This evening features a unique lunar occasion showcasing the September Full Moon alongside a total lunar eclipse.
Let’s examine the moon’s activities on Sept. 7.
What is the current moon phase?
On Sunday, Sept. 7, the moon is in the Full Moon phase, indicating that it will be fully illuminated at 100% from Earth, as per NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.
This Sunday presents a Full Moon, ensuring bright skies. With the naked eye, numerous features on its surface can be observed, including the Aristarchus Plateau, Copernicus Crater, and Mare Crisium. Utilize binoculars to find the Grimaldi Basin and the Gassendi Crater, and employ a telescope to examine the Fra Mauro Highlands.
A total lunar eclipse takes place today, although it will not be visible in the United States.
When will the subsequent full moon occur?
The upcoming full moon is scheduled for Oct. 6.
What constitutes moon phases?
As stated by NASA, moon phases arise from the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, changing the angles among the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases depict how the moon appears from Earth as it revolves around us. We consistently see the same side of the moon, but the illuminated section by the Sun varies due to its orbit. This leads to the occurrence of full moons, half moons, and moons that seem invisible. There are eight primary moon phases, following a cyclical pattern:
New Moon – The moon lies between Earth and the sun, rendering the side we see dark (invisible to observation).
Waxing Crescent – A narrow sliver of light is visible on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – The moon is half-lit on the right side, resembling a half-moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half is illuminated but not completely.
Full Moon – The whole face of the moon is lit and fully observable.
Waning Gibbous – The moon starts to diminish light on the right side.
Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) – A second half-moon, with the left side illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A slender sliver of light lingers on the left side before fading again.