The Full Moon is nearing, indicating the subsequent phase in the lunar cycle.
The lunar cycle is comprised of eight unique phases of the moon’s visibility. This cycle lasts about 29.5 days, as stated by NASA, with each phase taking place as the Sun lights up different areas of the moon during its orbit around Earth.
Let’s investigate the moon’s condition tonight, Sept. 3.
What is the moon phase today?
On Wednesday, Sept. 3, the moon is in the Waxing Gibbous phase, showing 80% visibility from Earth, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.
This evening, without any visual tools, you can observe the Mare Imbrium, Kepler Crater, and Mare Vaporum. If you use binoculars, you may notice the Clavius and Gassendi craters, along with the Mare Frigoris. A telescope will disclose features such as the Apollo 12 and Apollo 15 landing locations, plus the Gruithuisen Domes, two significant volcanic structures referred to by NASA as a “geologic enigma”.
When will the next full moon occur?
The next full moon is set for Sept. 7. The previous full moon took place on Aug. 9.
What are the moon phases?
According to NASA, moon phases arise from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles among the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases illustrate the moon’s look from Earth as it orbits. We always observe the same side of the moon, but the part lit by the Sun shifts depending on its orbital location. This leads to full moons, half moons, and moons that appear absent. There are eight main moon phases, repeating in sequence:
New Moon – The moon lies between Earth and the sun, making the side we observe dark (essentially not visible).
Waxing Crescent – A tiny illuminated sliver appears on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – The right side of the moon is half illuminated, resembling a half-moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, but it is not completely full yet.
Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is fully lit and visible.
Waning Gibbous – The moon begins to lose light on the right side.
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