If you’ve ever wondered why the moon seems to change slightly each evening, it’s because of the phases in the lunar cycle. Tonight is day 19 of this cycle; continue reading to find out what it means.
What is the moon phase today?
As of Sunday, Nov. 9, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous. This means that 78% of the moon is lit up tonight, as noted by NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.
What can you see tonight? With the naked eye, you should be able to spot the Aristarchus Plateau, the Mare Tranquillitatis, and the Mare Vaporum. Using binoculars, you’ll also see the Grimaldi Basin, Posidonius Crater, and the Mare Frigoris. Telescope users are in for an extra view of the Reiner Gamma, Rima Ariadaeus, and Rupes Altai (Altai Scarp).
When will the next full moon be?
The forthcoming full moon will take place on Dec. 4.
What are the moon phases?
Nasa states that the Moon completes an orbit around Earth roughly every 29.5 days, undergoing various phases during this time. These phases arise from the shifting angles formed by the Sun, Earth, and Moon. From our perspective, the Moon might look fully illuminated, partially lit, or entirely dark, even though the same side is always directed towards us. The changes result from sunlight reflecting off its surface, forming a predictable pattern known as the lunar cycle.
The eight main moon phases include:
New Moon – The moon is between Earth and the sun, leading to a dark face (essentially invisible to the observer).
Waxing Crescent – A small slice of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – The right side is half-illuminated, resembling a half-moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, but it’s not entirely full yet.
Full Moon – The complete surface of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The moon starts to lose light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-moon, but the left side is now illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A slim slice of light lingers on the left side before it goes dark once more.