Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on November 18
As of Tuesday, November 18, the moon is in the Waning Crescent phase, showcasing just a mere 3% of its surface illuminated. This phase occurs as we approach the New Moon, when the moon will be nearly invisible against the night sky. For stargazers hoping to catch a glimpse of the moon tonight, there’s little to see, as the thin sliver is too faint to be easily observed. The Waning Crescent represents a time when the moon is transitioning away from its last quarter, gradually disappearing until it reaches the New Moon phase. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, this cycle is part of the moon’s recurring journey around Earth, which takes approximately 29.5 days.
Looking ahead, the next significant lunar event is the Full Moon, scheduled for December 4. This full moon will be particularly noteworthy as it 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. The last full moon was witnessed on November 5, providing a stark contrast to the current moon phase. Understanding these lunar phases is essential for astronomy enthusiasts and casual observers alike, as they reflect the dynamic relationship between the Earth, moon, and sun. The eight main phases of the moon—ranging from the New Moon, where the moon is completely dark, to the Full Moon, where it shines brightly—illustrate the changing visibility of the moon as it orbits our planet.
In summary, while tonight’s sky may not offer much in terms of lunar spectacle, it serves as a reminder of the fascinating cycles of nature. As we prepare for the upcoming Full Moon, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the beauty and complexity of the lunar phases, which have captivated humanity for centuries. Whether you are an avid astronomer or simply someone who enjoys gazing at the night sky, the moon’s journey is a reminder of the rhythms of our universe.
There’s still a small sliver of moon on display tonight, but not so much to see anything. This is because we’re approaching the New Moon phase of the lunar cycle. Keep reading to find out what exactly this means.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Tuesday, Nov. 18, the
moon
phase is Waning Crescent. This means 3% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to
NASA’s Daily Moon Observation
.
Don’t strain your eyes tonight, there’s too little moon to see anything. As we move towards the next lunar cycle, the moon will be small (and even out of sight) for 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 are part of a recurring lunar cycle (every 29.5 days), according to
NASA
. These phases 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 hitting it changes throughout 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:
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.
