The Moon is gradually losing light each night.
On the eve of the Third Quarter, the Moon appears about 50% illuminated. This phase of the lunar cycle shows the Moon half-lit once again. However, unlike the First Quarter, it is the opposite side that is illuminated as the Moon moves toward the new moon phase.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Friday, May 8, the Moon is in the Waning Gibbous phase. Tonight, 66% of the moon will be illuminated, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide.
Without visual aids, you can spot the Mare Imbrium, Tycho Crater, and the Kelper Crater tonight.
If you use binoculars, additional features like the Clavius Crater, Gassendi Crater, and Apennine Mountains become visible. A telescope will reveal even more, such as the Apollo 15 landing site, Schiller Crater, and the Fra Mauro Highlands.
When is the next Full Moon?
There are two Full Moons in May, with the next one occurring on May 31.
What are Moon phases?
According to NASA, the Moon takes approximately 29.5 days for a full orbit around Earth, progressing through eight phases. Although we always see the same side of the Moon, sunlight’s changing angle causes familiar full, half, and crescent shapes. The main phases of the lunar cycle are:
– New Moon: The Moon is between Earth and the sun, leaving the side we see dark.
– Waxing Crescent: A light sliver appears on the right side.
– First Quarter: Half of the Moon is lit on the right side, resembling a half-Moon.
– Waxing Gibbous: More than half is illuminated, but not fully.
– Full Moon: The Moon’s face is fully illuminated.
– Waning Gibbous: The Moon begins to lose light on the right side.
– Third Quarter: A half-Moon with the left side illuminated.
– Waning Crescent: A final sliver of light remains on the left side.
Lois Mackenzie is a freelance reporter at Mashable. Over the years, she has written for many publications, covering topics from local news to running shoes. Her bylines are featured in Fit&Well, Metro, and Coach magazine, often focusing on deals and guides for various products. Lois holds a Master’s degree in Digital Journalism from Strathclyde University and a Master of Arts in English Literature from the University of Aberdeen.