See The Spectacle Known As Earthshine In Indiana This Spring
By Tori Jane|Published March 18, 2021
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
