The Moon is nearing its First Quarter phase tonight, meaning almost half of its visible surface is now illuminated as it continues its monthly journey around Earth.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Friday, May 22, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. Tonight, 37% of the moon will be be lit up, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.
Tonight, with just your naked eye you'll be able to spot the Mares Crisium and Fecunditatis. If you have binoculars you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Endymion Crater, and a telescope will reveal the Apollo 11 and 17 landing spots.
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When is the next Full Moon?
There are two Full Moons in May, with the next due to take place on May 31.
What are Moon phases?
According to NASA, the Moon takes around 29.5 days to orbit Earth completely, passing through eight phases during that time. While the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the way sunlight hits its surface changes throughout its orbit, creating the familiar full, half, and crescent appearances we see in the night sky. Altogether, the lunar cycle consists of eight main phases:
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).
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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.