Ethan Carter
If the sky is clear tonight, you may be able to observe various features on the Moon’s surface. What exactly can you see? Continue reading to discover more.
What Moon Phase Can You Observe Tonight?
On Thursday, June 4, the Moon phase is classified as Waning Gibbous. At this time, 87% of the Moon’s surface will be illuminated, as stated by NASA’s Daily Moon Guide.
You don’t need specialized equipment to identify craters and other surface features of the Moon. On a sufficiently clear night, your naked eye should suffice. You can expect to see the Mare Serenitatis, the Aristarchus Plateau, and the Mare Tranquillitatis without any visual aids. With binoculars, you’ll also be able to view the Grimaldi Basin, the Alps Mountains, and the Posidonus Crater. If you have a telescope, set it up to explore these features along with the Apollo 15 and 16 landing sites and the Caucasus Mountains.
When Will the Next Full Moon Occur?
The upcoming Full Moon is scheduled for June 29.
How Do Moon Phases Work?
NASA explains that the Moon completes a full orbit around Earth approximately every 29.5 days, during which it transitions through a series of eight distinct phases. Although the same side of the Moon consistently faces Earth, the amount of sunlight illuminating it varies as it orbits. This variation in light creates lunar shapes, from slender crescents to half-lit Moons and the brilliant Full Moon. These stages together comprise the lunar cycle:
New Moon – The Moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, rendering the side facing us completely dark and invisible.
Mashable Light Speed
Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light becomes visible on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – Half of the Moon’s surface is lit on the right side, creating a distinct half-Moon appearance.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half of the Moon is illuminated, but it is not yet fully bright.
Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is brilliantly illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon begins to lose light on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon phase occurs, but now the left side is illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before the Moon goes dark again.
Daniel Mercer
