The moon is almost out of view, indicating the impending New Moon, which signifies the beginning of a fresh lunar cycle. We are presently on day 26.
What is the lunar cycle? Per NASA, it consists of a 29.5-day progression through eight unique stages of the moon’s visibility. These stages happen as the Sun lights up various sections of the moon during its orbit around Earth. Let’s check the moon’s status tonight, Sept. 18.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Thursday, Sept. 18, the moon phase is Waning Crescent, with 11% illumination visible from Earth, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.
Visibility is low at present, and there is little to observe without visual instruments. Nevertheless, using binoculars, one can observe the Grimaldi Basin. A telescope will also show the Reiner Gamma.
When is the next full moon?
The upcoming full moon will occur on Oct. 6. The previous full moon took place on Sept. 7.
What are moon phases?
According to NASA, moon phases are the result of the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, changing the angles among the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases illustrate how the moon is seen from Earth while it orbits us. We consistently view the same hemisphere of the moon, but the lighted portion changes depending on its orbital position. This leads to full moons, half moons, and moons that appear entirely absent. There are eight primary moon phases, which follow a cyclical pattern:
New Moon – The moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, rendering the visible side dark (invisible).
Waxing Crescent – A small portion of light is visible on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – The right side of the moon is illuminated, creating a half-moon shape.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half of the moon is lit, but it is not yet full.
Full Moon – The whole face of the moon is lit and entirely visible.
Waning Gibbous – The illumination begins to decrease on the right side.
Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) – Another half-moon appears, but the left side is now illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A slender sliver of light persists on the left side before fading to darkness again.