The Moon is nearing its full phase, which means most of its surface is being illuminated by the sun. It works through eight phases, gradually moving from completely dark to fully lit before starting the cycle again. Keep reading to find out how much is lit tonight.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Monday, March 30, the Moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 92% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.
Tonight, without visual aids, you can spot the Tycho and Kepler Craters, as well as the Mare Serenitatis. With binoculars, you’ll also be able to see the Mare Frigoris, Archimedes Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. With a telescope, enjoy a glimpse of the Descartes Highlands, Schiller Crater, and the Linne Crater.
When is the next Full Moon?
In North America, the next Full Moon is predicted to take place on April 1.
What are Moon phases?
According to NASA, the Moon completes one orbit around Earth in roughly 29.5 days, cycling through eight distinct phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces us, sunlight illuminates varying portions as it travels, making it appear full, half, or a narrow crescent. These shifting appearances are known as the lunar phases, and there are eight in total:
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.