Moon Phases and Times in 2023

The moon has always been a fascinating celestial body to astronomers, sky enthusiasts, and those who believe in the magic it holds. In 2023, the moon will continue to captivate us with its changing phases and times. Here’s a breakdown of the moon phases and times for 2023.

What are the Moon Phases?

Before diving into the moon phases and times for 2023, it’s crucial to understand what moon phases are. The moon goes around the Earth every 29.5 days, and as it orbits, the illuminated side of the moon visible to us changes. These changing illuminated phases are what we call moon phases.

There are eight distinct phases of the moon, starting from the new moon to the full moon and back to the new moon. The new moon is the first phase and marks the beginning of the lunar cycle, while the full moon is the eighth and final phase and marks the end of the lunar cycle.

Moon Phases in 2023

Here are the moon phases and times for 2023:

• New Moon: January 1, 9:15 PM EST
• First Quarter: January 8, 3:17 AM EST
• Full Moon: January 16, 1:57 PM EST
• Last Quarter: January 23, 6:51 AM EST
• New Moon: January 31, 11:17 AM EST
• First Quarter: February 7, 8:12 PM EST
• Full Moon: February 15, 6:14 AM EST
• Last Quarter: February 22, 3:10 AM EST
• New Moon: March 2, 2:59 PM EST
• First Quarter: March 10, 11:42 PM EST
• Full Moon: March 17, 1:57 PM EDT
• Last Quarter: March 24, 7:44 AM EDT
• New Moon: March 31, 7:08 AM EDT
• First Quarter: April 8, 7:20 PM EDT
• Full Moon: April 16, 2:57 AM EDT
• Last Quarter: April 23, 1:46 AM EDT
• New Moon: April 30, 3:14 PM EDT
• First Quarter: May 8, 8:27 AM EDT
• Full Moon: May 15, 9:27 PM EDT
• Last Quarter: May 23, 8:51 PM EDT
• New Moon: May 29, 10:31 PM EDT
• First Quarter: June 7, 4:33 AM EDT
• Full Moon: June 14, 4:18 PM EDT
• Last Quarter: June 21, 11:11 AM EDT

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Moon Phases and Times in 2023

Moon phases have fascinated humans for ages, and their knowledge has helped us in fields such as astrology, agriculture, and even predicting natural disasters. With the dawn of the new year, 2023, many people are curious about moon phases and times in 2023. This blog post aims to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about moon phases and times in 2023, so let’s dive in!

1. What are moon phases?

Moon phases are changes in the appearance of the moon as viewed from Earth. As the moon orbits around the Earth, different parts of the moon are illuminated by the sun. Depending on the position of the moon, we see different phases of the moon, such as the waning crescent, new moon, waxing gibbous, and full moon.

2. How many phases of the moon are there?

There are eight phases of the moon: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent.

3. When is the first full moon in 2023?

The first full moon of 2023 will be on Wednesday, January 18th. This full moon is also known as the Wolf Moon in some cultures.

4. When is the next total lunar eclipse?

The next total lunar eclipse will occur on June 15th, 2023. Total lunar eclipses are rare events that occur when the Earth passes between the moon and the sun, casting its shadow on the moon.

5. When is the next supermoon?

The next supermoon will be on September 6th, 2023. A supermoon occurs when the moon is at its closest point to the Earth, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.

6. When is the next blue moon?

The next blue moon will occur on August 30th, 2023. A blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month. Since the lunar cycle is about 29.5 days long, blue moons occur every 2-3 years.

7. Can the moon affect human behavior?

The idea that the moon can affect human behavior has been a topic of debate for centuries. While studies have found some correlations between the full moon and certain behaviors, such as increased emergency room visits or higher crime rates, there is no conclusive evidence to support the idea that the moon can directly affect human behavior.

8. Can I use moon phases to plan my gardening?

Yes, you can use moon phases to plan your gardening. Many farmers and gardeners have been using lunar planting techniques for centuries. The basic principle is that different phases of the moon affect plant growth differently. For example, planting during a waxing moon is believed to promote leafy growth, while planting during a waning moon is believed to promote root growth.

9. How can I track moon phases?

There are many websites, apps, and calendars that can help you track moon phases. Some popular options include the NASA website, Timeanddate.com, and Mooninfo.org. You can also find moon phase calendars that show the phases for the entire year.

10. Can I see moon phases from different parts of the world?

Yes, you can see moon phases from different parts of the world. However, the exact timing of moon phases may vary depending on your location. For example, a new moon may occur on a different day in London than it does in Tokyo. To get accurate information about moon phases in your area, you should use a website or app that takes your location into account.

Moon Phases and Times in 2023

As we enter the year 2023, we can expect to see a variety of moon phases and times. These phases, which are caused by the changing positions of the moon, can have a significant impact on our lives. Understanding these phases and times can help us plan our activities, anticipate changes in our surroundings, and even connect with our inner selves. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the moon phases and times in 2023.

Moon Phases in 2023

The moon’s orbit around the Earth takes around 29.5 days to complete, which means that there will be around 12.37 moon cycles in a year. In 2023, there will be 12 full moon phases, 12 new moon phases, and a few partial or intermediate phases. Let’s take a closer look at each phase:

New Moon

The new moon occurs when the moon is located between the Earth and the sun, which causes the side of the moon that faces the Earth to be fully illuminated. During this phase, the moon can’t be seen from the Earth since it is hidden in the sun’s glare. The first new moon of 2023 will take place on January 1st at 6:15 UTC.

Full Moon

The full moon, as the name implies, occurs when the moon is fully illuminated by the sun and is located opposite to the sun in the sky. The full moon can be seen from Earth and is often considered a significant astronomical event. In 2023, the first full moon will appear on January 16th at 22:56 UTC.

First Quarter Moon and Last Quarter Moon

The first and last quarter moons are also known as half-moons because only half of the moon is visible from Earth. First quarter moon occurs when the moon is located at a 90-degree angle from the Earth and the sun. Last quarter moon occurs when the moon is located at a 270-degree angle from the Earth and the sun. In 2023, the first quarter and last quarter moons will occur on January 24th and December 25th, respectively.

Moon Times in 2023

In addition to moon phases, there are also specific moon times that can have an impact on our lives. These times can affect the tides, wildlife behavior, and even our moods. Here are some of the moon times to be aware of in 2023:

Perigee and Apogee

The moon’s orbit around the Earth is not a perfect circle, but an elliptical shape. This means that the moon’s distance from the Earth changes throughout its orbit. When the moon is closest to the Earth, it is called perigee. When it is farthest away from the Earth, it is called apogee. In 2023, perigee will occur on January 13th and apogee will occur on January 26th.

Supermoon and Micro Moon

When the moon is at its closest to Earth in its orbit, it is a supermoon. Supermoons appear larger and brighter than typical full moons. On the other hand, a micro moon occurs when the moon is at its farthest away point from Earth. In 2023, there will be 3 supermoons on January 2nd, December 30th, and December 31st, while the micro moon will occur on August 5th.

Blue Moon

A blue moon is a second full moon that occurs within the same calendar month. There will be a blue moon on January 31st, 2023. This event is relatively rare and only occurs about once every 2.5 years.

Conclusion

Understanding moon phases and times can help us better connect with the universe, anticipate changes, and even plan our daily lives. In 2023, there will be 12 full moon and new moon phases, as well as a few partial or intermediate phases. Additionally, there will be specific moon times to be aware of, including perigee and apogee, supermoons and micro moons, and a rare blue moon. By staying informed on these events, we can connect more deeply with the world around us, and perhaps even gain a greater appreciation for the beauty of the universe.