November 5 Moon Phase: Discover Today’s Lunar Appearance
On November 5, the moon phase is a Full Moon, specifically referred to as the Beaver Moon. This lunar appearance is notable as it coincides with a supermoon, making it particularly bright and prominent in the night sky.
Today’s Moon Phase: Full Moon
As of today, 100% of the moon’s surface is illuminated. Observers may catch a glimpse of prominent features without any equipment, depending on local cloud coverage.
Visible Lunar Features
Those looking at the moon tonight can identify various features:
- Aristarchus Plateau
- Serenitatis Mare
- Crisium Mare
For enhanced viewing, binoculars will reveal:
- Endymion Crater
- Posidonius Crater
- Grimaldi Basin
If equipped with a telescope, observers can locate:
- Reiner Gamma
- Rupes Altai (Altai Scarp)
Understanding Moon Phases
The moon’s phases change as it orbits Earth approximately every 29.5 days. These phases result from different angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth, affecting the sunlight that reflects off the moon’s surface.
Here is a breakdown of the main moon phases:
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| New Moon | The moon is between the Earth and the Sun, rendering the side facing Earth dark. |
| Waxing Crescent | A small illuminated sliver appears on the right side. |
| First Quarter | Half of the moon is lighted on the right side. |
| Waxing Gibbous | More than half is illuminated but not yet full. |
| Full Moon | The entire face of the moon is illuminated. |
| Waning Gibbous | The moon starts losing light on the right side. |
| Third Quarter | Another half-moon, with the left side illuminated. |
| Waning Crescent | A thin sliver of light remains before going dark. |
Upcoming Lunar Events
After today’s Full Moon, the next occurrence will be on December 4. Mark your calendars to observe this celestial event.
