Watch for a Giant 'X' and 'V' Pattern on the Moon This Thursday Night

On Thursday, March 6, skywatchers across North America have a unique opportunity to witness a dazzling natural phenomenon on the Moon. Two distinctive shapes resembling the letters “X” and “V” will momentarily appear on the lunar surface.

This isn't a message from space but an intriguing play of sunlight casting shadows along the Moon’s terminator—the boundary dividing lunar day and night.

For a short time, the interplay of shadows will outline a clear X and V, visible with binoculars or a modest telescope. Here’s how to spot this cosmic spectacle and the reason these silhouettes form.

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Understanding the Moon’s glowing “X” and “V”

Every sunlit celestial body features a terminator, the dividing line where daylight meets darkness. The Moon’s uneven terrain, dotted with craters, hills, and dips, interacts with sunlight to create dramatic shadow effects.

Close to the terminator, elongated shadows stretch across lunar features, emphasizing details often hidden when the Sun shines directly overhead. This effect gives the Moon a strikingly three-dimensional look when observed from Earth.

At the first quarter phase, a particular cluster of craters—namely Purbach, La Caille, and Blanchinus—align perfectly to produce the distinctive “X” shape. Nearby, different crater arrangements create a “V”. These formations are simply our minds interpreting natural shapes, similar to how we see figures in cloud patterns.

Best time and method to observe

Beginning at approximately 11 PM UTC on March 6, the Werner X (named after the nearby Werner crater) will emerge near the terminator. This lunar trick of light and shadow will linger for about an hour, making prompt observation essential.

Follow these tips for spotting the phenomenon:

Focus your binoculars or a small telescope along the terminator line, where light transitions to darkness on the Moon.
Rather than hunting for specific craters, search for the pronounced “X” shape formed by shadows.
The “V” will also manifest close by under the same lighting conditions.

Missed the display? Here's your next chance

No need to fret if clouds obscure your view or your timing is off. Because the Moon’s phases repeat, these fleeting shadow shapes will reappear on April 5 and June 3.

These captivating lunar optical illusions highlight the Moon’s ever-changing visage and offer a perfect excuse to pull out a telescope and gaze skyward. Will you catch the moment?