Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on November 12
Tonight, November 12, marks the Third Quarter phase of the moon, a striking celestial event where 47% of the lunar surface is illuminated. As the moon hangs in the sky, its left side is aglow, offering stargazers a perfect opportunity to explore its fascinating features. With the naked eye, you can spot prominent landmarks such as the Mare Imbrium, a vast lunar sea, alongside the well-known Kepler and Tycho craters. For those equipped with binoculars, the view expands to include the Grimaldi Basin, Mare Humorum, and the Clavius Crater, each revealing the moon’s rugged terrain and historical impact from asteroid impacts. If you’re fortunate enough to have a telescope, the experience becomes even more rewarding, allowing you to observe details like the Reiner Gamma, Apollo 14 landing site, and the intricate Rima Ariadaeus.
Understanding moon phases enriches our appreciation for this celestial body. The lunar cycle spans approximately 29.5 days, during which the moon transitions through eight distinct phases: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent. Each phase represents a different alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun, resulting in varying visibility of the moon’s surface. The Third Quarter, often referred to as the Last Quarter, is particularly interesting because it mirrors the First Quarter, but with the left side illuminated instead of the right. This cyclical dance not only captivates amateur astronomers but also serves as a reminder of the intricate mechanics of our solar system.
Looking ahead, the next full moon is set to grace the sky on December 4, promising another opportunity for moon enthusiasts to witness the lunar surface in its entirety. Whether you are a seasoned observer or a curious newcomer, tonight’s Third Quarter moon offers a splendid chance to explore the wonders of our nearest celestial neighbor. Grab your binoculars or telescope, venture outside, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the night sky.
It’s Third Quarter tonight, which means it’s a half-moon with the left side still lit. There’s still lots to see on the moon’s surface before it disappears from view fully, so keep reading to find out what you can spot.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Wednesday, Nov. 12, the
moon
phase is Third Quarter. This means 47% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to
NASA’s Daily Moon Observation
.
Looking up with no visual aids you’ll be able to see the Mare Imbrium and the Kepler and Tycho Craters. If you have binoculars, to the bottom left you’ll see the Grimaldi Basin, the Mare Humorum, and the Clavius Crater.
If you have a telescope, you’ll get to see even more, including the Reiner Gamma, Apollo 14, and Rima Ariadaeus.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon will be on Dec. 4.
What are moon phases?
Moon phases are part of a 29.5-day lunar cycle, according to
NASA
. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. So, sometimes it looks full, sometimes half, and sometimes not there at all. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:
The eight main moon phases are:
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.
