November 2 Moon Phase: Discover Today’s Lunar Appearance
The moon phase on November 2 is Waxing Gibbous, with 87% illumination visible tonight. This phase is just before the full moon, which will occur on November 5. According to NASA’s Daily Moon Observation, the Waxing Gibbous phase offers a remarkable opportunity to observe various lunar features.
Exploring the Moon’s Surface
Even without telescopes or binoculars, the surface of the moon reveals fascinating details. Tonight, observers can spot:
- Mare Tranquillitatis
- Mare Imbrium
- Kepler Crater
For those equipped with binoculars, the Gassendi Crater and the Apennine Mountains are within reach. Telescopes can reveal even more, including:
- Rima Ariadaeus
- Apollo 15 landing site
- Gruithuisen Domes
Understanding Moon Phases
The moon travels through a series of phases over a 29.5-day orbit around Earth. The changing angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth cause this variation in visibility. Despite these changes, the same side of the moon always faces Earth. The key phases include:
- New Moon: Invisible, as the moon is between Earth and the Sun.
- Waxing Crescent: A small sliver of light appears.
- First Quarter: Half-lit, resembling a classic half-moon.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half-lit, approaching the full moon.
- Full Moon: Fully illuminated, bright and visible.
- Waning Gibbous: Light diminishes on the right side.
- Third Quarter: Half-lit, but now the left side is illuminated.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains before disappearing.
As enthusiasts prepare to observe tonight, the Waxing Gibbous phase sets the stage for an exciting lunar experience. Whether using a telescope or simply looking up at the night sky, the moon promises to delight stargazers.
