The night of September 7, 2025, brings a remarkable celestial event: the September Full Moon coincides with a total lunar eclipse. This unique occurrence will see the moon fully illuminated, captivating stargazers around the globe, although the eclipse itself will not be visible in the Americas.
As of Sunday, September 7, the moon phase is classified as a Full Moon, meaning its entire face will be lit up and easily visible from Earth. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, this full moon will shine brightly, allowing viewers to observe various lunar features without specialized equipment. The notable Aristarchus Plateau, Copernicus Crater, and Mare Crisium are just a few of the highlights visible to the naked eye.
For those with binoculars, the Grimaldi Basin and Gassendi Crater are within reach, while a telescope can reveal even more intricate details, including the Fra Mauro Highlands. While the total lunar eclipse will not be observable in the Americas, it will provide a stunning visual for viewers in other parts of the world.
Understanding Moon Phases
The phenomenon of moon phases is a result of the moon’s orbit around Earth, completing a cycle approximately every 29.5 days. This cycle alters the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth, shaping how the moon appears from our vantage point.
Throughout this cycle, we consistently see the same side of the moon, but the amount of sunlight illuminating it varies, leading to different phases. The primary phases include:
– **New Moon**: The moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, rendering it invisible.
– **Waxing Crescent**: A small sliver of light appears on the right side (for Northern Hemisphere viewers).
– **First Quarter**: Half of the moon’s surface is visible, resembling a half-moon.
– **Waxing Gibbous**: More than half is illuminated, but it is not yet full.
– **Full Moon**: The entire face is fully illuminated and visible.
– **Waning Gibbous**: The moon begins to lose light on the right side.
– **Last Quarter (or Third Quarter)**: Another half-moon, with the left side lit up.
– **Waning Crescent**: A thin sliver of light remains on the left before the moon returns to darkness.
The next full moon is scheduled for October 6, 2025, offering another opportunity for enthusiasts to witness the moon’s beauty. As moon phases continue to cycle, the September Full Moon and the accompanying lunar eclipse serve as reminders of the wonders of our universe.
