Little by little, the moon is fading from view. This signals that we’re nearing the new moon. The new moon is part of a beautiful cycle of eight phases that takes about 29.5 days to complete. According to NASA, these phases occur as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon while it orbits Earth.
Tonight’s Moon Phase
As of August 21, we have a Waning Crescent moon, with only 3% of it illuminated. This means there isn’t much to see tonight. The Grimaldi Basin, a large impact site, is the only feature visible, but you’ll need binoculars or a telescope to spot it. Fun fact: the outer wall of the Grimaldi Basin is nearly as long as the Grand Canyon!
Upcoming Full Moon
Mark your calendars! The next full moon will be on September 7. Just a couple of weeks ago, we enjoyed a full moon on August 9.
Understanding Moon Phases
So, why do moon phases happen? They result from the moon’s orbit changing the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Even though we always see the same side of the moon, the amount of sunlight it reflects varies. This causes it to appear as if it is full, half, or completely dark. Here are the eight main phases:
- New Moon: The moon is hidden between Earth and the Sun.
- Waxing Crescent: A small light appears on the right.
- First Quarter: Half the moon is lit on the right.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half is lit, nearing full.
- Full Moon: The entire face is bright and visible.
- Waning Gibbous: The light begins to fade on the right.
- Last Quarter: Now the left side is illuminated.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left.
Did You Know?
Moon-related content is trending on social media, with many people sharing their moon-gazing experiences. Recent studies show that observing the moon can lead to feelings of calmness and connectivity with nature. Experts believe that taking moments to look at the night sky can be beneficial for mental health, providing a sense of wonder and inspiration.
If you want to learn more about the moon and its phases, check out NASA’s resources here.
