The moon is becoming less visible each night as we approach the New Moon. Soon, the sky will be dark, but for now, let’s see what you can spot tonight.
As of Sunday, December 7, the moon is in its Waning Gibbous phase, with about 90% of its surface lit up, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation. It’s day 17 of the lunar cycle. You don’t need any special equipment to enjoy the view. With just your eyes, you can see the Mare Serenitatis and Mare Tranquillitatis. If you have binoculars, you might catch sight of Gassendi Crater, Endymion Crater, and the Apennine Mountains. A telescope will provide an even better look, allowing you to see the Apollo 12 landing site and more features like Rupes Altai.
The next full moon will occur on January 3.
So, what exactly are moon phases? According to NASA, the lunar cycle lasts about 29.5 days. As the Moon orbits Earth, sunlight hits different parts of it, creating various phases. We always see the same side of the Moon, but its appearance changes based on how much light is shining on it. Here’s a quick breakdown of the eight phases:
- New Moon: The Moon is between Earth and the Sun, making it invisible to us.
- Waxing Crescent: A small sliver of light begins to appear on the right side.
- First Quarter: Half of the Moon is lit on the right; it resembles a half-moon.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half is illuminated, but it’s not full yet.
- Full Moon: The entire face is bright and fully visible.
- Waning Gibbous: The light starts to fade on the right side.
- Third Quarter: The left side is now illuminated, looking like another half-moon.
- Waning Crescent: Only a thin sliver of light remains on the left before it goes dark again.
Interestingly, moon phases have fascinated people for centuries. Ancient cultures often relied on them for agricultural planning and religious ceremonies. Today, many people still connect with the lunar cycle, celebrating full moons with gatherings and rituals. Social media trends even show that moon photography is quite popular, with hashtags like #FullMoon and #LunarPhotography gaining traction on platforms like Instagram.
In science, understanding the lunar cycle is crucial for planning space missions. For instance, the timing of moon landings is often influenced by its phases. As we learn more about the Moon, insights from experts in astronomy continue to shape our knowledge of our closest celestial neighbor.
The ever-changing moon not only serves as a beautiful sight but also has a profound impact on our culture and science. Keep your eyes on the night sky—you never know what wonders you might discover!
