The Moon enters a new phase today, December 21, 2023, transitioning into a Waxing Crescent. This marks the beginning of a fresh lunar cycle, where the Moon will gradually increase in brightness each night as it approaches the next Full Moon scheduled for January 3, 2024. As reported by NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, only 2% of the Moon’s surface will be illuminated tonight, making it largely invisible to the naked eye.
The Moon’s visibility will improve as it continues to wax. With the last Full Moon occurring on December 4, stargazers can look forward to witnessing more light reflecting off the lunar surface in the coming nights.
Understanding Moon Phases
The lunar cycle, which spans approximately 29.5 days, consists of eight distinct phases, each marked by varying degrees of sunlight reflecting off the Moon. This phenomenon occurs as the Moon orbits the Earth, maintaining the same side facing our planet while its illuminated portion changes.
The main phases of the lunar cycle are as follows:
– **New Moon**: The Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, rendering it invisible.
– **Waxing Crescent**: A small sliver of light appears on the right side.
– **First Quarter**: Half of the Moon is illuminated on the right side, resembling a half-moon.
– **Waxing Gibbous**: More than half is lit, yet it is not fully illuminated.
– **Full Moon**: The entire face of the Moon is visible and brightly illuminated.
– **Waning Gibbous**: The illuminated portion begins to decrease from the right side.
– **Third Quarter (or Last Quarter)**: The left side of the Moon is now lit, appearing as another half-moon.
– **Waning Crescent**: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before the cycle restarts with the next new moon.
Understanding these phases can enhance the experience of sky watchers and contribute to a deeper appreciation of the celestial mechanics at play. As the Moon continues to wax, observers should prepare for clearer views in the nights leading to the January full moon.
