The moon is becoming increasingly bright and round as the lunar phase advances. The lunar cycle spans approximately 29.5 days, as noted by NASA, featuring various phases as the Sun shines on different sections of the moon during its orbit around Earth.
Let’s discover what’s taking place with the moon this evening, Aug. 28.
What phase is the moon in today?
On Thursday, Aug. 28, the moon is in the Waxing Crescent phase, with 25% of it visible from Earth, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.
The moon has now become bright and sufficiently large for us to notice some intriguing surface characteristics. Without any visual tools, look towards the upper right (lower left in the Southern Hemisphere) to spot the Mare Crisium and the Mare Fecunditatis. Using binoculars or a telescope, you can also observe the Endymion Crater.
When will the next full moon occur?
The next full moon is predicted to take place on Sept. 7. The previous full moon was on Aug. 9.
What do we mean by moon phases?
As per NASA, moon phases arise from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, changing the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases illustrate how the moon looks from Earth as it revolves around us. We consistently view the same side of the moon, but the amount illuminated by the Sun changes depending on its orbital location. This produces full moons, half moons, and moons that appear to be non-existent. There are eight primary moon phases, following a repeating sequence:
New Moon – The moon is situated between Earth and the sun, causing the visible side to be dark (essentially unseen).
Waxing Crescent – A thin slice of light becomes evident on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – One half of the moon is illuminated on the right side, resembling a half-moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, but it hasn’t reached full brightness yet.
Full Moon – The complete face of the moon is lit and completely observable.
Waning Gibbous – The moon starts to lose illumination on the right side.
Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) – Another half-moon, but this time the left side is illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A narrow sliver of light remains on the left side before it darkens again.