Daniel Mercer
The Moon is currently more than half illuminated as it approaches the Full Moon phase. Each night, as more of the lunar surface becomes visible, there are exciting celestial features to observe. Continue reading to discover what you might spot in the night sky.
What Phase is the Moon in Today?
As of Saturday, September 19, NASA’s Daily Moon Guide tracker indicates that the Moon is in the Waxing Gibbous phase, with 54% of its surface illuminated.
With the naked eye, you can observe Mare Vaporum, Mare Serenitatis, and Mare Fecunditatis. If you have binoculars, you can also view the Alphonsus Crater, Posidonius Crater, and Mare Nectaris. For those with a telescope, you’ll be able to see the landing sites of Apollo 16 and 17, as well as the Linne Crater.
When Will the Next Full Moon Occur?
The next Full Moon is scheduled for September 26.
What Exactly Are Moon Phases?
The Moon’s appearance changes from night to night. As it orbits Earth, which takes approximately 29.5 days, different portions of its illuminated side come into view. This phenomenon creates the various lunar phases, as the Moon transitions from a thin crescent to a half Moon and eventually to a Full Moon, before the cycle repeats. NASA explains that the phase we observe is influenced by the Moon’s position in relation to both Earth and the Sun.
The eight distinct phases of the Moon are as follows:
Mashable Light Speed
New Moon – The Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, resulting in the side facing us being dark and effectively invisible.
Waxing Crescent – A small light begins to appear on the right side (in the 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’s surface is illuminated, but it has not yet reached full brightness.
Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible from Earth.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon starts to lose illumination on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half Moon appears, but this time the left side is illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before the Moon becomes dark again.
