Tonight, skywatchers will witness a breathtaking celestial illusion as a colossal “X” and “V” appear on the moon’s surface, just hours before it reaches its first quarter phase. During this stage, the moon’s right side will glow in direct sunlight while its left remains shrouded in darkness.
This stunning effect is caused by the moon’s ever-changing position relative to the sun throughout its 27-day orbit around Earth, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow across countless craters and mountain ranges. The dividing line between lunar day and night — known as the terminator — creates the perfect lighting conditions for this phenomenon.
On October 28, sunlight will briefly illuminate the upper rims of several craters and mountain ridges, forming the illusion of massive letters “V” and “X” etched into the moon’s surface. The spectacle will reach peak visibility around 7 p.m. EDT (23:00 GMT), when the moon hovers roughly 20 degrees above the southern horizon. For reference, your clenched fist at arm’s length covers about 10 degrees in the night sky.
The Lunar X appears about 25 degrees south of the lunar equator, when sunlight grazes the rugged rims of the Bianchini, Purbach, and La Caille craters. The Lunar V, meanwhile, is found 10 degrees north of the equator, just left of Mare Tranquillitatis — Latin for the “Sea of Tranquility.”
A 6-inch telescope or larger will give stargazers a sharp view of the lunar X and V, along with sweeping details of the moon’s shadowed craters and dark volcanic plains.
For enthusiasts wanting to explore this lunar marvel further, check out the top telescopes and binoculars of 2025, or read our expert guide on photographing the moon to capture the Lunar X and V phenomenon in all its eerie beauty.
