References
Source documentation and scientific references for Earthglow
Primary Source
NASA Artemis II Crew Flies Around the Moon (Official Broadcast)
This broadcast contains the original timestamps where "earth shine" and "earth glow" were described during the lunar flyby.
https://www.youtube.com/live/z-j1uxBmis0NASA Sources
Artemis II Mission Documentation
Official NASA mission transcript, broadcast footage, and crew communications from the April 6, 2026 lunar farside flyby.
• Mission transcript timestamps: 07:41:18, 08:03:55, 08:15:22 MET
• Victor Glover primary observation documented
• Official NASA broadcast archive
Artemis Program Overview
NASA's Artemis program documentation, mission objectives, crew information, and trajectory planning.
nasa.gov/humans-in-space/artemisApollo Mission Archives
Historical documentation of Apollo missions (1968-1972), providing context for the 54-year gap in human deep space observation.
nasa.gov/humans-in-space/apolloTerminology References
Earthshine (Scientific Term)
Astronomical term for sunlight reflected from Earth onto the Moon. Observed from Earth as the faint glow on the dark portion of a crescent moon. Also known as "Da Vinci glow" after Leonardo da Vinci's 1510 explanation.
• Established scientific phenomenon
• Observable from Earth during crescent moon phases
• Used in climate monitoring and exoplanet studies
Earth's Glow / Earthglow
Human experiential description of Earthshine observed from deep space perspective. Originated from Victor Glover's real-time observation during Artemis II lunar farside flyby on April 6, 2026.
• First modern verbal description from deep space
• Captures the phenomenon as experienced beyond low Earth orbit
• Documented at 08:03:55 MET in mission transcript
Da Vinci Glow
Alternative term for Earthshine, named after Leonardo da Vinci who correctly explained the phenomenon in 1510 as sunlight reflecting off Earth's oceans onto the Moon.
Scientific Sources
Albedo and Reflected Light
Scientific literature on Earth's albedo (~0.30 average reflectivity), atmospheric light scattering, and the physics of reflected sunlight illuminating the Moon.
• Earth's average albedo: 0.30 (30% of sunlight reflected)
• Moon's average albedo: 0.12 (12% of sunlight reflected)
• Cloud cover significantly increases reflectivity (50–90% albedo)
Earthshine in Climate Science
Research on using Earthshine measurements to monitor planetary albedo changes, cloud cover variations, and climate-related reflectivity patterns.
Earthshine and Earth's albedo (Science)Exoplanet Research Applications
Studies using Earth's reflected light characteristics as a model for detecting and characterizing potentially habitable exoplanets through albedo measurements.
NASA Exoplanet ExplorationHistorical Context
Apollo Program Documentation
Mission transcripts, crew observations, and photography from Apollo 8–17 (1968–1972). While Apollo astronauts were in position to observe Earthshine from lunar orbit, detailed verbal descriptions of Earth illuminating the Moon were not prominent features of mission communications.
• 24 humans traveled beyond low Earth orbit during Apollo era
• 12 walked on the Moon's surface
• Last Apollo mission: December 1972 (Apollo 17)
The 54-Year Gap (1972-2026)
Period between Apollo 17 and Artemis II during which no humans traveled beyond low Earth orbit. Space activities focused on LEO operations (Space Shuttle, ISS), robotic exploration, and development of new deep space capabilities.
Observational Guidelines
How to Observe Earthshine from Earth
Practical guide to observing the same optical phenomenon from Earth's surface during crescent moon phases.
• Best viewing: 2-5 days after or before new moon
• Look for faint glow on dark portion of crescent moon
• Visible to naked eye; enhanced with binoculars or telescope
• Optimal during twilight hours with clear skies
About This Site
TheEarthglow.com documents the emergence of "Earth's glow" as a term describing the human observation of Earthshine from deep space perspective, originating from Victor Glover's April 6, 2026 description during the Artemis II mission.
All information is based on verified NASA sources, scientific literature, and official mission transcripts. This site serves as a permanent reference for the phenomenon and its documentation.
Sources are updated as new mission data and scientific research become available.