Brandon Fletcher
The Moon might be difficult to see at the moment, but this situation will soon change. As we embark on a new lunar cycle, more of the Moon will become visible to us each evening.
What is the Current Phase of the Moon?
As of Sunday, September 13, NASA’s Daily Moon Guide indicates that the Moon is in the Waxing Crescent phase, with 5% of its surface illuminated.
When Can We Expect the Next Full Moon?
The upcoming Full Moon is scheduled for September 26.
How Do Moon Phases Work?
The Moon’s appearance transforms as it orbits Earth over a period of approximately 29.5 days, creating what we refer to as the lunar cycle, as explained by NASA. The visible phase of the Moon depends on its position relative to Earth and the Sun, along with the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface toward us. This cycle progresses from a thin crescent to a half-Moon and ultimately a Full Moon, before the sequence starts anew.
The lunar cycle consists of eight distinct phases:
New Moon – During this phase, the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, rendering the side facing us dark and invisible.
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Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light becomes visible on the right side of the Moon (in the Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – During this phase, half of the Moon’s surface 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 its full illumination.
Full Moon – At this stage, the entire face of the Moon is brightly illuminated and completely visible.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon begins to lose light on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – The Moon returns to a half-Moon appearance, but this time, the left side is illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A thin crescent of light remains visible on the left side before the Moon returns to darkness.
Daniel Mercer
