What is Today’s Moon Phase?
As of Friday, Oct. 30, the Moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase, with 78% of its surface visible, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide. This phase occurs after the Full Moon and before the Third Quarter, marking a gradual decrease in the illuminated portion of the Moon.
What Can You See Tonight?
Without visual aids, observers can spot the Tycho Crater, Copernicus Crater, and the Mare Serenitatis. Binoculars reveal the Alphonsus Crater, Clavius Crater, and the Apennine Mountains. A telescope offers a closer look at the Apollo 14 landing site, Schiller Crater, and the Caucasus Mountains, as reported by Mashable.
When Is the Next Full Moon?
How Do Moon Phases Work?
The Moon completes an orbit around Earth every 29.5 days, transitioning through eight phases. These include the New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent. NASA explains that the changing visibility of the Moon’s illuminated surface depends on its position relative to Earth and the Sun.
What Are the Eight Moon Phases?
The sequence of lunar phases, as outlined by NASA, is as follows:
- New Moon: The Moon is between Earth and the Sun, making its illuminated side invisible from Earth.
- Waxing Crescent: A thin sliver of light appears on the right side in the Northern Hemisphere.
- First Quarter: Half of the Moon is lit on the right side, resembling a half-Moon.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half is illuminated but not yet full.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the Moon is fully illuminated.
- Waning Gibbous: The Moon begins losing light on the right side.
- Third Quarter: Half of the Moon is lit on the left side.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before the cycle restarts.
When Is the Next Full Moon?
What causes the Moon’s phases?
The Moon’s phases result from its position relative to Earth and the Sun. As it orbits Earth, the amount of its illuminated surface visible from our planet changes, creating the observed phases, according to NASA.
Can I see the Moon’s features without a telescope?
Yes, certain features like the Tycho Crater and Mare Serenitatis are visible to the naked eye.
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