Brandon Fletcher
The Moon is becoming increasingly visible each night as we transition through the lunar cycle. Currently, we are in the Waxing Crescent phase, which means the illuminated area is expanding slightly night by night.
What Moon Phase Are We Experiencing Today?
As of Monday, August 17, NASA’s Daily Moon Guide indicates that the Moon is in the Waxing Crescent phase, with 24% of its surface illuminated.
Tonight, without any visual aids, you can spot the Mares Crisium and Fecunditatis. If you use binoculars or a telescope, you will also be able to view the Endymion Crater.
When Can We Expect the Next Full Moon?
The upcoming Full Moon is scheduled for August 28.
How Do Moon Phases Work?
The appearance of the Moon changes from Earth each night. As it orbits our planet, it goes through a lunar cycle that lasts approximately 29.5 days, as per NASA’s findings. The varying positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon influence how much of the Moon’s lit side we can observe, resulting in distinct phases. Throughout this cycle, the Moon transitions from a slender crescent to a half Moon, eventually reaching a Full Moon, before repeating the sequence.
The eight phases of the Moon include:
Mashable Light Speed
New Moon – The Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, rendering the visible side dark (essentially invisible).
Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light becomes visible on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – The Moon is half-lit on the right side, appearing as a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half of the Moon is illuminated, yet it is not completely full.
Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is lit and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon begins to lose illumination on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon, this time with the left side illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A slender sliver of light remains on the left side before the Moon fades to darkness once more.
Daniel Mercer
