Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on November 23
Tonight, November 23, promises a delightful opportunity for moon-gazing enthusiasts as the moon transitions into its Waxing Crescent phase, with approximately 10% of its surface illuminated. After days shrouded in darkness, the moon’s brightness offers a welcome sight for stargazers. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, even without visual aids, observers can spot notable lunar features such as the Fecunditatis and Crisium Mares, two vast, dark plains formed by ancient volcanic activity. For those equipped with binoculars or a telescope, the Endymion Crater, located in the upper right quadrant of the moon (or lower left for those in the Southern Hemisphere), becomes visible, adding to the excitement of the evening.
As we look ahead, the next full moon is set to occur on December 4, marking the final event in a series of three consecutive supermoons this year. The last full moon graced our skies on November 5, captivating observers with its size and brightness. Understanding moon phases adds depth to our lunar observations. NASA explains that these phases are part of a repeating 29.5-day lunar cycle, which influences how we perceive the moon from Earth. The cycle includes eight distinct phases: from the New Moon, where the moon is invisible, to the Full Moon, when it is fully illuminated. Each phase offers a unique perspective of our celestial neighbor, making moon-gazing a continually engaging experience for both amateur astronomers and casual observers alike.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxSIpFBLD4s
After days of almost complete darkness, the moon is big and bright enough tonight to do some moon-gazing. There’s plenty to see, so keep reading to find out what’s on show.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Sunday, Nov. 23, the
moon
phase is Waxing Crescent. This means 10% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to
NASA’s Daily Moon Observation
.
If you don’t have any visual aids, you’ll be able to see the Fecunditatis and Crisium Mares. If you have binoculars or a telescope, you’ll also be able to spot the Endymion Crater in the top right corner (bottom left, if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere).
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.
