Daniel Mercer
This evening marks the First Quarter phase of the lunar cycle, indicating that the Moon is positioned halfway between the New Moon and the Full Moon stages.
Continue reading to discover what features you can observe on the Moon’s surface tonight.
What is the Current Moon Phase?
As of Tuesday, July 21, NASA’s Daily Moon Guide indicates that the Moon is in the First Quarter phase, with 48% of its surface illuminated.
You can easily spot the Mares Crisium and Fecunditatis without any tools. Using binoculars will enhance your view of the Endymion Crater, Posidonius Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. For even more detailed observations, a telescope will allow you to see significant sites like the Apollo 17 and 11 landing locations, as well as the Rupes Altai.
When Will the Next Full Moon Occur?
The next Full Moon is scheduled for July 29.
How Do Moon Phases Work?
The Moon takes approximately 29.5 days to complete its orbit around Earth, transitioning through eight distinct phases during each lunar cycle, as outlined by NASA. While the same side of the Moon consistently faces our planet, the sunlit portion of its surface changes as it travels along its orbit. These variations in illumination create the diverse appearances we observe throughout the month, ranging from a delicate crescent to a half-illuminated Moon, and ultimately a fully bright Full Moon, before the cycle resets.
The eight phases are as follows:
Mashable Light Speed
New Moon – The Moon is situated between Earth and the sun, rendering the visible side dark (essentially invisible).
Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light emerges 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 is lit, but it has not yet reached full brightness.
Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is brilliantly illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon begins to lose light on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon phase occurs, but this time the left side is illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A thin crescent of light remains on the left side before the Moon transitions back to darkness.
