A huge “X” and “V” will decorate the surface of the moon on July 2. Here’s how to see them
The night of the phase of the first quarter moon on July 2 has a good opportunity to spot a colossal “X” and “V” sporting the lunar surface.
The phase of the first quarter of this month occurred at 11:41 p.m. HAE on July 2 (0341 GMT on July 3), the date on which the lunar disk at half-bured down will be illuminated by the direct sunlight from the point of view of viewers in the northern hemisphere on earth.
Currently, the sun shines at such an angle to give the impression that there is a gigantic “V” and “X” marking the sterile lunar surface. This type of phenomenon is called a “chiaroscuro” effect and occurs when the interaction between light and shadow leads to the fortuitous formation of familiar forms on the steep ground of the moon.
How to identify the letters “X” and “V” marking the lunar surface
The lunar letters are visible for about four hours when approaching each moon phase in the first quarter and are the most impressive when they are just seen on the side “ “ “ terminator, with their upper sections embraced by sunlight. Try to find the lunar “X” and “V” on the lunar disc at sunset on July 2 and make sure you continue to check how these forms evolve over time.
If you miss the letters on the side of the night of the Terminator, it is not necessary to lose hope, because they will continue to be visible for a brief period after their passage to the “day side” of the moon.
The Lunar X is an optical effect formed when the sunlight hits high bianchini craters, Purbach and the quail around the moon phase of the first quarter, according to the Stargazing Earthsky.org website. The characteristic can be found at around 25 degrees south of the lunar equator near the terminator, which is the line separating the edge of the day and the night of the moon, near the prominent craters of Werner and Aliacensis.
To find the lunar “V”, the moongazers must follow the terminator’s line to a point within 10 degrees above the lunar equator to find the partially shaded form of the Ukert crater. The two objects can be identified through a small backyard telescope with an opening of 6 inches, although a larger range will help solve details in the myriad of craters and the broken terrain sprinkling the surrounding Lunian landscapes.
Upper telescope pick
Do you want to see the Lunar X and V? The Celestron Nexstar 4Sse is ideal for beginners who want quality, reliable and fast views of celestial objects. For a more in -depth overview of our Celestron Nexstar 4SSE review.
Stargazers interested in exploring the lunar surface should consult our guides to the best telescopes and binoculars available in 2025. Photographers interested in capturing the surface of the moon should also read our overview of the best cameras and objectives for astrophotography.
This article was updated at 3:10 a.m. HAE (0810 GMT) on July 2 to modify “June 2” on the correct date of “July 2” for the lunar event.
Publisher’s note: If you capture a photo of letters on the moon and want to share it with Space.com readers, please send your photos, comments and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.
