UAE residents to see Da Vinci Glow

In August, residents of the United Arab Emirates will see in the night sky a stunning astronomical phenomenon known as the Da Vinci Glow. This is the name given to the effect in which the entire surface of the Moon seems visible, despite the fact that the Sun actually illuminates a very thin crescent.

In this case, people see it in bright yellow colour, the rest of it will be illuminated ashy. Hence the second name of the phenomenon – ashy light of the Moon. This amazing phenomenon occurs when rays of sunlight reflect off the Earth, shining through the dark side of the Earth’s satellite, which is usually hidden from observation.

The weakly illuminated side of the Moon in this celestial phenomenon is usually visible before and after the new moon, provided the weather is clear. And before the appearance of the growing month, it is better to observe the radiance before dawn, and after – at sunset.

The Earth’s satellite at this moment is closest to the horizon. This does not require special equipment, the glow is visible to the naked eye. It is worth noting that the next new moon will come as early as 4 August.

The Earth will act as a giant mirror, which is why this phenomenon is also called ‘Earth glow’. The glow is named after the genius Leonardo da Vinci, who observed it first.

More than 500 years ago, the great artist, explorer and inventor was the first to explain why the entire surface of the Moon can glow at night, even if the Sun only illuminates part of it. At that time, people did not yet know that the Earth revolved around the Sun.

He claimed that the ‘ghostly glow’ was due to sunlight reflected from the Earth’s oceans. Although scientists later proved that clouds, not oceans, played a greater role in the reflection of light, Da Vinci’s discovery of the basic principle of the celestial phenomenon cannot be discounted.

Source: Khaleej Times