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Credit: Photo by: Alan Dyer/Vwpics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images, Annotations by Anthony Wood
The nights around the moon phase of the first quarter on June 2 offer a good opportunity to recognize colossal ‘X’ and ‘V’, which are decorated on the surface of the moon.
The first quarter of this month phase will take place on June 2 at 11:41 p.m. Edt (0341 GMT on June 3). At this point, the right side of the semi -illuminated moon pane is illuminated by direct sunlight from the perspective of the spectators in the northern hemisphere on earth.
At that time, the sun shines such an angle to make it look as if there is a gigantic ‘V’ and ‘X’ that marks the barren surface. This type of phenomenon is referred to as the “Clair -Obscur” effect and occurs when the interaction between light and shadow leads to random formation of familiar forms on the rugged terrain of the moon.
How to recognize the letters ‘X’ and ‘V’ that mark the moon surface
The moon letters are visible about four hours in the first quarter in the first quarter and are most impressive if they are only seen on the “Night” page of the terminator, the upper foundation being kissed by the light of the sun. Try to find the moon “X” and “V” on the moon pane at sunset on June 2, and continue looking to see how these forms develop over time.
If you miss the letters on the Terminator’s night side, there is no need to lose hope, since you are still visible for a short period of time after you get to the “day side” of the moon.
The moon ‘X’ is visible for a short time around the first quarter of the moon. | Credit: Photo by Ding Yi/VCG about Getty pictures, comments from Anthony Wood
The moon X is an optical effect that arises after the Stargazing website Earthsky.org when sunlight strikes increased marginal sections of the Bianchini, Purbach- and La -Cailer crater in the moon phase of the Stargazing website in the moon phase of the first quarter. The feature is about 25 degrees south of the moon equator near the terminator, which is the line that separates the DaySide and the night of the moon near the prominent Werner and Aliacensis crater.
The moon ‘X’ and ‘V’ are briefly visible in the hours before the first quarter phase. | Credit: Photo by: Alan Dyer/Vwpics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images, Annotations by Anthony Wood
In order to find the moon “V”, Moongazers must follow the line of the terminator up to a point of less than 10 degrees above the moon equator in order to find the partially shaded form of the Ukert crater. Both objects can be discovered by a small backyard telescope with a 6-inch aperture, although a larger area helps to solve details in the countless craters and broken terrain that assess the surrounding moons.
Top Telescope pick
Celestron – Nexstar 4Se Telescope
Would you like to see the moon X and V? The Celestron Nexstar 4SE is ideal for beginners who want quality, reliable and fast views of heavenly objects. For a more detailed look at our Celestron Nexstar 4SE rating.
Stargazer, who are interested in exploring the moon surface, should check our guides for the best telescopes and binoculars in 2025. Photographers who are interested in grasping the surface of the moon should also read our summary of the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography.
Note from the publisher: If you want to take a picture of the letters on the moon and share it with the readers of space.com, please send your photos, comments and your names and your place to Spacephotos@space.com.
