Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on November 19
Tonight, November 19, the moon graces the night sky as a Waning Crescent, with only 1% of its surface illuminated. This faint sliver of moonlight makes it nearly impossible to observe any details on the lunar surface. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, the moon is in the final stages of its current phase before transitioning into a new lunar cycle. The next full moon, set to occur on December 4, will be particularly noteworthy as it marks the last of three consecutive supermoons, following the previous full moon on November 5. Supermoons are captivating astronomical events when the moon appears larger and brighter than usual due to its closer proximity to Earth.
Understanding moon phases is essential for appreciating these celestial events. The moon undergoes a repeating cycle that lasts approximately 29.5 days, during which its appearance changes as it orbits our planet. This phenomenon occurs because we consistently view the same side of the moon, while the amount of sunlight illuminating it varies. The eight primary moon phases include: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent. Each phase presents a unique visual spectacle, from the invisible New Moon to the fully illuminated Full Moon. As we anticipate the upcoming full moon, skywatchers can look forward to the return of brighter nights and the enchanting beauty of the moon, which has inspired countless stories and scientific inquiries throughout history.
You might not believe it, but there’s still a trace of moonlight tonight. It’s only the faintest sliver, so your chances of spotting anything on the surface are slim to none.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Wednesday, Nov. 19, the
moon
phase is Waning Crescent. This means 1% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to
NASA’s Daily Moon Observation
.
There isn’t enough of the moon lit tonight to see anything. Once the next lunar cycle begins, it’ll start to come back into sight.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon will be on Dec. 4, this will be the last of three consecutive supermoons. The
last full moon was on Nov. 5
.
What are moon phases?
Moon phases are part of a repeating lunar cycle that lasts about 29.5 days, according to
NASA
. They describe how the moon appears from Earth as it orbits our planet. While we always see the same side of the moon, the amount of sunlight illuminating it changes throughout its orbit. That’s why sometimes it looks full, sometimes half, and sometimes disappears entirely (the New Moon). There are eight main moon phases:
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.
