Ethan Carter
You don’t need expensive gear to get an impressive view of the Moon. A clear night sky can unveil fascinating details across its surface. So, what can you observe when you gaze up tonight? Continue reading to discover more.
What is the Current Phase of the Moon?
As of Sunday, August 30, NASA’s Daily Moon Guide indicates that the Moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase, showcasing 95% of its surface.
With just your naked eye tonight, you’ll spot features like the Mare Serenitatis, the Copernicus Crater, and the Oceanus Procellarum. If you have binoculars, you can also view the Mare Frigoris, the Archimedes Crater, and the Apennine Mountains. For those with telescopes, you’ll gain an even closer look at the Apollo 15 and 16 landing sites, as well as the Rima Ariadaeus.
When Can You Expect the Next Full Moon?
The upcoming Full Moon is scheduled for September 26.
How Do Moon Phases Work?
The Moon’s appearance shifts throughout the month as it progresses through its various phases. It takes approximately 29.5 days for the Moon to complete one full orbit around Earth, according to NASA. The phase we observe is determined by the Moon’s position in relation to the Sun and Earth, which affects how much of its illuminated side we can see. Throughout this cycle, the Moon transitions from a thin crescent to a half Moon, reaching a Full Moon before the cycle restarts.
The eight distinct phases are:
Mashable Light Speed
New Moon – The Moon is located between Earth and the Sun, rendering the side facing us dark (invisible).
Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of 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 is lit, but it is not yet fully illuminated.
Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is brightly lit and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon starts to lose light on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half Moon, but this time 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
