Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on February 3
The Full Moon has passed, but it's still looking almost full in our skies. This means, for the next few days, we'll still have peak visibility. Can you spot anything on the Moon's surface tonight? Keep reading to find out exactly what you're seeing.
What is today’s Moon phase?
As of Tuesday, Feb. 3, the Moon phase is Waning Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 98% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.
With just your naked eye, you can still see the Mare Imbrium, Aristarchus Plateau, and the Mare Serenitatis tonight. With binoculars, you'll also see the Endymion Crater, Mare Frigoris, and the Grimaldi Basin, too. Finally, with a telescope, you'll see all this and the Descartes Highlands, Rima Hyginus, and the Linne Crater.
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When is the next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon will be on March 3.
What are Moon phases?
According to NASA, the lunar cycle lasts around 29.5 days. This is how long the Moon takes to travel once around Earth. Over that period, it passes through eight recognised phases. The same side of the Moon always faces our planet, however the portion that appears lit changes as the Moon moves along its orbit. The amount of sunlight reaching the Moon is what makes it appear full, partially illuminated, or almost invisible at different points in the cycle. The eight lunar phases are:
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.
