by Michel Michaud, RASC Victoria Centre Observing Co-chair & Librarian
The Lunar X is a claire-obscure effect in which light and shadow creates the appearance of a letter “X” on the rim of the Blanchinus, La Caille and Purbach craters. The X is visible only for a few hours before the first quarter slightly below the lunar terminator. Near the X, the lunar V is also visible, formed by Ukert crater and several other small craters.
If you never had the chance to view the Lunar X, also known as the Werner X, there are several time this year that feature could be visible from Victoria. The time predict the beginning of the event and all in LOCAL TIME.
- 23 January 2018, 2042 (8:42 pm) – Tuesday evening event
- 23 March 2018, 2357 (11:57 pm) – Friday evening event
- 21 May 2018, 0002 (12:02 am) – Monday evening event
- 19 July 2018, 2314 (11:14 pm) – Thursday evening event
- 16 September 2018, 2332 (11:32 pm) – Sunday evening event
- 14 November 2018, 0059 (12:59 am) – Wednesday evening event