The crescent moon will this weekend look fabulous as it retreats towards Monday's total solar ... [+]
Everyone in North America will be watching the moon—or, at least, its silhouette—on Monday, April 8, as a solar eclipse comes to the continent. However, if you want to get a slight head-start on everyone else, there are some fabulous sights to have this weekend as the moon narrows to a slim crescent ahead of its tryst with the sun.
If you’re outdoors on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings and have an excellent view low to the east-southeast horizon, you’ll delight in these fabulous views of the moon, which look its best. You may be camping out in the path of totality in readiness for the rare total solar eclipse in parts of 13 U.S. states.
Eclipse Of Venus
The moon will actually “eclipse” or occult Venus on Sunday lunchtime, but since that takes place during the day, it will be near-impossible to see unless by anyone except experienced astronomers with expensive telescopes. In The Sky has the information on that—including a helpful map of where it’s visible.
Here’s where and when you need to look to see the crescent moon close to Mars, Saturn and Venus in the run-up to Monday’s dramatic celestial meeting:
April 5 – see the crescent moon to the right of Mars and Saturn.
April 6 – see the crescent moon beneath Saturn and Mars, with Venus rising due east.
When To See The Crescent Moon With Mars And Saturn
Date and time: just before sunrise on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6
Look to the east-southeast sky just before sunrise on Friday, and you’ll see a 15%-lit waning crescent moon, just a few degrees from Mars and Saturn. Do the same before sunrise on Saturday, and you’ll see a delicate 8%-lit crescent moon just below Saturn and Mars.
On both mornings, you may also see bright Venus rise in the east. What you’ll also definitely see is “Earthshine” on the crescent moon’s dark side. That’s sunlight reflected from Earth’s ice caps and clouds onto the lunar surface.
Sunday, April 7: will you get a final glimpse of the crescent moon before Monday’s total solar ... [+]
‘Earthshine’ Explained
The “Da Vinci glow” or “Earthshine” is a dim light visible on the dark side of a crescent moon. It was first observed by Leonardo Da Vinci in the 16th century and is caused by sunlight reflecting off the Earth’s clouds and ice onto the moon. This creates a faint glow that can only be seen when a slim crescent moon is observed, which is visible each night this week. According to NASA, the phenomenon’s strength varies throughout the year as clouds and ice vary. It is also called “planet shine” and “ashen glow.”
The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. For the most accurate location-specific information, consult online planetariums like Stellarium and The Sky Live. Check planet-rise/planet-set, sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset times for where you are.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
