Following numerous nights of restricted visibility, the moon is poised to shine brilliantly tonight. Keep reading to learn what you can see.
What is the moon phase today?
As of Saturday, Oct. 25, the current moon phase is Waxing Crescent. Tonight, 14% of the moon will be lit up, as stated by NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.
After nights of low visibility, the moon is sufficiently large to display some surface characteristics. Without any tools, you should be able to identify the Mare Crisium and the Mare Fecunditatis. With binoculars or a telescope, you can also observe the Endymion Crater.
Having passed the new moon stage, these features will be observed on the moon’s right side. In the Southern Hemisphere, they will be noticed on the left side.
When will the next full moon happen?
The upcoming full moon is scheduled for Nov. 5.
What are the phases of the moon?
As per NASA, moon phases, like Waxing Crescent, arise from the moon’s 29.5-day orbital cycle. This cycle occurs due to the shifting angles among the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases characterize how the moon appears from Earth as it revolves around us. We consistently view the same side of the moon, but the amount illuminated by the Sun fluctuates with its orbital position. This fluctuation results in full moons, half moons, and moons that seem absent. There are eight principal moon phases that create a recurring cycle.
The eight main moon phases are:
New Moon – The moon is situated between Earth and the sun, making the visible side dark (not visible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent – A tiny sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – The right side of the moon is half illuminated, resembling a half-moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half is illuminated, yet it’s not fully complete.
Full Moon – The complete face of the moon is illuminated and fully apparent.
Waning Gibbous – The moon starts losing illumination on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-moon, with the left side now illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A slender sliver of light lingers on the left side before it goes dark again.