Following several evenings of near darkness, the Moon is now sufficiently bright for sky enthusiasts to once more catch sight of certain surface details. Keep reading to find out what you may observe tonight.
What is the current Moon phase?
As of Sunday, March 22, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 14% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.
This evening, a sizable portion of the Moon’s surface is observable, allowing for the identification of some fascinating features. For example, without any visual aids, you can detect the Mare Fecunditatis and the Mare Crisium. These are found on the middle right of the Moon, or middle left if you are situated in the Southern Hemisphere.
With the aid of binoculars or a telescope, you will also be able to see these features along with the Edymion Crater, located at the top right, or bottom left.
When will the next Full Moon occur?
In North America, the forthcoming Full Moon is projected to happen on April 1.
What are the phases of the Moon?
NASA indicates that the Moon takes approximately 29.5 days to complete an orbit around Earth, going through eight distinct phases. We consistently view the same face, yet different sections are illuminated by the Sun as it progresses, making the Moon appear full, half, or merely a thin sliver. These varying shapes are referred to as lunar phases, totaling eight:
New Moon – The Moon is located between Earth and the Sun, rendering the visible side dark (invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of illumination appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – The right side of the Moon is half-lit, resembling a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, though it is not yet full.
Full Moon – The complete face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon begins to lose light on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon occurs, but now the left side is illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before it darkens again.