Moon tonight shines at 69 percent brightness as Waxing Gibbous phase illuminates the sky
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.
What the moon will look like
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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.
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Moon Phases 101
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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