Moon to Show Giant X and V From 2200 GMT on May 23
Updated
Updated · Space.com · May 23
Moon to Show Giant X and V From 2200 GMT on May 23
2 articles · Updated · Space.com · May 23
The lunar “X” and “V” will be most visible from 2200 GMT on May 23 into the early hours of May 24, appearing near the terminator around the moon’s first-quarter phase.
Sunlight creates the effect by striking broken crater rims along the boundary between lunar night and day, producing a brief clair-obscur pattern of light and shadow.
Binoculars or a small telescope should reveal the “V” about 10 degrees above the lunar equator between Sinus Medii and Mare Vaporum, where light catches the rim of Ukert crater.
Farther south, about 25 degrees below the equator, the “X” forms from illuminated sections of the Purbach, Blanchinus and La Caille crater rims.
The display highlights how changing sun angles continually reshape the moon’s visible surface, making transient letter-like patterns appear and fade from night to night.
As Artemis II orbits the moon, what is the biggest hurdle remaining for the planned 2028 human landing?
How will the Artemis program's planned lunar base fundamentally change life and business back on Earth?