Woman in the Moon

An alternative pareidolia pattern seeing a woman’s profile or figure in the lunar maria.

Visual Description

The full moon’s pattern of dark maria and bright highlands can be interpreted as a woman’s profile or figure. Some observers see a woman with flowing hair, with Mare Crisium forming the face in profile, and the western maria creating the impression of hair or a dress. This alternative interpretation of the lunar features demonstrates how the same geological features can suggest different images to different observers.

Notable Features

• Mare Crisium as facial profile
• Western maria as flowing hair or garment
• Alternative pareidolia to “Man in the Moon”
• Pattern visible at full moon
• Requires imagination and cultural context

Notes

• Less universally recognized than “Man in the Moon”
• Shows cultural variation in lunar interpretation
• Best observed during full moon phase
• Same maria features as other patterns
• Profile orientation depends on viewing angle