Space1 min(s) read
Published 15:29 26 Apr 2020 GMT
Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies this evening, because tonight we will be treated the "Earthshine" on the Moon.
The celestial phenomenon is also known as "planetshine" and "The old Moon in the new Moon's arms", and takes place several times throughout the year, but according to NASA, April, May, and June are the best months to see "Earthshine" at its finest.
Relive the moment Buzz Aldrin planted the US flag on the moon:
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But what is "Earthshine"?
During a new Moon, all of the Sun's light is reflected away from the Earth, and the side of the Moon facing our planet is barely visible. Sometimes, the dark face of the Moon catches Earth's reflected glow and returns that light - giving the dark face of the Moon a faint shine, resulting in what NASA describes as a "ghostly version of a full Moon".
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This phenomenon is called Earthshine.
Tonight, (April 26), the Moon will be 12% illuminated by the Sun, meaning you will be able to see a small sliver of the luminescent crescent moon.
But thanks to Earthshine, if you look at the left-hand side of the Moon (its darker part), you will be able to perceive some detail there thanks to the Earth's "albedo" - that is, the sunlight being reflected off the Earth and onto the Moon's lunar landscape.
Essentially, it works similar to how a bright Moon often illuminates the Earth's surface.
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This will last for a few nights until the sheer brightness of the lit-up crescent waxes.
Per Forbes, the best time for people living in the Northern Hemisphere to see Earthshine is April, May, and June, as this is when the Earth's Arctic ice and snow reflects the most light.
Tonight, Moon-gazers may also be able to see Venus close to the Moon, as this is when the planet is at its brightest.
