Science at Parramatta High
Earthshine - the dark side of the Moon
— December 3 2005 —


December 3 2005 8:30pm DST
When the moon is very young (< one day or so) it is very difficult to see because it is so close to the sun.

Even when it is two days old, as shown at left, it is practically impossible to see while the sun is still up.
After the sun has set, however, a most delicate and slender crescent may be seen a hand-span or so away from the setting sun. A short while later, while the sun sinks deeper and the dusk sky darkens, we can see earthshine.

Earthshine on the Dark Side of the Moon

Yes, there is a "dark side of the moon". Its the side which is facing away from the sun. (duhhh)

If the conditions are just right, we can see the features of the "full" Moon, lit up on the new Moon by the light reflected from the Earth.

Earthshine and Venus
Move your mouse cursor over the image (and wait a bit) to view a legend.
More information below.

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