The moon is returning to its crescent shape as we head towards the New Moon. We’re still a few days away from total darkness, so for now there’s still a few features to be spotted on the surface. Read on to find out what you can see.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Saturday, Dec. 13, the moon phase is Waning Crescent. This means 34% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.
Tonight, without any visual aids, you’ll be able to see Kepler Crater and the Oceanus Procellarum. If you have binoculars, you’ll also be able to see the Grimaldi Basin, Clavius Crater, and the Mare Humorum. With a telescope, Reiner Gamma, Schiller Crater, and Fra Mauro Highlands will also become visible.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon will be on Jan. 3.
What are moon phases?
NASA says the Moon goes through a cycle of about 29.5 days, and during that time we see its different phases. Even though we always see the same side of the Moon, the sunlight hitting it changes as it orbits Earth. That’s what makes it look full, half-lit, or sometimes completely hidden. The cycle has eight main 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).
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.
