Brandon Fletcher
The Moon is currently in its Waning Crescent phase, signaling our approach to the New Moon and the beginning of a fresh lunar cycle. As the nights progress, visibility will decrease markedly, but there are still fascinating features to observe. Continue reading to discover what lunar highlights await you tonight.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Sunday, May 10, the Moon is in the Waning Crescent phase. Tonight, approximately 46% of the lunar surface will be illuminated, as noted in NASA’s Daily Moon Guide. Without the aid of any visual tools, you can spot the Kepler Crater and the Aristarchus Plateau with the naked eye. If you have binoculars, now is the perfect time to look for the Gassendi Crater, Clavius Crater, and Mare Humorum. For those equipped with a telescope, take the opportunity to gaze upon the historic Apollo 14 landing site and the Schiller Crater.
When is the next Full Moon?
Mark your calendars for the next Full Moon, which will occur on May 31. Interestingly, May features two Full Moons, making it a special month for lunar enthusiasts.
What are Moon phases?
As outlined by NASA, the Moon completes its orbit around Earth in approximately 29.5 days, transitioning through eight distinct phases during this journey. Although we always see the same side of the Moon, the sunlight’s angle changes, resulting in the various recognizable shapes like full, half, and crescent moons. The eight primary phases of the lunar cycle include:
New Moon – During this phase, the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, rendering the side facing us dark and effectively invisible.
Mashable Light Speed
Waxing Crescent – A thin sliver of light begins to appear on the right side of the Moon in the Northern Hemisphere.
First Quarter – At this stage, half of the Moon is illuminated on the right side, giving it a distinct half-moon shape.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half of the Moon is lit, but it has not yet reached its full brightness.
Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is brightly illuminated, making it fully visible from Earth.
Waning Gibbous – The illuminated surface of the Moon begins to decrease from the right side in the Northern Hemisphere.
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – The Moon shows another half-moon appearance, but this time, the left side is illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A slim sliver of light remains on the left side before the Moon goes dark again.
Ethan Carter
Daniel Mercer
