Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on November 30
As we approach the Full Moon on December 4, the night sky is particularly captivating, with the moon currently in its Waxing Gibbous phase. This phase, occurring on November 30, showcases 74% of the Moon’s surface illuminated, making it an excellent time for stargazers and moon enthusiasts to observe various lunar features. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, tonight, observers can easily spot the prominent Mare Vaporum, Mare Crisium, and Mare Fecunditatis with the naked eye. For those equipped with binoculars, the view becomes even more rewarding, revealing the craters of Endymion and Alphonsus, as well as the Apennine Mountains. If you have a telescope handy, you can aim it towards the historic landing sites of Apollo 11 and Apollo 14, along with the majestic Caucasus Mountains, providing a deeper connection to our lunar explorations.
The upcoming Full Moon marks the third consecutive supermoon of the year, a phenomenon that occurs when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. This will be a fitting finale to a series of supermoons that began earlier this year. To understand the significance of these phases, it’s essential to grasp the lunar cycle, which spans approximately 29.5 days. The Moon’s appearance changes as it orbits Earth, transitioning through eight distinct phases: from the New Moon, when it is invisible, to the Full Moon, when it is fully illuminated. Each phase offers a unique perspective of our celestial companion, enriching our appreciation of the night sky. As we prepare for the Full Moon, take a moment to step outside, gaze upward, and experience the beauty and wonder of the universe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItKJm8vZbYc
We’re just a few days away from the Full Moon now, so the moon is nice and bright tonight. There’s plenty for you to see when you look up, so keep reading to find out exactly what you can see.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Sunday, Nov. 30, the
moon
phase is Waxing Gibbous. This means 74% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to
NASA’s Daily Moon Observation
.
If you’re looking at the moon without any visual aids you should be able to spot the Vaporum, Crisium, and Fecunditatis Mares. With binoculars you’ll also be able to spot the Endymion and Alphonsus Craters, and the Apennine Mountains. If you have a telescope, pull it out to try and catch a glimpse of the Apollo 11 and 14 landing spots, and the Caucasus Mountains.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon will be on Dec. 4, which will be the last of three consecutive supermoons. The
last full moon was on Nov. 5
.
What are moon phases?
NASA
explains that the lunar cycle (which is about 29.5 days long) is made up of the Moon’s phases, which describe how the Moon looks from Earth as it travels around us. We view the same side of the Moon at all times, but the sunlight hitting its surface shifts as it moves through its orbit. That changing illumination is what makes the Moon appear full, half-lit, or not visible at all. The cycle includes eight distinct 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.
