The Full Moon is just around the corner, so there’s plenty to see on the surface, with or without visual aids.
What is today’s moon phase?
From Sunday, November 2, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to sources, 87% of the moon will be illuminated tonight NASA’s daily moon observation.
Even without visual aids there is plenty to see tonight, including the Mare Tranquillitatis, Mare Imbrium and the Kepler Crater. With binoculars you can distinguish the Gassendi crater, the Apennines and the Mare Nectaris. If you have a telescope, pull it out to see the Rima Ariadaeus, the Apollo 15 and the Gruithuisen Domes.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon is on November 5.
What are moon phases?
According to NASAthe moon moves through its phases as it completes a 29.5 day orbit around the earth. The phases we see are caused by the changing angles between the sun, moon and earth. From Earth, the moon may appear full, partially illuminated, or disappear completely, but the moon always faces us on the same side. What changes is the amount of sunlight reflected from the surface depending on where it is in orbit. This pattern is known as the lunar cycle.
The eight main moon phases are:
Mashable speed of light
New Moon – The moon is between the Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it is invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent – A small streak of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – Half of the moon is illuminated on the right side. It looks like a crescent moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit, but not quite full yet.
Full Moon – The entire surface 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, but now the left side is illuminated.
Waning Crescent – A thin line of light remains on the left before it darkens again.
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