Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on November 22
As of Friday, November 21, the moon is currently in the Waxing Crescent phase, with only 5% of its surface illuminated. This means that while the moon is gradually becoming more visible, it’s still too dark to discern any features on its surface. The Waxing Crescent phase marks the second day of the lunar cycle, and observers will need to wait a few more nights until the moon reveals more of its beauty. The anticipation builds as stargazers look forward to the next full moon, which will occur on December 4. This full moon will be particularly special, as it is the last of three consecutive supermoons, following the previous full moon that took place on November 5.
Understanding moon phases is essential for appreciating this celestial phenomenon, as they are part of a repeating lunar cycle that lasts approximately 29.5 days. According to NASA, these phases are determined by the moon’s position in relation to Earth and the sun. As the moon orbits Earth, the amount of sunlight it reflects changes, creating the various phases we observe. The lunar cycle consists of eight main phases, starting with the New Moon, when the moon is positioned between Earth and the sun, making it invisible to our eyes. Following this, the Waxing Crescent appears, revealing a small sliver of light. The cycle continues through stages such as the First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and finally the Waning Crescent, before returning to the New Moon phase.
The upcoming full moon on December 4 is not only significant for its supermoon status but also serves as a reminder of the dynamic relationship between the Earth and the moon. As we await the moon’s gradual illumination in the coming days, it invites us to reflect on the natural rhythms of our universe and the beauty that unfolds in the night sky. Whether you are an avid astronomer or simply a casual observer, the moon phases offer a captivating glimpse into the celestial dance that has fascinated humanity for centuries.
The moon is slowly coming back to us, but it’s still a little bit too dark to see anything on it’s surface. It’s only day two of the lunar cycle, so we’ll have to wait a few more nights before it starts showing its features.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Friday Nov. 21, the
moon
phase is Waxing Crescent. This means 5% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to
NASA’s Daily Moon Observation
. This means there is still nothing to see on its surface tonight.
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?
NASA
tells us that moon phases are all a part of a repeating lunar cycle of 29.5 days. 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 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.
