The Moon’s return is noticeable. Although just a small sliver is visible tonight, it’s enough to spark curiosity—can you see anything on its surface?
**Current Moon Phase:**
As of May 19, the Moon is in its Waxing Crescent phase. Tonight, 9% of it will be illuminated, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide. Unfortunately, not enough of the Moon is lit to discern surface features.
**Upcoming Full Moon:**
Two Full Moons occur in May, with the next set for May 31.
**Understanding Moon Phases:**
Per NASA, the Moon’s orbit around Earth takes about 29.5 days, during which it passes through eight phases. Although the same side faces Earth, sunlight hitting the Moon changes throughout its orbit, creating the various appearances we see. These phases include:
– **New Moon:** No visible illumination.
– **Waxing Crescent:** A small sliver of light on the right.
– **First Quarter:** Half-light on the right, resembling a half-Moon.
– **Waxing Gibbous:** More than half is illuminated.
– **Full Moon:** Fully illuminated and visible.
– **Waning Gibbous:** Decreasing light on the right.
– **Third Quarter:** Left half is now illuminated.
– **Waning Crescent:** A thin sliver of light on the left before it turns dark again.