Moon phase today: What the moon will look like on December 4
Tonight's moon is a special one, it's not just a full moon, it's a supermoon. A supermoon is just a full moon that looks bigger and brighter because the Moon is a bit closer to Earth than usual, so the Moon may look a little clearer and you might find it slightly easier to spot some of its surface features tonight.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Thursday, Dec. 4, the moon phase is Full Moon. This means 100% of the moon is lit up tonight, according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation.
If you're looking up with just your naked eye, there's lots to see, in particular the Vaporum, Serenitatis and Tranquillitatis Mares. With binoculars you'll also be able to spy the Alps Mountains, Clavius Crater and the Mare Humorum. And with a telescope, you can catch a glimpse of the Apollo 15 and 17 landing spots as well as the Fra Mauro Highlands.
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When is the next full moon?
The next full moon will be on Jan. 3.
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.
