https //stardate.org/night sky/moon: Moon is in a Waxing Gibbous phase
Tonight, August 16, 2024, the Moon is in a Waxing Gibbous phase. This means it’s more than half-lit, but not yet full. It will rise in the east around sunset and be visible throughout the night, setting in the west around sunrise.
As the Moon continues its journey across the sky, it will be:
- Approaching full: Over the next few nights, you’ll see the illuminated portion of the Moon grow larger each night until it reaches the Full Moon phase on August 19th.
- Near bright stars: Keep an eye out for the Moon passing close to bright stars in the coming nights.
You can find more detailed information about the Moon’s position and other celestial events for your location by visiting the StarDate website or using a stargazing app.
Happy skywatching!
How to watch
To watch the Moon in the night sky tonight, you don’t need any special equipment. Just step outside after sunset and look towards the east. You should see the waxing gibbous Moon rising. It will be bright and easy to spot.
Here are some tips for enjoying the view:
- Find a dark location: If possible, get away from city lights to see more stars and appreciate the Moon’s beauty
- Observe its features: As the Moon gets higher in the sky, use binoculars or a small telescope to get a closer look at its craters, mountains, and other surface features.
- Track its movement: Watch the Moon throughout the night to see how it changes position in the sky.
Additional resources on StarDate.org:
• In the Sky This Month: This page on the StarDate website provides detailed information about celestial events happening this month, including the Moon’s phases and its proximity to other objects in the sky. You can find it here: https://stardate.org/nightsky
• Moon Phase Calculator: You can use this tool to find out the exact phase of the Moon for any date and location. Access it here: https://stardate.org/nightsky/moon
Remember, the best way to enjoy the night sky is to simply go outside and look up!
