Tonight, September 7, 2025, the night sky will be illuminated by a spectacular celestial event: a Full Moon coinciding with a total lunar eclipse. This unique occurrence offers a rare opportunity for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts alike to observe the moon in its full glory, even though the eclipse will not be visible in the Americas.
According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, the moon phase today is a Full Moon, meaning that 100% of its surface will be lit and visible from Earth. The brightness of the moon will make it an ideal night for skywatching, allowing observers to spot notable features on its surface. Among these are the Aristarchus Plateau, the Copernicus Crater, and the Mare Crisium. For a closer look, binoculars can reveal the Grimaldi Basin and the Gassendi Crater, while a telescope is required to view the Fra Mauro Highlands in detail.
Understanding Moon Phases
The moon’s phases are a result of its 29.5-day orbital cycle, which alters the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. This cycle dictates how much of the moon is illuminated by the Sun as it travels around our planet. The Full Moon, when the entire face is visible, is just one of eight distinct phases.
The sequence of moon phases includes:
– **New Moon**: The moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, rendering it invisible from our perspective.
– **Waxing Crescent**: A small portion of the moon begins to light up on the right side in the Northern Hemisphere.
– **First Quarter**: Half of the moon is illuminated, creating a half-moon appearance.
– **Waxing Gibbous**: More than half of the moon is lit up, approaching fullness.
– **Full Moon**: The entire face of the moon is visible and bright.
– **Waning Gibbous**: The moon starts to lose light from the right side.
– **Last Quarter (or Third Quarter)**: The left side is illuminated, showing another half-moon.
– **Waning Crescent**: A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before the cycle resets.
Following tonight’s Full Moon, the next occurrence will take place on October 6, 2025. This ongoing cycle of lunar phases continues to fascinate and inspire those who look to the skies, emphasizing the dynamic nature of our celestial neighbor.
Whether you’re an experienced astronomer or simply curious, tonight presents a compelling reason to step outside and enjoy the beauty of the moon in its full, illuminated state.
