Moon Shines Thinly Tonight: Waxing Crescent Phase Begins

Tonight, the Moon enters the waxing crescent phase, marking a noteworthy event for skywatchers. As of December 20, 2023, observers in the United States will see a very thin crescent. In some regions, depending on local time zones, this date also coincides with the New Moon phase, during which the Moon is not visible.

According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, only 0% of the Moon’s surface will be illuminated tonight, making it nearly impossible to discern any features. This phase represents the beginning of a gradual increase in visibility as the Moon moves towards fullness.

Upcoming Lunar Events

The next full moon is scheduled for January 3, 2024, following the last full moon that occurred on December 4, 2023. Understanding the various phases of the Moon enhances the appreciation of this celestial body. The lunar cycle, which takes approximately 29.5 days to complete, consists of eight distinct phases.

Throughout this cycle, the Moon orbits Earth, and the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface varies. As a result, the Moon can appear fully illuminated, partially lit, or completely dark at different times.

Phases of the Moon Explained

The major lunar phases include:

– **New Moon**: The Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, resulting in a dark appearance.

– **Waxing Crescent**: A small sliver of light becomes visible on the right side in the Northern Hemisphere.

– **First Quarter**: Half of the Moon is illuminated on the right side, creating a half-moon shape.

– **Waxing Gibbous**: More than half of the Moon is lit but not yet full.

– **Full Moon**: The entire face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

– **Waning Gibbous**: The Moon begins to lose light on the right side.

– **Third Quarter (or Last Quarter)**: Another half-moon phase, but this time the left side is illuminated.

– **Waning Crescent**: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before the Moon returns to darkness.

As skywatchers prepare for tonight’s celestial event, the waxing crescent phase serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our closest celestial neighbor. Observers are encouraged to look up and appreciate the beauty of the night sky, even if the Moon is just a faint sliver.