Tonight, the moon is still very thin, marking the beginning of the waxing crescent phase in the United States. However, in some parts of the world (depending on time zone) the new moon will officially appear tonight.
What is the phase of the moon today?
As of Saturday, December 20, the moon phase will be a waxing crescent (if you’re in the US). There’s not much to see tonight, though NASA daily moon observation It states that 0% of the moon will be illuminated. So, of course, there is little to no chance of spotting any features on the moon’s surface tonight.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon will be on January 3. The last full moon was on December 4.
What are the phases of the moon?
according to NASAThe Moon takes about 29.5 days to complete one full orbit. This is known as the lunar cycle. Throughout this time, it passes through a series of phases as it orbits the Earth. Although the same side of the Moon always faces us, the amount of sunlight reflected by its surface changes, which is why it can appear fully lit, partially lit, or completely invisible at different points in the cycle. This process is divided into eight main lunar phases:
New Moon – The Moon is located between the Earth and the Sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it is not visible to the eye).
Speed of light mashable
Waxing Crescent – A small patch of light appears on the right side (northern hemisphere).
First quarter – half of the moon is illuminated on the right side. It looks like a half moon.
Waxing Gibbous – More than half lit, but not quite full yet.
Full Moon – The entire face of the Moon is fully illuminated and visible.
Waning Gibbous – The moon begins to lose light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) – Another half moon, but the left side is now lit.
Waning Crescent – A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before it darkens again.