See the moon glow with Earthshine over the next few days

Graphic showing the moon just above the constellation Cancer. — After sunset, look low in the western sky to see the moon glow with Earthshine. (Image credit: Chris Vaughan/Starry Night)

Look low in the western sky after sunset over the next few days and you may catch a glimpse of mesmerizing Earthshine lighting up the young moon.

The phenomenon occurs when sunlight is reflected off Earth and back toward the moon according to geophysicist Chris Vaughan, an amateur astronomer with SkySafari Software who oversees Space.com's Night Sky calendar. The reflected light slightly brightens the dark portion of the moon's Earth-facing hemisphere.

The enchanting sight is also known as the Ashen Glow and "the old moon in the new moon's arms," according to Vaughan.

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Earthshine "appears for several days after each new moon" writes Vaughan "but is strongest in springtime at mid-northern latitudes when the moon is directly above the sun when it sets."

If you're looking for a telescope or binoculars to observe Earthshine, our guides for the best binoculars deals and the best telescope deals now can help. Our best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography can also help you prepare to capture the next skywatching sight on your own.

Editor's Note: If you snap a photo of Earthshine and would like to share it with Space.com's readers, send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

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Daisy Dobrijevic joined Space.com in February 2022, having previously worked as a staff writer for All About Space magazine. She completed an editorial internship with BBC Sky at Night Magazine and worked at the National Space Centre, communicating space science to the public.

Daisy holds a PhD in plant physiology and a Master's in Environmental Science. Based in Nottingham, U.K., she covers all things space, with a special focus on solar activity and space weather. She also has a keen interest in astrotourism and is always on the lookout for the next northern lights adventure.

She will be a guest speaker aboard HX's Solar Eclipse Expedition in August 2026 and will join Hurtigruten as an onboard astronomer for a northern lights sailing in January 2027.