Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on December 2
We're just a few days away from the full moon, so it's looking nice and bright in the sky, with plenty to see when you look up. Keep reading to find out exactly what's happening on the moon's surface tonight.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Tuesday, Dec. 2, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. This means 91% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.
It's day 12 of the lunar cycle now, and without any visual aids you should be able to see the Mares Crisium and Fecunditatis. You'll also be able to spot the Copernicus Crater. With binoculars, the Endymion, Alphonsus and Posidonius Craters come into view. And finally, with a telescope, you can catch a glimpse of the Apollo 15 and 16 landing spots, and the Rima Hyginus.
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When is the next full moon?
The next full moon will be on Dec. 4, which will be the last of three consecutive supermoons. The last full moon was on Nov. 5.
What are moon phases?
NASA explains that the lunar cycle (which is about 29.5 days long) is made up of the Moon’s phases, which describe how the Moon looks from Earth as it travels around us. We view the same side of the Moon at all times, but the sunlight hitting its surface shifts as it moves through its orbit. That changing illumination is what makes the Moon appear full, half-lit, or not visible at all. The cycle includes eight distinct phases:
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.
Lois Mackenzie is a freelance reporter at Mashable. Over the years she has written for many publications, covering everything from the local news to the best pair of running shoes. You can find bylines in publications including Fit&Well, Metro, and Coach magazine, usually covering deals on everything from earbuds to TVs, or guides on how to beat your half marathon time.
Lois also holds a Master's degree in Digital Journalism from Strathclyde University and obtained a Master of Arts in English Literature at the University of Aberdeen.
