We’re in the last lunar phase before the full moon, which can only mean we’re getting closer and closer. There’s still a few days until we reach the December full moon (which will again be a supermoon this month), but the moon is still nice and bright with plenty to see until then.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Saturday, Nov. 29, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. This means 63% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.
So, what can you see when you look up tonight? If you’re looking up without any visual aids you should be able to spot the Tranquillitatis, and Serenitatis Mares, as well as the Tycho Crater. With binoculars you’ll also be able to spot the Endymion, Alphonsus Craters and Clavius Craters. If you have a telescope, pull it out to try and catch a glimpse of the Apollo 15 and 16 landing spots, and the Fra Mauro Highlands.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon will be on Dec. 4, which will be the last of three consecutive supermoons. The last full moon was on Nov. 5.
What are moon phases?
NASA explains that the lunar cycle (which is about 29.5 days long) is made up of the Moon’s phases, which describe how the Moon looks from Earth as it travels around us. We view the same side of the Moon at all times, but the sunlight hitting its surface shifts as it moves through its orbit. That changing illumination is what makes the Moon appear full, half-lit, or not visible at all. The cycle includes eight distinct 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.
