There’s a lot going on in the night sky right now, and it can be tough to keep up with everything from our backyards. We have meteor showers, different moon phases, and even planetary parades where you can see several bright planets at once.
Right now, the moon is in its waning gibbous phase, about 94% illuminated after last weekend’s full moon. According to NASA, during this phase, the visible part of the moon shrinks from full (100%) to half (50%). “Waning” means it’s getting smaller, while “gibbous” refers to its rounded shape.
The moon goes through eight phases total, according to NASA, which are explained by how Earth, the moon, and the sun interact. As the moon orbits Earth, sunlight reflects off it, creating what we see as moonlight.
Each month, we can expect these different moon phases. Recently, the Sturgeon Moon peaked on August 9, named after a fish known to inhabit North American waters.
The next full moon will be on September 7, called the Full Corn Moon. It rises at 2:09 PM ET, signaling the time for corn harvest in the northern U.S. This name has historical roots, showing how our ancestors connected the moon cycles to farming practices.
Here’s a quick look at the moon phases:
- New Moon: The side facing Earth is dark.
- Waxing Crescent: A sliver of light appears.
- First Quarter: Half of the moon is illuminated.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the moon is lit up.
- Full Moon: The entire face is bright.
- Waning Gibbous: The light starts to decrease.
- Last Quarter: Again, half of the moon is visible.
- Waning Crescent: Only a thin crescent is visible.
Interestingly, moon phases not only affect our night sky but can also influence human behavior. Some studies suggest that more people experience sleepless nights during full moons. It’s a fascinating reminder of how connected we are to celestial rhythms. So, the next time you look up, think about the moon’s journey and how it has shaped our lives for centuries.
For more detailed information on lunar phases, check out NASA’s lunar guide.
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