EARTH-SHINE

in astronomy, a name given to the faint light visible on the part of the moon not directly illuminated by the sun, due to the illumination of that portion by the sunlight which the earth reflects on her. It is most conspicuous when the illuminated part of the disc is small, as soon after new moon. This phenomenon is popularly described as ‘the old moon in the new moon’s arms.’ EARTH-TONGUE. See Gz .