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 occurs in the late evening for British Summer Time (BST).
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–…Today: Tuesday 21st July 2026
–…Start formation: 21:05 / 9.05pm (become visible.)
–…Peak visibility: 23:05 / 11:05pm (fully formed as best contrast.)
–…Fade disappearing: 01:05 / 1.05am (Wednesday 22nd July 2026)
–…Visible: Fair (difficult to spot at first ~ visible at or shortly after sunset.)
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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