Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on December 4
Tonight’s sky offers a spectacular sight as it hosts a supermoon, a phenomenon that occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter than usual. This celestial event is particularly exciting for stargazers and casual observers alike, as the supermoon provides an excellent opportunity to appreciate the Moon’s surface features. On December 4, the moon phase is a full moon, meaning the entire face is illuminated, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation. As you gaze upward, you can spot prominent lunar features such as the Mare Vaporum, Mare Serenitatis, and Mare Tranquillitatis with the naked eye. For those equipped with binoculars, the Alps Mountains and Clavius Crater come into clearer view, while a telescope will reveal even more detail, including the historic landing sites of Apollo 15 and 17, as well as the Fra Mauro Highlands.
Understanding the moon’s phases adds depth to the experience of observing tonight’s supermoon. The lunar cycle, which lasts about 29.5 days, consists of eight distinct phases that illustrate the changing illumination of the Moon as it orbits Earth. Beginning with the New Moon, where the Moon is invisible, the cycle progresses through the Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, and Waxing Gibbous phases until it reaches the Full Moon stage. Afterward, the Moon transitions through the Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent phases before disappearing again. Each phase offers a unique aspect of the Moon’s beauty and has inspired countless cultures and traditions throughout history.
After tonight’s breathtaking display, the next full moon is set to occur on January 3, 2024, providing another opportunity for lunar enthusiasts to marvel at our closest celestial neighbor. Whether you are a seasoned astronomer or simply enjoy the beauty of the night sky, tonight’s supermoon is a perfect occasion to step outside, look up, and appreciate the wonders of the universe. So grab your binoculars or telescope, or simply find a cozy spot to enjoy the view, and let the magic of the supermoon captivate you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15HdsbanoTQ
Tonight’s moon is a special one, it’s not just a full moon, it’s a supermoon. A supermoon is just a full moon that looks bigger and brighter because the Moon is a bit closer to Earth than usual, so the Moon may look a little clearer and you might find it slightly easier to spot some of its surface features tonight.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Thursday, Dec. 4, the
moon
phase is Full Moon. This means 100% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to
NASA’s Daily Moon Observation
.
If you’re looking up with just your naked eye, there’s lots to see, in particular the Vaporum, Serenitatis and Tranquillitatis Mares. With binoculars you’ll also be able to spy the Alps Mountains, Clavius Crater and the Mare Humorum. And with a telescope, you can catch a glimpse of the Apollo 15 and 17 landing spots as well as the Fra Mauro Highlands.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon will be on Jan. 3.
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.
