dailyloe.com – Tonight, March 29, the Moon is in a Waxing Gibbous phase. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide, 85% of its surface will be illuminated. This phase occurs a few nights before the Moon becomes completely full.
Observers can see several prominent features without any visual aids. These include the Serenitatis, Imbrium, and Vaporum Mares, which are large, dark basaltic plains. These ‘seas’ are visible as dark patches on the lunar surface.
Using binoculars will reveal additional details for skywatchers. The Mare Frigoris, along with the Archimedes and Clavius craters, become discernible. These features offer a deeper look into the Moon’s cratered landscape.
A telescope provides the most detailed viewing experience tonight. It allows glimpses of the Caucasus Mountains and the Linne Crater. The historic Apollo 12 landing site is also within view for telescopic observers.
The next Full Moon is predicted for April 1 in North America. This marks the completion of the current lunar cycle. The Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to orbit Earth completely.
This orbit results in eight distinct lunar phases. Sunlight illuminates different portions of the Moon as it travels. This creates the appearance of a full, half, or crescent Moon from Earth.
The phases begin with the invisible New Moon. The Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun. Its Earth-facing side remains in complete darkness during this phase.
The cycle then progresses to the Waxing Crescent. A small sliver of light becomes visible on the right side. This is followed by the First Quarter, or half-Moon, phase.
After the First Quarter comes the Waxing Gibbous. More than half of the Moon’s face is lit up. It is not yet a complete Full Moon, which is the next phase.[]
Source: Mashable
