Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on November 15
As we look up to the night sky on November 15, the moon presents itself in a Waning Crescent phase, with only 19% of its surface illuminated. This phase marks a gradual retreat of the moon’s brightness, leading up to the New Moon when it will be entirely dark. While the visibility of lunar features diminishes with the waning light, enthusiasts can still catch glimpses of the moon’s surface. For those gazing with the naked eye, notable features such as the Kepler Crater and the Aristarchus Plateau are still discernible. If you have binoculars, you can enhance your view to spot the Grimaldi Basin, and with a telescope, the Reiner Gamma becomes visible, showcasing the diverse geological features that the moon has to offer.
Understanding moon phases is essential for appreciating these celestial events. The moon undergoes a 29.5-day lunar cycle, during which its appearance changes as it orbits Earth. This cycle consists of eight main phases: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent. Each phase presents a unique view of the moon, influenced by the alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun. For instance, during a Full Moon, the entire face of the moon is illuminated, creating a striking sight, while the New Moon is completely dark, making it invisible to observers. The next full moon is anticipated on December 4, providing an opportunity for stargazers to witness the moon in its full glory once again.
As the moon continues its cycle, each phase offers a chance to appreciate the beauty and complexity of our closest celestial neighbor. Whether you are an amateur astronomer or simply enjoy gazing at the night sky, tonight’s Waning Crescent serves as a reminder of the moon’s ever-changing nature and the wonders of the universe. So, grab some binoculars, step outside, and take a moment to observe the features of the moon before it slips into darkness once more.
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.
