An enormous ‘X’ and ‘V’ will grace the moon’s surface on July 2. Here’s how to see them

editorspace.com11 hours ago3 Views

The nights surrounding the first quarter moon phase on June 2 present a good opportunity to spot colossal ‘X’ and ‘V’ features emblazoned on the lunar surface.

This month’s first quarter phase occurs at 11:41 p.m. EDT on June 2 (0341 GMT on June 3), at which time the right side of the half-lit lunar disk will be illuminated by direct sunlight from the perspective of viewers in the northern hemisphere on Earth.

At this time, the sun shines at such an angle to make it appear as if there is a gigantic ‘V’ and ‘X’ marking the barren lunar surface. This kind of phenomenon is referred to as a ‘clair-obscur’ effect and occurs when the interplay between light and shadow leads to the chance formation of familiar shapes on the moon‘s craggy terrain.

How to spot the letters ‘X’ and ‘V’ marking the lunar surface

The lunar letters are visible for roughly four hours in the run-up to each first quarter moon phase and are at their most impressive when seen just on the ‘night’ side of the terminator, with their upper reaches kissed by the sun’s light. Try and find the lunar ‘X’ and ‘V’ on the lunar disk at sunset on June 2 and be sure to keep checking back to see how these shapes evolve over time.

If you miss the letters on the night side of the terminator, there’s no need to lose hope, as they’ll continue to be visible for a brief period after they pass to the ‘day side’ of the moon.

The lunar ‘X’ becomes visible for a brief period around the moon’s first quarter phase. (Image credit: Photo by Ding Yi/VCG via Getty Images, annotations by Anthony Wood)

The lunar X is an optical effect formed when sunlight strikes elevated rim sections of the Bianchini, Purbach and La Caille Craters around the first quarter moon phase, according to stargazing website EarthSky.org. The feature can be found around 25 degrees south of the lunar equator close to the terminator, which is the line separating the dayside and nightside of the moon, close to the prominent Werner and Aliacensis Craters.

The lunar ‘X’ and ‘V’ are briefly visible in the hours preceding the moon’s first quarter phase. (Image credit: Photo by: Alan Dyer/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images, annotations by Anthony Wood)

To find the lunar ‘V’, moongazers must follow the line of the terminator up to a point less than 10 degrees above the lunar equator to find the partially shadowed form of the Ukert Crater. Both objects can be spotted through a small backyard telescope with a 6-inch aperture, though a larger scope will help resolve detail in the myriad craters and broken terrain dotting the surrounding moonscapes.

TOP TELESCOPE PICK

Celestron - NexStar 4SE Telescope

(Image credit: Amazon)

Want to see the lunar X and V? The Celestron NexStar 4SE is ideal for beginners wanting quality, reliable and quick views of celestial objects. For a more in-depth look at our Celestron NexStar 4SE review.

Stargazers interested in exploring the lunar surface should check out our guides to the best telescopes and binoculars available in 2025. Photographers interested in capturing the moon’s surface should also read our roundup of the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography.

Editor’s Note: If you capture a picture of the letters on the moon and want to share it with Space.com’s readers, then please send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

0 Votes: 0 Upvotes, 0 Downvotes (0 Points)

Leave a reply

Recent Comments

No comments to show.
Join Us
  • Facebook38.5K
  • X Network32.1K

Stay Informed With the Latest & Most Important News

I consent to receive newsletter via email. For further information, please review our Privacy Policy

Categories

Advertisement

Loading Next Post...
Follow
Sign In/Sign Up Search Trending
Popular Now
Loading

Signing-in 3 seconds...

Signing-up 3 seconds...