If the Moon looks different tonight than it did yesterday, that’s because it’s moving through the lunar cycle. As it orbits Earth, the Sun illuminates different portions of its surface, which is why its shape appears to change from night to night.
The full cycle takes about 29.5 days and includes eight unique phases. Keep reading to find out where the Moon is in that cycle today.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Monday, March 23, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 23% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.
Tonight’s Moon viewing is similar to last nights, with still only a small portion of the moon illuminated. With just your naked eye, you can spot the Mare Fecunditatis and the Mare Crisium, as well as the Edymion Crater, with the addition of binoculars or a telescope.
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?
NASA says the Moon takes about 29.5 days to orbit Earth, going through eight different phases. We always see the same side, but the Sun lights up different portions as it moves, which is why it can look full, half, or just a thin sliver. These changing shapes are called the lunar phases, and there are eight in total:
Mashable Light Speed
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).
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.
