Brandon Fletcher
The Third Quarter phase of the Moon’s lunar cycle is approaching, indicating that only half of the Moon’s side facing Earth will soon appear lit.
What Moon Phase Are We Experiencing Today?
As of Monday, July 6, NASA’s Daily Moon Guide tracker indicates that the Moon is in its Waning Gibbous phase, with 66% of its surface illuminated.
With more than half of the Moon’s surface aglow, there is still much to observe. With just your eyes, you can identify notable features including the Kepler Crater, Mare Imbrium, and Oceanus Procellarum. If you have binoculars handy, take the opportunity to explore even further; you’ll be able to view the Gassendi Crater, the Alps Mountains, and the Apennine Mountains. For those equipped with telescopes, you can also spot the Apollo 14 landing site and the Rima Ariadaeus.
When Will the Next Full Moon Occur?
The upcoming Full Moon is scheduled for July 29.
How Do Moon Phases Work?
According to NASA, the Moon completes one orbit around the Earth approximately every 29.5 days, transitioning through eight recognized phases during its journey. Although the same side of the Moon consistently faces Earth, the portion illuminated by the Sun varies as it orbits our planet. the Moon appears to change shape throughout the month, progressing from slender crescents to quarter moons, and ultimately reaching the brilliantly lit Full Moon stage. This recurring pattern is known as the lunar cycle.
New Moon – The Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, rendering the side visible to us completely dark (essentially 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 is illuminated on the right side, creating a distinct half-Moon appearance.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half of the surface is lit, but it has not yet reached full brightness.
Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon begins to lose illumination on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon phase, but this time the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent – A slender sliver of light remains on the left side before the Moon returns to darkness.
Daniel Mercer
