Tonight, February 1, 2025, marks a Full Moon, also known as the Snow Moon due to its typical appearance in February. The Moon will appear fully illuminated, offering clear visibility for observers. Understanding the lunar cycle and what to look for can enhance your viewing experience.
What You’ll See Tonight
As of today, 100% of the Moon’s visible surface is lit. With the naked eye, features like the Kepler Crater, Aristarchus Plateau, and Mare Serenitatis are visible. Using binoculars allows for more detail: look for the Posidonius Crater and the Apennine Mountains. With a telescope, even more features will be revealed, including the Linne Crater, Rima Ariadaeus, and the Fra Mauro Highlands.
Understanding Moon Phases
The lunar cycle takes approximately 29.5 days for the Moon to orbit Earth once. During this period, the Moon goes through eight distinct phases due to changing sunlight exposure. The same side of the Moon always faces Earth, but the visible illuminated portion varies. These phases include:
- New Moon: Completely dark, invisible to the naked eye.
- Waxing Crescent: A small sliver of light appears on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
- First Quarter: Half of the Moon is lit on the right side.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half lit, approaching fullness.
- Full Moon: Entirely illuminated, the brightest phase.
- Waning Gibbous: Light begins to decrease on the right side.
- Third Quarter (Last Quarter): The left side is now half lit.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains before disappearing again.
When is the Next Full Moon?
The next Full Moon is scheduled for March 3rd, 2025. This cycle provides continuous opportunities for observation and study, making each lunar phase unique.
Observing the Moon is a simple yet profound way to connect with natural cycles. Whether with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope, the lunar surface offers a wealth of detail for anyone interested in space exploration.
