Astonishing View of the Last Quarter Moon
Tonight is a special night, as the last quarter moon rises with an eerie half light in the night sky. Be sure to make time to admire this captivating view!
Spotting the Moon in the Night Sky
The moon is visible in the night sky throughout the month, except on the night of a new moon. As the moon orbits around the earth, its position changes.
Watching the Last Quarter Moon Rise
The last quarter moon can be easily identified by its distinctive ‘half moon’ shape, illuminated on the right side. On the evening of the last quarter, the moon will be perfectly placed in the night sky – just rising in the east, when it is at its most impressive.
What to Look Out For
When looking up in awe at the last quarter moon, be sure to take in its beautiful details. Here are some things to look out for:
- Unique Colour: Depending on where you are, the moon can take on a unique yellow, pink and orange hue.
- Surface Details: Look for subtle shapes, lines and shadows that can be clearly seen on the surface.
- Lunar Rays: Also known as the ‘earthshine’, these stunning rays of light beam back towards the earth.
Explore the Wonders of the Night Sky
Take this evening to marvel at the wonders of the night sky and embrace the spectacular beauty of the moon. It’s impossible not to be inspired by the sight.
The last quarter moon is truly a captivating sight – make sure to take the time to watch it rise tonight!
As we look into the night sky tonight, something special will be in store for us – the rise of the half-lit last quarter moon. The last quarter moon is a half-illuminated, oblong-shaped moon that appears on the opposite side of the earth from the sun. When the moon rises in the east at sunset, it will already be half illuminated, providing us with a beautiful night-time spectacle.
The last quarter moon is the eighth phase of the lunar cycle and it is usually encountered between the 25–27th day of a 29 day cycle. It is one of the three moon phases where people are able to witness half of the moon illuminated in its orbit. The other two phases are waxing crescent and waning crescent.
The last quarter moon rise tonight is particularly noteworthy since it will be the last phase before the moon will enter its new lunar phase – the New Moon phase. During the New Moon phase, the moon is completely cloaked by the earth’s shadow, giving way to the start of a new cycle.
Although the last quarter moon phase offers a rather muted beauty due to its half-illuminated state, its rise tonight is sure to be an awe-inspiring spectacle. It will be the perfect night to enjoy stargazing, photography and simply take in the beauty of nature’s creations.
So make sure you take some time from your busy schedule tonight to witness this majestic event. You will not be disappointed!
