Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on November 20
Tonight, the sky will be devoid of the moon’s familiar glow as we experience a New Moon phase. This lunar event occurs when the moon is positioned between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on the side that faces us, rendering it completely invisible. As of November 20, NASA’s Daily Moon Observation confirms that 0% of the moon is illuminated tonight, which means stargazers hoping to catch a glimpse of our lunar companion will be disappointed. However, this absence of light offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a darker sky, perfect for observing other celestial bodies or simply appreciating the night without the moon’s brightness.
As we transition from the New Moon phase, the moon will gradually reappear, growing brighter each night as it embarks on a new lunar cycle. The next significant lunar event to look forward to is the Full Moon on December 4, which will mark the third consecutive supermoon of the year. The most recent Full Moon occurred on November 5, and these supermoons are notable for appearing larger and brighter in the sky due to their proximity to Earth. Understanding the lunar phases can enhance our appreciation of these phenomena. The moon goes through a repeating cycle of eight main phases over approximately 29.5 days, including the Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent. Each phase showcases a different aspect of the moon’s illumination, contributing to the dynamic beauty of our night sky.
For those interested in astronomy or simply looking to enjoy the night sky, the New Moon is a reminder of the cyclical nature of the cosmos. As the moon begins to wax, it will soon return to its full glory, inviting us to witness its phases once again. So, while tonight might be a moonless night, it sets the stage for the enchanting displays to come as we await the next Full Moon.
Tonight the moon’s completely out of sight, that’s because it’s a New Moon. This means the side facing us is in shadow, so there’s to see at all. After tonight, we’ll be in a new lunar cycle and the moon will slowly start getting brighter and brighter each night.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Thursday Nov. 20, the
moon
phase is New Moon. This means 0% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to
NASA’s Daily Moon Observation
. So, if you were hoping to catch a glimpse of the moon tonight, you’re out of luck. Just enjoy the dark sky for now, the moon will be back in a few days.
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.
