November 30: Discover Today’s Moon Phase and Appearance
On November 30, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous, with approximately 74% of its surface illuminated. This phase occurs just a few days before the upcoming Full Moon.
What to Observe in the Night Sky
As you gaze at the moon tonight, several features are visible without any equipment:
- Vaporum Mare
- Crisium Mare
- Fecunditatis Mare
If you have binoculars, you can enhance your view and see:
- Endymion Crater
- Alphonsus Crater
- Apennine Mountains
For those with telescopes, noteworthy sights include:
- Apollo 11 and Apollo 14 landing sites
- Caucasus Mountains
Upcoming Full Moon Date
The next Full Moon will occur on December 4, marking the last of three consecutive supermoons. The previous Full Moon took place on November 5.
Understanding Moon Phases
The lunar cycle lasts about 29.5 days and consists of distinct phases that illustrate the moon’s appearance from Earth as it orbits our planet. Here’s a quick overview of the moon phases:
| Phase Name | Description |
|---|---|
| New Moon | The moon is between Earth and the sun; invisible to the eye. |
| Waxing Crescent | A small sliver of light appears on the right side. |
| First Quarter | Half of the moon is lit on the right side. |
| Waxing Gibbous | More than half is illuminated, but not quite full. |
| Full Moon | The entire face of the moon is illuminated. |
| Waning Gibbous | The moon starts losing light on the right side. |
| Third Quarter | Half of the moon is lit, but now the left side is illuminated. |
| Waning Crescent | A thin sliver remains lighted on the left side before going dark. |
As you enjoy the night sky, remember to look out for the details that make each moon phase unique.
