There's lots to see on the moon's surface tonight, and it's a real treat after days of no visibility. We're on day six of the new lunar cycle, so keep reading to find out what you can see tonight.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Monday, Oct. 27, the moon phase is Waxing Crescent. There will be 30% of the moon lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.
Without any visual aids, tonight you should be able to see the Mare Crisium, the Mare Fecunditatis, and the Mare Tranquillitatis. With a pair of binoculars you'll see even more, including the Endymion Crater, Mare Nectaris and the Posidonius Crater. By adding a telescope to your set up, you should also be able to spot the Apollo 11 and 17 landing spots, as well as the Rupes Altai.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon will be on Nov. 5.
The next full moon will be on Nov. 5.
What are moon phases?
NASA explains that the moon goes through phases as it completes its 29.5-day orbit around Earth. The changing angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth cause the different phases we observe. From Earth, the moon can look full, partially lit, or even disappear entirely, but we always see the same side. What changes is the amount of sunlight reflected from its surface, depending on its position in orbit.
The eight main moon phases are:
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.
