Today, December 2, marks an exciting lunar event as the moon enters the Waxing Gibbous phase, illuminated by 91% of its surface according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation. This phase occurs on day 12 of the lunar cycle, just two days before the full moon.
Observing the Moon Tonight
Skywatchers will have a great opportunity to view various lunar features tonight. With the naked eye, you can see:
- Mares Crisium
- Mares Fecunditatis
- Copernicus Crater
Using binoculars enhances your view, allowing you to spot:
- Endymion Crater
- Alphonsus Crater
- Posidonius Crater
For those with telescopes, the viewing possibilities expand to include:
- Apollo landing sites 15 and 16
- Rima Hyginus
Upcoming Full Moon
The next full moon, which is notable as the last in a series of three consecutive supermoons, will occur on December 4. The last full moon was observed on November 5.
Understanding Moon Phases
The lunar cycle lasts approximately 29.5 days and consists of eight distinct phases:
- New Moon: The moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, rendering it invisible.
- Waxing Crescent: A small illuminated sliver appears on the right side.
- First Quarter: Half of the moon is lit, resembling a half-moon.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the moon is illuminated, but it isn’t fully bright.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the moon is fully visible and bright.
- Waning Gibbous: The moon begins to lose light on the right side.
- Third Quarter: Another half-moon occurs, now lit on the left side.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light appears on the left before the moon goes dark again.
As you look up at the night sky, enjoy the marvels of today’s moon phase and prepare for the full moon approaching on December 4.
