Introduction
In the early hours of July 20th, 1969, history was made as NASA’s Apollo 11 mission successfully landed on the moon, with Neil Armstrong famously declaring “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Since then, our fascination with the moon has only grown, with countless books, movies, and scientific research exploring this mystical celestial body. One of the most awe-inspiring experiences is undoubtedly the opportunity to bask in the glowing moonlight, an experience that only a handful of humans have ever had.
Experiencing the Moonlight
For astronauts on the moon, the experience of being in the moonlight is unlike anything on Earth. The absence of an atmosphere on the moon means that there is no diffusion of the sun’s light, resulting in an incredibly bright and harsh light during the day. However, when the sun sets on the moon, a different kind of light emerges – the gentle and ethereal glow of Earthshine. This is when sunlight reflects off of the Earth and illuminates the moon’s surface in a soft but surreal light.
The Mystical Lunar Landscape
Basking in the glow of the moonlight also offers a unique opportunity to explore the lunar landscape in a different light. The soft glow of Earthshine creates a stark contrast between the lighter and darker areas of the moon’s surface, highlighting the mountains, craters, and valleys that create the moon’s surface. Despite the lack of atmosphere or signs of life, the moon’s landscape is anything but desolate; it is a stark and mysterious world full of secrets waiting to be uncovered.
The Impact of Microgravity
In addition to the unparalleled visual experience, being on the moon has other effects on the body that make the experience of basking in the moonlight all the more unique. The absence of a strong gravitational pull on the moon has been shown to have a significant impact on bone density and muscle mass in astronauts, which makes moving around on the moon feel like a dream-like dance. This creates a surreal and almost mystical experience for those lucky enough to walk on the moon.