Hey! What’s that? Paula Graham took an astronomically intriguing photograph from outside of her house (Devon in UK). But something doesn’t look quite right…the full moon appears to be cuddling with a lunar crescent: what kind of cosmic sorcery is this?!?! A waxing crescent moon can never align opposite the sun in the sky—so it’s not possible to see the moon’s disk…or is it?
Question: What is Earthshine?
Answer: Sunlight reflects off Earth’s surface, and then illuminates the moon’s night side (kind of like a planetary flashlight).
Earthshine is best seen during a waxing or waning lunar crescent phase, however, atmospheric conditions determines the clarity and visibility of earthshine, so it’s not possible to accurately predict when earthshine will be visible. Sorry. Pollution, clouds, haze, smog, fog—all of those lovely things obscure earthshine’s delicate glow.
** How to See Earthshine **
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Observe every waxing or waning crescent moon
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Seek a location far away from highly populated cities
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Listen to the sky! If atmospheric conditions feel right—go outside and confirm your suspicions
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Thunderstorms are known to scrub away atmospheric pollutants. Try locating a crescent moon after a thunderstorm and you may see earthshine.
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A crescent moon may hang low on the horizon! Trees (and other environmental objects) could obscure your view
Thanks for sending me the photo, Paula!
** Click here to follow her blog! **
Paula’s image specifications:
Camera: Nikon D3
Lens: Nikkor 70-200mm
ISO: 3200
Exposure: 1/5 second (Handheld)
Aperture: f/2.8
Processing: RAW file (Adobe Photoshop 6)
** Earthshine Photo-Gallery **
Colors Not Included, Presented by FlyTrapMan 
Just magical !!
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Earthshine is certainly photogenic! Are you still taking images of the moon, or anything like that? If you want — feel free to send me some astronomical images, and I’ll post them: Atomicslaps@rocketmail.com
I look forward to hearing from you! Take care.
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Yes i am i took some the other day I’m just back to full time work and I’m slacking on my photography but i will send you some soon
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Okay — no rush — send them to me when you get a chance and I’ll post the photographs.
Thanks!
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I just move so as soon as i get settle
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Sure! No Problem! When you get settled — feel free to send me any images you have.
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Sending you two from this morning:)
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Thanks for sending the images! I sent you an email, and will share the images relatively soon.
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I just reply 🙂
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I feel most honoured to have my snap on this illustrious blog, listning to the sky is what I shall do more often….Well spoken Poet R, they are like shiny and desirable ornaments. Your photos are impressive Mr Trap, proving the point so beautifully.
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No problem! Thanks for sending the photograph — feel free to send me more!
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Beautiful shot by Paula! I’ve heard of moonshine but not earthshine before, so thanks for the lesson, Professor Fly 🙂 Those other photos were taken by you? — Lovely, as well! The moon and Venus entangled in the trees are like optical illusions; it’s as if they’re hanging like ornaments. ❇️ 🌝 🌜 🌞 🌝 ❇️ 🌜 🌞 ❇️
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Paul’s image is astronomical! Haha…get it? I crack myself up. Yes, the other images are mine — some of the photographs are a few years old.
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