Moon phases are a natural part of our celestial calendar and help us track the movement of the Earth and Moon throughout the year. They range from a ‘new moon’ (when the moon is dark but still receiving sunlight) to a ‘full moon’ when it is illuminated completely.
The moon appears differently during these phases, which are determined by the Moon’s orbit around Earth and its relative position to the Sun. This is what makes them so special.
Full Moon
The moon phase tonight uk is the Full Moon, and it will rise above the horizon shortly after sunset. If the skies are clear, it’ll be a spectacular sight.
A full moon occurs once every 29.5 days – the length of a lunar cycle – and February’s is known as the ‘Snow Moon’ because it often coincides with heavy snowfall.
Full moon names vary between cultures and were traditionally used to track the seasons. For example, January’s is called the Wolf Moon, and it’s believed that wolves howled in January because they were hungry.
Waxing Crescent
The Waxing Crescent phase tonight uk is one of the most bright phases of the moon. This stage occurs ten to eleven days after the new moon and is the final waxing phase before the full moon.
The spiritual meaning of this phase is that this is the time to energise and put into action the intentions you discovered during the new moon. It’s also a time to make mistakes and try things out.
Waxing Gibbous
The Moon rises after noon and crosses the meridian at sunset before setting after midnight. The Waxing Gibbous phase tonight uk is an ideal time to get up and go outside to observe the stars and planets.
People often associate this phase of the moon with the urge to change direction in their lives. However, it is important to remember that you don’t need to force yourself into a specific direction.
Waning Crescent
Waning crescent is a phase where the illumination of the Moon decreases. It is also known as waning gibbous and occurs after the full moon.
This is an important time for you to set goals and make a list of things that you want to accomplish during this lunar cycle. It is also a good time to reflect on what has been working and what needs to be changed.
Astrologers divide the moon’s 29.5 day cycle into four primary phases and four transitional phases.
Waning Gibbous
The Waning Gibbous phase tonight uk is the moon’s second most visible phase behind the Full Moon. It rises in the late evening and lingers until mid-morning.
A “perfect” waning gibbous lunar phase has 75% of the moon’s disc illuminated, making it one of the most visually impressive phases in the month. The best part is that this particular gimmick can be spotted from all of Earth’s inhabited continents! It’s a must see! The full moon happens a mere 29.5 days later.
First Quarter
The first quarter phase tonight uk is a great time to look up and enjoy the night sky. This phase usually rises around noon and sets around midnight.
This phase is a good time for reflection and to think about your life goals. It’s also a time to make a move towards those goals.
It takes 29.5 days for the moon to pass through all eight phases, from new to full and then back to new again. These phases are called a ‘lunar cycle’ and are a product of the way the Moon orbits Earth.
Last Quarter
The last quarter moon (also referred to as the third quarter moon or “women’s moon” for short) is an impressive sight, especially as it rises around midnight and sets at mid-day. This phase of the moon is usually accompanied by a waning gibbous moon, and is followed by a bright and shiny new moon.
It is not uncommon for the moon to appear tilted as it rises and sets. The best time to see it is the earliest nighttime twilight or ‘blue hour’, which typically begins about half an hour before sunrise and reaches its zenith just after sunset.
Morning Crescent
The Morning Crescent phase tonight uk is a great time to look for the ultra-thin crescent moon, which will be high in the sky before sunrise. This will give you a fantastic opportunity to see Venus, the second brightest object in the night sky, close to the Moon.
The Moon’s shape changes through eight phases. The Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Last Quarter and the final waning crescent are the main stages. These phases are the ones most people can see.