Daniel Mercer
The Full Moon has recently passed, leading to diminishing visibility of the lunar surface each night until we reach the New Moon phase. This transition is part of the lunar cycle, which lasts approximately 29.5 days as the Moon orbits around Earth.
What is the Current Phase of the Moon?
As of Monday, June 1, the Moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase. Tonight, 97% of the lunar surface will be illuminated, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide.
What can you observe? With the naked eye, you can easily see Mare Imbrium, Copernicus Crater, and Mare Tranquillitatis. If you have binoculars, you can also catch sight of Clavius Crater, the Apennine Mountains, and the Alps. Using a telescope will allow you to view the Fra Mauro Highlands and the Caucasus Mountains in greater detail.
When Will the Next Full Moon Occur?
The next Full Moon is scheduled for June 29.
What Are the Different Phases of the Moon?
Nasa explains that the Moon takes about 29.5 days to complete its orbit around Earth, cycling through a series of eight distinct phases. Although the same side of the Moon is always directed towards Earth, the illuminated portion changes as it moves in its orbit. This variation creates the different shapes we observe in the night sky, from slender crescents to half Moons and the fully illuminated Full Moon. Below are the phases that make up the lunar cycle:
New Moon – During this phase, the Moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, resulting in the side facing us being dark and invisible.
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Waxing Crescent – A thin crescent of light begins to appear on the right side (for those in the Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – The Moon is half illuminated on the right side, resembling a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half of the Moon is lit, yet it is not fully illuminated.
Full Moon – At this stage, the entire face of the Moon is bright and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon starts to lose illumination on the right side (for the Northern Hemisphere).
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – This is another half-Moon phase, but now the left side is illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A slender crescent of light remains visible on the left side before the Moon returns to darkness.
