It might look full, but the moon isn't at 100% illumination tonight. We still have a few days to go, but that doesn't make tonight's moon any less exciting.
Keep reading to find out what's happening tonight, October 5.
What is today’s moon phase?
As of Sunday, Oct. 5, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous, and according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, 96% of its surface is illuminated tonight.
With so much of the moon on display, there's a lot we can look out for. Some of the highlights include: the Copernicus Crater, the Aristarchus Plateau, and the Mare Tranquillitatis, all visible without any visual aids. With binoculars, you'll also see the Apennine Mountains, the Mare Frigoris, and the Endymion Crater. If you have a telescope, you can also spot the Apollo 16 and 17 landing spots and the Rima Ariadaeus.
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.
The eight main moon phases are as follows:
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.
