Moon tonight shines at 69 percent brightness as Waxing Gibbous phase illuminates the sky
The Moon is in its Waxing Gibbous phase tonight, with 69 percent of its surface illuminated, offering stunning views of craters and lunar seas as it moves closer to next week's full moon
Skywatchers across the United States can expect a dazzling display in tonight's sky as the Moon enters a Waxing Gibbous phase, lighting up 69 percent of its surface, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation. The glowing lunar disk is steadily building toward the next full moon, expected on August 9.
Moon tonight(August 3) marks day 10 of the lunar cycle, part of the Moon's ongoing 29.5-day journey around Earth. These cycles, new moon to full moon and back again, are created by the Sun's light reflecting off different portions of the Moon's surface as it orbits Earth. It's a rhythm that has guided humanity for millennia.
The Waxing Gibbous moon is more than halfway lit but not yet full. As it rises in the eastern sky just before sunset and sets shortly after midnight, it creates an excellent opportunity for both casual stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts.
Even without any equipment, you can spot major features like the Copernicus Crater, Mare Fecunditatis, and Mare Crisium. Binoculars will reveal the Alphonsus Crater, Posidonius Crater, and Mare Frigoris. Those with telescopes can explore the Rima Ariadaeus, the Descartes Highlands, and the Fra Mauro Highlands, where Apollo 14 once landed.
According to NASA, there are eight primary phases of the Moon: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous (tonight's phase), Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.We always see the same side of the Moon, but the amount illuminated changes as it orbits Earth. That shifting glow creates the lunar phases we observe each night.
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