The Moon is coming back from complete darkness, but it’s still showing just a hint of light. Over the next few nights, it will get bigger and brighter, and soon we’ll be able to spot craters, mares, and other interesting features on its surface.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Monday, Dec. 22, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, 6% of the moon will be lit up tonight. So little of the Moon is lit up that nothing on its surface is visible tonight. Check back again tomorrow.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon will be on Jan. 3. The last full moon was on Dec. 4.
What are moon phases?
According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to complete one full cycle. This is known as the lunar cycle. Throughout this time, it passes through a series of phases as it orbits Earth. Although the same side of the Moon always faces us, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface changes, which is why it can appear fully illuminated, partly lit, or completely invisible at different points in the cycle. This process is divided into eight main lunar 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.
