Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on November 15
As of November 15, the moon is currently in its Waning Crescent phase, with only 19% of its surface illuminated. This phase marks the transition from a full moon back to a new moon, where the visible light from the moon gradually decreases each night. Despite the reduced visibility, stargazers can still catch glimpses of fascinating lunar features. Without any tools, observers can spot the Kepler Crater and the Aristarchus Plateau. For those equipped with binoculars, the Grimaldi Basin comes into view, and telescope users can delight in the intricate details of the Reiner Gamma. This waning phase presents a unique opportunity for amateur astronomers and moon enthusiasts to explore the moon’s surface, even as it dims.
Understanding moon phases is essential to appreciating this celestial body and its cycles. The moon undergoes a 29.5-day lunar cycle, during which its appearance changes based on its position relative to Earth and the Sun. This cycle consists of eight main phases, starting from the New Moon, when the moon is not visible, to the Full Moon, when it is fully illuminated. The progression includes the Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, and Waxing Gibbous phases, before transitioning into the Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and finally back to the Waning Crescent. Each phase offers a different perspective on the moon, with varying amounts of sunlight reflecting off its surface.
Looking ahead, the next full moon is set to occur on December 4, providing another chance for sky watchers to experience the moon in its complete glory. The changing phases of the moon not only captivate our imaginations but also play a significant role in cultural folklore and scientific study. Whether you are an experienced astronomer or simply enjoy gazing at the night sky, the moon continues to inspire wonder and curiosity as it waxes and wanes in its celestial dance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IV02T6BBd4
The moon’s visibility is decreasing each night, and tonight there’s less than 20% of it lit up. That being said, if you look hard enough, you might still be able to spot some features on its surface.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Saturday, Nov. 15, the
moon
phase is Waning Crescent. This means 19% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to
NASA’s Daily Moon Observation
.
There’s a little less to see tonight, but visibility isn’t gone fully yet. Without any visual aids you can see the Kepler Cater and the Aristarchus Plateau. With binoculars, you’ll be able to see the Grimaldi Basin, and with a telescope, you’ll also see the Reiner Gamma.
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
. These 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 (aka, the New Moon). 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.
