We're slowly making our way through the lunar cycle, and we're just a few days away from the full moon.
The lunar cycle is a 29.5-day cycle of eight distinct phases of the moon. According to NASA, these phases happen as the Sun lights up different portions of the moon while it orbits Earth.
Keep reading to find out what you can spot in the night sky tonight, October 3.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Friday, Oct. 3, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous, and according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, 83% of its surface is illuminated tonight.
You won't need any visual aids to spot features on the moon's surface tonight; with your naked eye alone, you can see the Kepler Crater, the Mare Fecunditatis, and the Tycho Crater. With binoculars, you can also see the Archimedes Crater, Clavius Crater, and the Mare Nectaris.
If you have a telescope, you can also spot the Apollo 11 and 17 landing spots, as well as the Rima Hyginus.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon will be on Oct. 7. The last full moon was on Sept. 7.
What are moon phases?
NASA explains that the moon goes through phases as it completes its 29.5-day orbit around Earth. The changing angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth cause the different phases we observe. From Earth, the moon can look full, partially lit, or even disappear entirely, but we always see the same side. What changes is the amount of sunlight reflected from its surface, depending on its position in orbit.
This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:
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.
Last Quarter (or Third 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.
