We here in the Hoosier State are always happy to look up into the night sky and really appreciate it, especially when something interesting is going on! Indiana night sky events aren’t exactly few or far between, and that’s probably one of the best things about living here if we’re being honest. From stunningly large-looking full moons to magical meteor showers and eclipses, Indiana is home to some of the coolest night-sky events, and this next one is no slouch, either!
You’ve probably noticed it before, but never had a name for it.
stephaniesbaker (Instagram: @ssbeck)/Flickr “Earthshine” is a subtle, bluish glow that slightly illuminates the otherwise unlit part of the moon, thanks to the sun’s brilliant light bouncing off the surface of Earth being reflected by the moon’s surface.
It’s visible at different times throughout the year, though the best times to see it are in April and May.
Bradley Michelbach/Flickr Earthshine is observed during the moon’s crescent phase; it gives the moon this beautiful, ethereal kind of presence in the night sky.
It’s a great opportunity for aspiring and experienced astrophotographers alike to get out and get some amazing photographs of our moon.
Rob Pettengill/Flickr Earthshine was first studied and explained by Leonardo Da Vinci (yes, that Da Vinci!) during the 16th century. Da Vinci was easily one of the most broadly talented men in the history of the earth, and his discoveries have all been invaluable.
This particular discovery is a little more subtle than most, but it’s still absolutely fascinating.
Brendan Keene/Flickr Earthshine will be best viewed this spring in about two weeks before the April full moon, so right around March 27th. If you miss it then, that’s alright - there will be an encore after the new moon, on April 12th.
It’s quite easy to see even with the naked eye, though a good telescope will show you some amazing craters and mountains on the moon’s subtly illuminated surface.
Hamish Irvine/Flickr It’s kind of like having a full moon that isn’t as bright as usual; though the moon will be in its crescent phase, the entire Earth-facing surface will be visible.
An actual full moon tends to be so brilliantly bright that it can light up the landscape in even the darkest of areas at night.
Jeff Sullivan/Flickr It tends to drown out stars and constellations with its vibrancy, but when you’ve got Earthshine going on, that’s not something you need to worry about.
It’s a great opportunity to get the whole family outside and observing an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.
Rob Pettengill/Flickr
Hoping to witness the Earthshine phenomena this spring in a dark-sky city? Check out the beautiful town of Beverly Shores for a true-dark night sky.
stephaniesbaker (Instagram: @ssbeck)/Flickr
“Earthshine” is a subtle, bluish glow that slightly illuminates the otherwise unlit part of the moon, thanks to the sun’s brilliant light bouncing off the surface of Earth being reflected by the moon’s surface.
Bradley Michelbach/Flickr
Earthshine is observed during the moon’s crescent phase; it gives the moon this beautiful, ethereal kind of presence in the night sky.
Rob Pettengill/Flickr
Earthshine was first studied and explained by Leonardo Da Vinci (yes, that Da Vinci!) during the 16th century. Da Vinci was easily one of the most broadly talented men in the history of the earth, and his discoveries have all been invaluable.
Brendan Keene/Flickr
Earthshine will be best viewed this spring in about two weeks before the April full moon, so right around March 27th. If you miss it then, that’s alright - there will be an encore after the new moon, on April 12th.
Hamish Irvine/Flickr
It’s kind of like having a full moon that isn’t as bright as usual; though the moon will be in its crescent phase, the entire Earth-facing surface will be visible.
Jeff Sullivan/Flickr
It tends to drown out stars and constellations with its vibrancy, but when you’ve got Earthshine going on, that’s not something you need to worry about.
Are you planning on looking up at the moon this month? Have you ever noticed Earthshine before? Tell us all about it!
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