It is day 19 of the lunar cycle and we’re near a brand new lunar part, the Third Quarter. From right here, the moon will shortly get smaller every night time till there’s nothing left in any respect. That part is called the New Moon. However what’s taking place tonight, on day 19? Learn on to seek out out.

What’s at this time’s moon part?

As of Tuesday, Dec. 9, the moon part is Waning Gibbous. This implies 73% of the moon is lit up tonight, in line with NASA’s Daily Moon Observation.

We have nonetheless received greater than half of the moon on show, so in the interim there’s heaps to see on its floor. When you’re wanting up with none visible aids, hold an eye fixed out for the Mare Tranquillitatis, Tycho Crater, and Oceanus Procellarum. If have binoculars at hand, pull these out to see the Gassendi Crater, Clavius Crater, and the Alps Mountains. When you’re critical about moon gazing and have a telescope at hand, take it out to see all this plus the Apollo 15 and 16 touchdown spots and the Reiner Gamma.

When is the subsequent full moon?

The subsequent full moon can be on Jan. 3.

What are moon phases?

NASA explains that the lunar cycle (which is about 29.5 days lengthy) is made up of the Moon’s phases, which describe how the Moon appears to be like from Earth because it travels round us. We view the identical facet of the Moon always, however the daylight hitting its floor shifts because it strikes via its orbit. That altering illumination is what makes the Moon seem full, half-lit, or not seen in any respect. The cycle consists of eight distinct phases:

New Moon – The moon is between Earth and the solar, so the facet we see is darkish (in different phrases, it is invisible to the attention).

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Waxing Crescent – A small sliver of sunshine seems on the appropriate facet (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter – Half of the moon is lit on the appropriate facet. It appears to be like like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous – Greater than half is lit up, however it’s not fairly full but.

Full Moon – The entire face of the moon is illuminated and absolutely seen.

Waning Gibbous – The moon begins shedding mild on the appropriate facet. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Final Quarter) – One other half-moon, however now the left facet is lit.

Waning Crescent – A skinny sliver of sunshine stays on the left facet earlier than going darkish once more.