We're just a few days away from the New Moon, so there's not much of the Moon illuminated tonight. This means we're approaching the end of the current lunar cycle, which spans about 29.5 days as the Moon orbits Earth.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Monday, April 13, the Moon phase is Waning Crescent. Tonight, 21% of the moon will be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.
There's less to see on the Moon's surface than previous nights. This will continue to decrease until we pass the New Moon. Tonight, with just your naked eye, you'll only be able to spot the Aristarchus Plateau. With binoculars or a telescope, you'll be able to see this plus the Grimaldi Basin.
You May Also Like
When is the next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon is predicted to take place on May 1, the first of two in May.
What are Moon phases?
According to NASA, it takes the Moon roughly 29.5 days to orbit Earth, passing through eight distinct stages during that time. While the same side of the Moon always faces us, the amount of sunlight hitting it changes as it moves, which is why it can look full, partly lit, or just a slim 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.