Despite the bitterly cold wind, tonight’s crescent Moon was a sight that I couldn’t resist photographing. The first and third shots show an interesting phenomenon known as ‘Earthshine’ where the shadowed part of the Moon is partially illuminated by light reflected off the Earth. If you look closely at the first image you’ll be able to make out some of the more prominent lunar ‘seas’. Jupiter was not far from the Moon tonight too, as can be seen in the last two shots. Click on the images to see larger versions and remember to look out for the faint glow of Earthshine the next time you see a thin crescent Moon.

The Moon with Earthshine. Credit: Will Gater

The Moon and Jupiter at twilight. Credit: Will Gater

The Moon and Jupiter at twilight. Credit: Will Gater