~ V shape on Terminator ~
At around the first quarter Moon phase sometimes if the angle of light on the terminator line is just right, you may see an optical phenomenon and see a letter V or a letter X on the lunar surface!
You will only see this for a short period of time as the sunlight marches on across the lunar surface; on this evening I was only able to capture the letter V along the terminator. But this is not the usual V shape; it’s another one that I’ve captured on this night, how good is that!
What is happening here? This kind of phenomenon is referred to as a ‘claire-obscure’ effect and occurs when the interplay between light and shadow leads to the chance formation of familiar sharps on the Moons craggy terrain.
Have some fun trying to find some other recognisable object on the lunar surface features, here is an article by astronomy.com that may help you at:
Observe shadow play on the Moon
The effects of light and dark on the lunar terminator offer some great observing fun.
https://www.astronomy.com/observing/observe-shadow-play-on-the-moon/
At around the first quarter Moon phase sometimes if the angle of light on the terminator line is just right, you may see an optical phenomenon and see a letter V or a letter X on the lunar surface!
You will only see this for a short period of time as the sunlight marches on across the lunar surface; on this evening I was only able to capture the letter V along the terminator. But this is not the usual V shape; it’s another one that I’ve captured on this night, how good is that!
What is happening here? This kind of phenomenon is referred to as a ‘claire-obscure’ effect and occurs when the interplay between light and shadow leads to the chance formation of familiar sharps on the Moons craggy terrain.
Have some fun trying to find some other recognisable object on the lunar surface features, here is an article by astronomy.com that may help you at:
Observe shadow play on the Moon
The effects of light and dark on the lunar terminator offer some great observing fun.
https://www.astronomy.com/observing/observe-shadow-play-on-the-moon/
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