It is day 19 of the lunar cycle and we’re near a brand new lunar section, the Third Quarter. From right here, the moon will shortly get smaller every night time till there’s nothing left in any respect. That section is called the New Moon. However what’s taking place tonight, on day 19? Learn on to seek out out.
What’s right this moment’s moon section?
As of Tuesday, Dec. 9, the moon section is Waning Gibbous. This implies 73% of the moon is lit up tonight, in response to NASA’s Day by day Moon Remark.
We have nonetheless obtained greater than half of the moon on show, so in the intervening time there’s tons to see on its floor. Should you’re trying up with none visible aids, hold an eye fixed out for the Mare Tranquillitatis, Tycho Crater, and Oceanus Procellarum. If have binoculars handy, pull these out to see the Gassendi Crater, Clavius Crater, and the Alps Mountains. Should you’re severe about moon gazing and have a telescope handy, take it out to see all this plus the Apollo 15 and 16 touchdown spots and the Reiner Gamma.
When is the subsequent full moon?
The following full moon might be on Jan. 3.
What are moon phases?
NASA explains that the lunar cycle (which is about 29.5 days lengthy) is made up of the Moon’s phases, which describe how the Moon appears from Earth because it travels round us. We view the identical facet of the Moon always, however the daylight hitting its floor shifts because it strikes by means of its orbit. That altering illumination is what makes the Moon seem full, half-lit, or not seen in any respect. The cycle consists of eight distinct phases:
New Moon – The moon is between Earth and the solar, so the facet we see is darkish (in different phrases, it is invisible to the attention).
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Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of sunshine seems on the correct facet (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter – Half of the moon is lit on the correct facet. It appears like a half-moon.
Waxing Gibbous – Greater than half is lit up, nevertheless it’s not fairly full but.
Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is illuminated and totally seen.
Waning Gibbous – The moon begins shedding gentle on the correct facet. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Final Quarter) – One other half-moon, however now the left facet is lit.
Waning Crescent – A skinny sliver of sunshine stays on the left facet earlier than going darkish once more.
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