Earthshine Moon 2022: Know when and how to watch this spectacular event

Earthshine Moon 2022: Do not miss out on this beautiful event when the Moon glows due to the shine of the Earth. Find out when and how to watch it.

Earthshine Moon 2022: When the sunlight reflects off the Earth and gives the Moon an ashy glow, it is known as the Earthshine Moon. Check when and how to watch it. (NASA)

Earthshine Moon 2022: We have already seen quite a few stunning cosmic events this year. From the solar eclipse, blood Moon, the Tau Herculids meteor shower to the five-planet alignment, this year has been a treat for astronomy enthusiasts. But we are far from done. Another spectacular event, the Earthshine Moon, is waiting for you this weekend. This mesmerising sight will be witnessed as the Earth makes the Moon glow. Make sure you do not miss out on this event. Read on to know when and how to watch it.

What is Earthshine Moon

While this cosmic event is not extremely rare, it still happens only 2-3 times a year. Last time, it happened at the end of March when it was reportedly the brightest. However, the mid-summer Earthshine Moon is also set to be just as bright, according to a report by Space.com. For the unaware, the Earthshine Moon is a phenomenon of a new Moon. The new Moon phase is when it is not visible to the unaided eye as the Moon and Sun are aligned, with the Sun and Earth on opposite sides of the Moon.

But as the slight crescent of the Moon appears over the next few days, the sunlight is reflected off the Earth and hits the Moon to give it a ashen or faded glow. In this particular period, you can see a slightly curved Moon which is being illuminated by the Sun and the rest of the lunar disk which is illuminated by the Earth.

When to watch the Earthshine Moon

The Earthshine Moon will be visible for the next few days between June 30 to July 5, 2022 but it will be the brightest to see over the weekend. To watch it, you need to look at the western sky, right after the sunset or just before the sunrise. Look for a very thin crescent Moon. You'll see the rest of the lunar disk in an ashy colored glow. You might have to move to a less light-polluted area to be able to see it, however. It is visible to the unaided eye, but an amateur telescope will give you a very clear view of the Moon.