Seeing the Lunar X, Wednesday, February 5, 2025

The Lunar X and V (indicated) as seen in telescopic views. Click on to embiggen for a clearer view.	Western night sky on Wednesday February 5 as seen from Adelaide at 21:43 ACDST	Western night sky on Wednesday February 5 as seen from Brisbane at 20:19 AEST

The Lunar X (also referred to as the Werner X) and the Lunar V can be seen this Wednesday because the moon reaches Firt Quarter.
The Lunar X is a chiaroscuro effect during which sturdy contrasts of sunshine and shadow create the looks of a letter ‘X’ on the rim of the Lunar craters Blanchinus, La Caille and Purbach and a letter V from the rim of the crater Ukert, together with a number of smaller craters. 

The X and V are seen at first quarter, seen on the lunar floor for about 4 hours. Nevertheless, the Moon isn’t all the time above the horizon from a given vantage level when this occurs. This month is sweet for Australian observers

Lunar X happens on Wednesday February 5, 08:13 UT, 21:13 AEDST,  20:13 AEST, 20:43 ACDST, 19:43 ACST, 16:13 AWST). That is later than official first Quarter which happens at 18:32 ACDST.

This can be a telescope (and perhaps good binoculars) solely occasion. For the west coast the beginning of the Lunar X happens when the solar is up, however the X continues to be seen 3 hours later within the deep twilight, with the Moon being 34° above the horizon, central states see it at 22° above the horizon, and for the east coast at 20° above the horizon.

Upcoming Lunar X’ s are proven under:

Dates and time Lunar X and V are seen. Usually seen from
about 4hours from the beginning time, occasions in color are daylight saving
occasions.

Labels: Lunar X, Moon, telescope

# posted by Ian Musgrave @ 9:56 pm