the Moon.
3. What equipment do I need to see Earthshine?
No special equipment is required to see Earthshine, but using binoculars or a telescope can help you pick out features you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to see on the Moon’s surface.
4. Why is it called the Da Vinci Glow?
The name Da Vinci Glow came from Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci, who made detailed drawings and sketches of the Moon.
5. Will climate change affect our ability to see Earthshine?
Potentially. Researchers looking at Earth’s albedo have found that warming temperatures may result in less intense Earthshine.
[ad_2]
For more information, please refer this link