We're just a few days away from the Full Moon, which means a big chunk of its surface is lit up and easy to see. If you want to do some moon-gazing, we're at a prime time in the lunar cycle.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Friday, June 26, the Moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. Tonight, 88% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.
You don't need any visual aids tonight to see features on the Moon's surface. In fact, without anything you'll see the Mares Crisium and Imbrium, as well as the Copernicus Crater. With binoculars you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Clavius Crater, Apennine Mountains, and the Alps Mountains. Finally, if you have a telescope, this will help you see all this plus the Rima Ariadaeus, the Fra Mauro Highlands, and the Apollo 17 landing spot
When is the next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon will take place on June 29.
What are Moon phases?
NASA explains that the Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to circle Earth once, passing through eight distinct phases during that time. Even though we always see the same side of the Moon, the portion illuminated by the Sun shifts as it moves in its orbit. This changing angle of sunlight is what makes the Moon look different throughout the month, from thin crescents to half-lit shapes and eventually a fully illuminated Full Moon. The continual progression through these stages is called the lunar cycle.
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.