As of October 22, the moon is entering a new lunar phase, marking the first day of a fresh lunar cycle. The current phase is the Waxing Crescent, where only 1% of the moon”s surface is illuminated, making it difficult to observe any features on the moon”s surface tonight.
The next full moon is scheduled for November 5, providing an opportunity for a more complete view of the moon. Understanding moon phases is essential, as they are a result of the moon”s 29.5-day orbit around Earth, which alters the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth.
Throughout its orbit, the moon presents different appearances to observers on Earth, ranging from the New Moon, when it is entirely dark, to the Full Moon, when it is fully illuminated. The eight primary phases of the moon are as follows:
- New Moon: The moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, rendering it invisible.
- Waxing Crescent: A slight illumination begins on the right side.
- First Quarter: Half of the moon is visible, appearing as a half-moon.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the moon is illuminated but not yet full.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the moon is lit and clearly visible.
- Waning Gibbous: The moon starts to lose illumination from the right side.
- Third Quarter: Another half-moon, but now with the left side illuminated.
- Waning Crescent: A small sliver of light remains on the left side before it returns to the New Moon phase.
These phases recur in a consistent cycle, providing a rhythmic celestial experience for skywatchers and astronomers alike.
