On November 5, 2023, the moon enters a significant phase as the Full Beaver Moon takes center stage. This full moon is notably a supermoon, resulting in a spectacular display in the night sky.
Moon Phase for November 5
As of today, the moon phase is a Full Moon, with 100% illumination visible to observers on Earth. NASA’s Daily Moon Observation confirms the moon’s remarkable brightness, allowing stargazers to appreciate various lunar features.
Lunar Features to Observe
Without any equipment, you can spot several features on the moon’s surface:
- Aristarchus Plateau
- Serenitatis Mare
- Crisium Mare
For those with binoculars, additional features become available:
- Endymion Crater
- Posidonius Crater
- Grimaldi Basin
If you have a telescope, even more intricate lunar details can be observed, including:
- Reiner Gamma
- Rupes Altai (Altai Scarp)
Future Full Moon Dates
Looking ahead, the next full moon will occur on December 4, 2023. Moon enthusiasts can mark their calendars for this upcoming celestial event.
Understanding Moon Phases
The moon undergoes various phases as it orbits Earth over approximately 29.5 days. This cycle is influenced by the changing angles between the sun, moon, and Earth, resulting in different visual appearances from our viewpoint.
Main Moon Phases Explained
There are eight primary moon phases:
- New Moon: The moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, rendering it invisible.
- Waxing Crescent: A small bright sliver appears on the right.
- First Quarter: The right half of the moon is illuminated.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the moon is lit.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the moon is illuminated.
- Waning Gibbous: The moon starts losing light on the right side.
- Third Quarter: The left half is illuminated.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left before disappearing again.
Understanding these phases enhances the experience of observing our lunar companion. Whether using the naked eye or advanced equipment, each full moon presents a unique opportunity to explore the night sky.
