Waxing Gibbous Moon Peaks Before October Full Moon
As of Tuesday, Oct. 20, the Moon sits in the Waxing Gibbous phase with 65% of its surface visible from Earth, Mashable reported. Observers looking up on Tuesday night can spot features like the Mare Crisium, Tycho Crater, and Mare Fecunditatis without visual aids. The progression brings stargazers closer to the next Full Moon, scheduled for October 25 or 26 depending on local timezones.
Equipping Telescopes and Binoculars for Surface Features
Binoculars reveal additional lunar geography, including the Endymion Crater, Alphonsus Crater, and the Appenine Mountains. Observers utilizing telescopes can spot the Apollo 15 and 16 landing sites alongside the Rima Hyginus. The Moon takes approximately 29.5 days to complete its orbit around Earth, shifting through eight distinct phases as its position changes relative to the Earth and the Sun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lunar Phases
What causes the changing lunar phases throughout the month?
The phases occur because of the Moon’s changing position relative to Earth and the Sun as it orbits our planet. This movement alters the amount of the sunlit side visible from Earth, transitioning from a slim crescent to quarter phases and eventually a Full Moon.
What are the eight recognized phases of the lunar cycle?
According to NASA data, the cycle includes the New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent phases. Each phase marks a specific stage of visibility as the Moon loses or gains illuminated surface area.
When does the next Full Moon occur?
The next Full Moon takes place on October 25 or 26, depending on the observer’s specific timezone. This event marks the point in the 29.5-day lunar cycle when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
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