You might notice a hint of moonlight tonight, but it’s just a sliver. Visibility is low, so spotting anything on the surface is unlikely.
As of today, November 19, the moon is in a Waning Crescent phase, with just 1% illuminated, according to NASA.
This phase means we won’t see much of the moon until the next lunar cycle begins, bringing it back into view.
The next full moon will be on December 4. This will be the last of three supermoons in a row. The previous full moon occurred on November 5.
Moon phases are part of a cycle that lasts about 29.5 days, as explained by NASA. These phases show how the moon looks from Earth as it orbits. Despite always seeing the same side, the amount of sunlight hitting the moon varies. This is why it sometimes appears full, half, or disappears altogether during the New Moon.
Here are the eight main moon phases:
- New Moon: The moon is invisible, sitting between Earth and the sun.
- Waxing Crescent: A small sliver of light appears on the right side.
- First Quarter: Half of the moon is lit on the right side, resembling a half-moon.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half is illuminated but it isn’t quite full.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the moon is clearly visible.
- Waning Gibbous: The moon begins to lose light on the right side.
- Third Quarter: Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left before it goes dark again.
Moon gazing has sparked interest globally. A recent survey showed that about 70% of people find moon phases fascinating and often plan their nights around them. Social media trends indicate that hashtags like #MoonWatch draw thousands of followers worldwide, especially during significant phases like the supermoon.
The moon has long captivated humanity. In the past, it guided sailors at sea and influenced planting cycles in agriculture. Today, its phases are crucial for lunar calendars and even cultural events. Each phase has its significance, reminding us of our connection to the cosmos.
