The moon is slowly becoming half illuminated, signaling that we are approaching a new moon phase.
The lunar cycle features eight unique phases of the moon’s visibility. The duration of this cycle is approximately 29.5 days, as noted by NASA, and these phases take place as the Sun lights up different sections of the moon while it revolves around Earth.
So, what events are taking place tonight, July 31?
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Thursday, July 31, the current moon phase is Waxing Crescent. We can see 41% of the moon’s surface from Earth (as per NASA’s Daily Moon Observation).
This marks day seven of the lunar cycle and the final moon of July. As we say goodbye to another month, let’s discover what will be observable on the moon tonight.
With the unaided eye, appreciate a view of the Mare Serenitatis, the Tranquillitatis, and the Mare Fecunditatis, an impact basin commonly referred to as the “Sea of Fertility.”
If you use binoculars, you will also spot the Endymion Crater, the Mare Nectaris, and the Posidonius Crater, a lava-filled impact crater visible from the fifth to the 19th day of the lunar cycle.
If you possess a telescope, direct it towards the middle right, descending (middle left, ascending if located in the Southern Hemisphere) to observe the Rima Arladaeus, the Apollo 16, and the Rupes Altai, a circular cliff extending about 298 miles.
When is the next full moon?
The forthcoming full moon will occur on August 9. The previous full moon was on July 10.
What are moon phases?
As stated by NASA, moon phases arise from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which alters the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases represent how the moon appears from Earth during its orbit around us. We consistently observe the same side of the moon, but the illuminated portion by the Sun varies according to its orbital position. This leads to full moons, half moons, and moons that seem absent. There are eight primary moon phases, following a recurring cycle:
New Moon – The moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, resulting in the side we view being dark (invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent – A tiny sliver of light emerges on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter