Brandon Fletcher
Today marks the 20th day of the lunar cycle. The lunar cycle refers to the Moon’s orbit around Earth, which lasts approximately 29.5 days. As the Moon progresses through its orbit, the sunlight reflecting off its surface changes, resulting in various phases such as crescent, half, and full moons.
What is the Current Moon Phase?
On Saturday, June 6, the Moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase. This evening, NASA’s Daily Moon Guide indicates that 71% of the Moon will be illuminated.
With the naked eye, you can easily identify the Mare Imbrium and Mare Vaporum, as well as the Tycho Crater. If you use binoculars, you’ll also be able to see the Grimaldi Basin, Mare Humorum, and the Apennine Mountains. A telescope will reveal even more details, including the Apollo 14 and 16 landing sites and the Caucasus Mountains.
When Will the Next Full Moon Occur?
The upcoming Full Moon is scheduled for June 29.
What Are the Different Phases of the Moon?
According to NASA, the Moon completes a full orbit around Earth in about 29.5 days, transitioning through a series of eight distinct phases. While the same side of the Moon consistently faces Earth, the sunlight we observe changes as the Moon travels its path. This variation in light creates the lunar shapes, which range from thin crescents to half-lit Moons and the brilliant Full Moon. Collectively, these phases form the lunar cycle:
New Moon – At this phase, the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, rendering the side facing us dark and nearly invisible.
Mashable Light Speed
Waxing Crescent – A thin sliver of light emerges on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – Half of the Moon is illuminated on the right side, resembling a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half of the Moon is lit, yet it is not completely full.
Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is brightly illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon begins to lose illumination on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon phase occurs, with the left side now illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A narrow sliver of light remains on the left side before the Moon goes dark again.
Daniel Mercer
