Tonight’s Moon phase is the First Quarter. This is when half of the Moon that faces Earth is lit up. It comes halfway between the New Moon and the Full Moon phases.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Wednesday, March 25, the Moon phase is First Quarter. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 44% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.
Tonight, without any visual aids, you can see the Mares Fecunditatis, Crisum, and Serenitatis. With binoculars, you’ll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Endymion Crater, the Posidonius Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. Also, with a telescope, you’ll be able to spot even more, including the Apollo 11 landing spots, the Rupes Altai, and the Rima Ariadaeus.
When is the next Full Moon?
In North America, the next Full Moon is predicted to take place on April 1.
What are Moon phases?
According to NASA, the Moon completes one orbit around Earth in roughly 29.5 days, cycling through eight distinct phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces us, sunlight illuminates varying portions as it travels, making it appear full, half, or a narrow crescent. These shifting appearances are known as the lunar phases, and there are eight in total:
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).
Mashable Light Speed
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.
