Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on November 15
As of Saturday, November 15, stargazers can observe the moon in its Waning Crescent phase, where only 19% of its surface is illuminated. This phase is part of a 29.5-day lunar cycle that dictates how we perceive the moon from Earth as it orbits our planet. While the visibility of the moon is decreasing each night, keen observers can still catch a glimpse of some of its surface features. Without any optical aids, one can spot the Kepler Crater and the Aristarchus Plateau. For those equipped with binoculars, the Grimaldi Basin becomes visible, and telescope users can enjoy the intricate details of the Reiner Gamma.
Understanding moon phases is essential for appreciating these celestial events. The moon goes through eight distinct phases, starting from the New Moon, when it is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, rendering it invisible to the naked eye, to the Full Moon, where its entire face shines brightly. The transition between these phases occurs in a predictable cycle, which includes the Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous, and Third Quarter phases. The next full moon is anticipated on December 4, providing a perfect opportunity for moon enthusiasts to witness the moon at its brightest and fullest.
In summary, while tonight’s moon may not be as spectacular due to its Waning Crescent phase, it still offers a chance to appreciate the beauty of our natural satellite. Whether you are an amateur astronomer or simply someone who enjoys stargazing, taking the time to observe the moon can be a rewarding experience. As it continues its journey through the lunar cycle, the moon will soon return to its full glory, reminding us of the ever-changing wonders of our night sky.
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.
