The Moon is starting to appear bigger each night. This is because of where we are in the lunar cycle. The lunar cycle is a 29.5 day cycle of the Moon’s orbit around Earth and includes eight unique phases. Keep reading to find out where the Moon is in that cycle today.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Tuesday, March 24, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 33% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.
The Moon is slowly coming back into view, so each night there will be more to see. For example, tonight, without any visual aids, you can see the Mare Fecunditatis and the Mare Crisum. There may be other features visible too, however these will be the most distinct.
With binoculars, you’ll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Endymion Crater, the Posidonius Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. And, finally, with a telescope, you’ll be able to spot even more, including the Apollo 11 and 17 landing spots.
When is the next Full Moon?
In North America, the next Full Moon is predicted to take place on April 1.
What are Moon phases?
According to NASA, the Moon completes one orbit around Earth in roughly 29.5 days, cycling through eight distinct phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces us, sunlight illuminates varying portions as it travels, making it appear full, half, or a narrow crescent. These shifting appearances are known as the lunar phases, and there are eight in total:
Mashable Light Speed
New Moon – The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it’s invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.
Full Moon – The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
