Entering ChinaOn the evening of February 5, Chinese astronomy enthusiasts successfully observed and photographed the “X”-shaped landform emerging on the surface of the moon.
At the first quarter of the moon, you can see an “X” shaped landform in the gap of the moon, this phenomenon is called “lunar X”, which is a unique light and shadow phenomenon on the surface of the moon. This shape resembles the letter “X” on the surface of the Moon when the tops of the Lacaille, Pulbach and Bianquinus craters are illuminated by sunlight at an angle almost close to the lunar surface.
The lunar surface X phenomenon photographed on February 5 in Xicheng District, Beijing. (Photo by Wang Junfeng)
The appearance of Moon X is very short-lived, lasting only about 1 hour, and the time period of each occurrence is different, so it is not visible every first quarter moon, and the observation opportunity is very rare. Taking into account the timing of the first quarter and the position of the moon, the public in our country has had six opportunities to see it this year, with February 5 being the first time.
The time of the appearance of Moon X is around 16:23 on the 5th, but the sky is still relatively bright at this time, so it is better to watch it from around 17 to 18 o’clock.
The lunar surface X phenomenon was photographed on February 5 in Lianyun District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province. (Photo by Wang Jianmin)
In the evening of the same day, the first quarter moon of the eighth day of the first lunar month appeared in the sky as promised. Wang Junfeng, an astronomy enthusiast, made observations of Moon X at around 18 o’clock in Xicheng District, Beijing. “In the lens of the smart telescope, the shadows of the moon are staggered, and the moon X is clearly visible.” Wang Junfeng said.
Although this phenomenon has been observed many times, each successful observation still makes Wang Junfeng a little excited. “Every time I see this ‘X’ appearing, I always feel the magic of nature and want to share it with more people.” He said.
The lunar surface X phenomenon was photographed on February 5 in Lianyun District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province. (Photo by Wang Jianmin)
Coincidentally, astronomy enthusiast Wang Jianmin also observed and photographed the lunar surface X in Lianyun District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province. “In the field of view of the telescope, there is a very obvious ‘X’-like letter at the junction of light and dark on the moon. This scene is amazing! Wang Jianmin said.
It is understood that the next time the lunar surface X visible to the public in China occurred on the evening of April 5, and the observation conditions were significantly better than this time on February 5. At that time, the “X” shaped image on the lunar surface will be clearer against the backdrop of night.
