New Moon in Old Moon’s Arms
The phenomenon where earthshine illuminates the dark portion of a waning crescent moon before sunrise.
Object Type: Naked-Eye Lunar Phenomenon
Size: Earthshine visible across lunar disk
Location: Chattanooga, TN (35.15°N, 85.32°W)
Equipment: Naked Eye
Visual Description
The waning crescent moon displayed earthshine in the morning twilight, with the thin bright crescent accompanied by the dimly glowing dark portion of the lunar disk. This “new moon” (crescent) held in the “old moon’s arms” (earthshine) created a beautiful predawn sight, with Earth’s reflected light gently illuminating the unlit portion.
Notable Features
- Thin waning crescent with visible earthshine
- Dark lunar disk faintly visible
- Best seen during waning crescent phase
- Observed before sunrise in eastern sky
- Earthshine from reflected sunlight off Earth
Notes
- Same phenomenon as “Old Moon in New Moon’s Arms” but waning phase
- Best observed 2-5 days before new moon
- Requires clear morning skies
- Morning earthshine can be as dramatic as evening
- Visible to naked eye, enhanced with binoculars