- Lunar X and Lunar V
Sunlight catches rims at lunar first quarter to create the bright V and X shapes.
- Best viewing time in the UK
The phenomenon begins later in the morning after 11:30am for British Summer Time (BST) – this transient effect typically lasts for approximately four hours.
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–…Today: Friday 24th April 2026
–…Start formation: 11:50 / 11:50am (become visible)
–…Peak visibility: 13:50 / 1.50pm (fully formed as best contrast)
–…Fade disappearing: 15:50 / 3.50pm
–…Visible: difficult (daytime requires a telescope.)
o - The Moon repeats its cycle every 29½ days, so these effects happen every month, just on slightly different dates – see the complete full timetable for 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
o - Equipment
While sometimes visible with high-power binoculars, a telescope is recommended to see the fine detail of the crater rims forming the Lunar X and V.
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